Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electro-Optic Delay Devices With Double Feedback

We analytically and numerically study the effect of an additional feedback in the semiconductor laser used to pump optoelectronic delay devices. We show that this additional feedback renders the system into chaotic regime for a broader parameter range and also induces a stronger chaotic behavior. We study the synchronization of this system as function of the parameter mismatch and show its capability for encoded message transmission.
Identification of Hearing Loss in Children with Otitis Media

Hearing loss is the most common complication of otitis media. Hearing loss secondary to otitis media has increasingly been associated with significant developmental and educational problems. However, not enough is known about the peripheral auditory effects of otitis media. The young age of most children affected by otitis media makes detailed audiologic assessment challenging. This paper presents a brief synopsis of audiologic strategies that may be employed to assess the hearing status of infants and children with otitis media with effusion. Data pertaining to the risk of hearing loss recurrence after tympanostomy tube insertion are presented from a prospective longitudinal study of hearing in children with chronic otitis media with effusion.
A SIMULATED ANNEALING APPROACH FOR BALANCING AND SEQUENCING OF MIXED-MODEL U-LINES

This study proposes a simulated annealing-based approach for simultaneously solving balancing and sequencing problems of mixed-model U-lines. The proposed approach is capable of minimizing the number of workstations required on the mixed-model U-line as well as minimizing absolute deviation of workloads (ADW) among workstations. An experiment to evaluate the performance of the algorithm is also presented.
Normal ultrasonic evaluation of amniotic fluid in low-risk patients at term.

OBJECTIVE To study women at the time of admission to the labor and delivery unit to determine which type of ultrasonographic assessment of the amniotic fluid--amniotic fluid index (AFI), single deepest vertical pocket (DVP) or amniotic fluid distribution (AFD)--had the greatest clinical utility in predicting labor complications. STUDY DESIGN Patients not at term, with a nonvertex presentation, or with ruptured membranes, polyhydramnios, or known maternal or congenital abnormalities were excluded. We included 266 low-risk pregnant women admitted for labor. Medical charts were reviewed for documentation of meconium-stained amniotic fluid (Mec), cesarean section (C/S) for fetal indications and admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for AFI, DVP and AFD were calculated in relation to the three outcome variables. Positive findings were defined as: AFI < 5.0, DVP < 2.5 cm and AFD, sum of the two lower quadrants of the AFI with a lower value than the sum of the two upper quadrants. RESULTS Mec was documented in 56 patients (21%), 13 patients (4.8%) had a C/S for fetal indications, and 4 infants (1.5%) were admitted to the NICU. Abnormal AFI was detected in 35 patients (13%), abnormal DVP in 38 patients (14%) and abnormal AFD in 117 patients (44%). PPV and NPV for prediction of Mec, C/S and NICU were: Mec 31% and 80% for AFI, 26% and 80% for DVP; 31% and 91% for AFD; C/S 8.6% and 95% for AFI, 5% and 95% for DVP; 8.6% and 100% for AFD and NICU, 0% and 98% for AFI, 0% and 95% for DVP, and 2.7% and 99% for AFD. CONCLUSION Normal ultrasonographic values for AFI and AFD are associated with a very low risk of labor complications.
The Mediterranean diet contributes to the preservation of left ventricular systolic function and to the long-term favorable prognosis of patients who have had an acute coronary event.

BACKGROUND The effect of the cardioprotective Mediterranean diet on the development of cardiac abnormalities and prognosis of cardiac patients has rarely been investigated. OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate the relation between the Mediterranean diet, the development of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) at hospitalization, and the 2-y prognosis of patients who have had an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). DESIGN During 2006-2009, 1000 consecutive patients with ACS were enrolled; of these patients, 459 had LVSD (ejection fraction <40%) at hospitalization [367 men with a mean (+/-SD) age of 64 +/- 14 y, and 92 women aged 71 +/- 12 y], whereas 541 had preserved left ventricular systolic function (421 men aged 62 +/- 12 y, and 120 women aged 67 +/- 12 y). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed by the validated Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDietScore; theoretical range: 0-55). RESULTS The MedDietScore was associated with less likelihood of developing LVSD at hospitalization [odds ratio (OR) per 1/55 unit: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.99; P = 0.04], less likelihood of remodeling (ie, ejection fraction <50% at 3 mo follow-up; OR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.78, 1.03: P = 0.06), and less likelihood of recurrent cardiovascular disease events during the 2 y of follow-up (OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.98; P = 0.04), after adjustment for various confounders. CONCLUSIONS Greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet seems to preserve left ventricular systolic function and is associated with better long-term prognosis of patients who have had an ACS.
Oral biopsy. A prospective study on 286 consecutive procedures.

AIM The aim of the present study was to survey oral biopsy procedures, with particular regard to the incidence of adverse events, patients experience and adequacy of the sample. METHODS This prospective survey was conducted by collecting detailed information from consecutive patients undergoing oral biopsy; data were obtained on the same day of oral biopsy and after 7 days. RESULTS Data on 286 procedures were collected. About half of the patients had a relevant medical history and were taking one or more medications. During biopsy, the majority of patients (83%) felt no pain, the others reported mild discomfort. Intraoperative adverse events occurred occasionally (4.5%) and were always easily resolved; 18% patients admitted taking painkillers in the days following surgery. The pathologist was always able to make histological diagnosis, although some samples did not include healthy mucosa (32%) or connective tissue (11%). CONCLUSION Oral biopsy is a safe and well accepted surgical procedure.
Treatment of Severe Hand Impairment Following Stroke by Combining Assisted Movement, Muscle Vibration, and Biofeedback

Background and Purpose: Few studies have addressed the rehabilitation of hand function in persons with severe impairment following stroke, and few therapeutic options are available for treatment. We investigated whether an intervention of robot-assisted movement and muscle vibration could reduce impairment and enable hand-opening to a greater extent when combined with torque biofeedback or electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback. Methods: Forty-three participants with severe hand impairment due to chronic stroke (≥1 year poststroke) were randomized to 1 of 2 treatment groups receiving assisted movement and muscle vibration combined with either torque or EMG biofeedback. Each participant received 30 sessions (30 minutes duration per session) directed at the impaired hand over 10 to 12 weeks. Outcomes were assessed using the Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (UE-FMA), Stroke Impact Scale, and Box-and-Block Test scores. Results: Twenty-eight of 43 participants had no baseline finger extension; the remainder had an average of 23 ± 26 mm extension in the most active finger. Assisted movement and muscle vibration were associated with a significant increase in all outcome measures across both treatment groups, and for the UE-FMA and Stroke Impact Scale within treatment groups, with no significant difference between groups. Based on the Box-and-Block Test scores, the assisted movement and muscle vibration intervention did not restore functional hand-opening to participants with baseline UE-FMA scores less than 17/66, regardless of the form of biofeedback. Discussion and Conclusions: Assisted movement and muscle vibration, combined with either EMG or torque biofeedback, appears to reduce upper limb impairment, improve volitional activation of the hand muscles, and restore a modicum of hand function in some persons with severe hand impairment due to chronic stroke. Video Abstract available (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A64) for more insights from the authors.
An analysis of disease severity based on SMN2 copy number in adults with spinal muscular atrophy

To evaluate the effect of SMN2 copy number on disease severity in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), we stratified 45 adult SMA patients based on SMN2 copy number (3 vs. 4 copies). Patients with 3 copies had an earlier age of onset and lower spinal muscular atrophy functional rating scale (SMAFRS) scores and were more likely to be non‐ambulatory. There was, however, no difference between the groups in quantitative muscle strength or pulmonary function testing. Functional scale may be a more discriminating outcome measure for SMA clinical trials. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Increased prevalence of antithyroid antibodies and subclinical hypothyroidism in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To estimate the occurrence of antithyroid antibodies (ATA) and hypothyroidism in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) compared to matched healthy controls. METHODS The occurrence of ATA, including antithyroglobulin (anti-TG) and antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies, was evaluated by quantitative immunometric ELISA in children with JIA and in a healthy matched control group. Thyroid function was assessed in both groups. RESULTS The study group included 66 patients with JIA (50 girls, 16 boys) of mean age 11.7 +/- 4.4 years (range 2-23). The control group included 89 children (71 girls, 18 boys) of mean age 10.8 +/- 4.2 years (range 2-18). Mean age at onset of joint disease was 7.3 +/- 3.6 years (range 1-15). Anti-TG antibodies were found in 7 of 62 patients (11.3%) in the JIA group and 2 of 89 controls (2.2%) (p = 0.03); anti-TPO antibodies were found in 5 of 65 patients (7.9%) and one of 89 controls (1.1%) (p = 0.08). All patients with ATA had oligoarticular type JIA (p = 0.01). Mean thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were higher in the study group than in controls (2.6 +/- 2.3 vs 1.9 +/- 1.0 mIU/l; p = 0.01); levels were above normal range (0.4-4 mIU/l) in 8 study patients (12%) and 3 controls (3.4%) (p = 0.055). Overall, ATA were found in 9 of the 150 study participants, 4 (44%) of whom had TSH levels above 4 mIU/l (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION Children with JIA have a higher than normal incidence of ATA and subclinical hypothyroidism and should be routinely screened for these variables.
Evolution of Serum Lipids and Lipoprotein (a) Levels in Epileptic Children Treated With Carbamazepine, Valproic Acid, and Phenobarbital

The concentration levels of serum lipids and lipoprotein (a) were measured in 20 children receiving carbamazepine, 25 children receiving valproic acid, and 5 children receiving phenobarbital at the following times: (1) during chronic treatment while eating a normal diet, (2) during chronic treatment while eating a low-fat diet (children treated with carbamazepine and phenobarbital with high levels of total choleserol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), and (3) 3 months after the end of treatment with antiepileptic drugs. Patients during chronic treatment and eating a normal diet revealed significant changes in lipids, but when we reevaluated the groups of children treated with carbamazepine and phenobarbital when they were eating a low-fat diet and reevaluated the three groups of children 3 months after the end of treatment, a complete return to normal of all parameters was observed. These data demonstrate that the changes induced by these drugs are transient, reversible, and influenced by a low-fat diet. (J Child Neurol 2006;21:48—53).
Total Joint Arthroplasty Patients’ Perception of Received Knowledge of Care

BACKGROUND: The education of orthopaedic patients is an essential component of nursing, because it has been shown to have a positive impact on outcomes of care and treatment. PURPOSE: To describe total joint arthroplasty patients’ perceptions of received knowledge on discharge. DESIGN/METHOD: Patients (n = 123, mean age 68 years) undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty self-administered a structured instrument, including 6 different dimensions of knowledge. RESULTS: Patients perceived that they received most knowledge on the biophysiological dimension and least on the financial dimension. Patients’ discharge destination and positive evaluation of hospitalization were related to their perceptions of the knowledge received. DISCUSSION: Individually tailored education is needed to meet patients’ educational needs. Nurses are responsible for ensuring that patients have enough knowledge even if they do not ask for this knowledge.
Abundant Non-canonical dUTP Found in Primary Human Macrophages Drives Its Frequent Incorporation by HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase*

Terminally differentiated/non-dividing macrophages contain extremely low cellular dNTP concentrations (20–40 nm), compared with activated CD4+ T cells (2–5 μm). However, our LC-MS/MS study revealed that the non-canonical dUTP concentration (2.9 μm) is ∼60 times higher than TTP in macrophages, whereas the concentrations of dUTP and TTP in dividing human primary lymphocytes are very similar. Specifically, we evaluated the contribution of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase to proviral DNA uracilation under the physiological conditions found in HIV-1 target cells. Indeed, biochemical simulation of HIV-1 reverse transcription demonstrates that HIV-1 RT efficiently incorporates dUTP in the macrophage nucleotide pools but not in the T cell nucleotide pools. Measurement of both pre-steady state and steady state kinetic parameters of dUTP incorporation reveals minimal selectivity of HIV-1 RT for TTP over dUTP, implying that the cellular dUTP/TTP ratio determines the frequency of HIV-1 RT-mediated dUTP incorporation. The RT of another lentivirus, simian immunodeficiency virus, also displays efficient dUTP incorporation in the dNTP/dUTP pools found in macrophages but not in T cells. Finally, 2′,3′-dideoxyuridine was inhibitory to HIV-1 proviral DNA synthesis in macrophages but not in T cells. The data presented demonstrates that the non-canonical dUTP was abundant relative to TTP, and efficiently incorporated during HIV-1 reverse transcription, particularly in non-dividing macrophages.
Hearing loss and Waardenburg's syndrome: Implications for genetic counselling

Abstract Ten families in which there were 79 individuals affected by Waardenburg's syndrome were examined for penetrance of sensorineural hearing loss and expressivity of the gene. There were 47 with Waardenburg syndrome Type 1 and 32 with Waardenburg syndrome Type II. Penetrance of senorineural hearing loss was calculated after exclusion of the probands and was found not to be significantly different between each syndrome type but to show marked interfamilial variation. A bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was present more frequently than unilateral with the proportion varying between families. Certain audiometric shapes were found to recur in the syndrome but, apart from possibly one asymmetric configuration, seem to have been described also in other conditions. The degree of hearing loss was very variable within and between families. The implications for genetic counselling are discussed and the advantages of basing risk factors upon individual families rather than syndrome types emphasized.
Endophthalmitis after secondary intraocular lens implantation. A case-report study.

PURPOSE To investigate whether endophthalmitis is more common after secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation than after other intraocular surgeries. Risk factors, causative organisms, and visual acuity outcomes of endophthalmitis after secondary IOL implantation were investigated. METHODS The ten cases consisted of all patients treated at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between January 1, 1984, and December 31, 1994, for endophthalmitis after secondary IOL implantation. The 34 control patients consisted of all patients who underwent secondary IOL implantation within 3 years of the case patients (6-year span) by the same surgeons but who did not develop endophthalmitis. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted from patients' medical records. RESULTS Fifty percent (5 of 10) of case patients had a history of diabetes mellitus, compared with 5.9% (2 of 34) of control patients. All three posterior chamber IOLs among case patients had transscleral suture fixation, whereas all four posterior chamber IOLs among control patients were in the sulcus without scleral sutures. Case patients were more likely than control patients to have IOLs with polypropylene haptics (30.0% and 5.9%, respectively) and to have had their IOLs placed through a superior rather than a temporal incision (70.0% and 17.9%, respectively). Eighty percent of case patients and 14.7% of control patients had either eyelid abnormalities (marked blepharitis, ectropion) or postoperative wound defects. Staphylococcus epidermidis was isolated in 50% of case patients. After treatment, 90.0% of case patients achieved a visual acuity of greater than or equal to 20/100. CONCLUSION Endophthalmitis after secondary IOL implantation was associated with diabetes, transscleral suture fixation of posterior chamber IOLs, polypropylene haptics, preoperative eyelid abnormalities, re-entry of eye through a previous wound, and postoperative wound defects. Most cases were caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis, and the post-treatment visual outcomes were generally good.
Implementation of a medication reconciliation process in an ambulatory internal medicine clinic

Objective: To evaluate the causes of medication list inaccuracy, implement intervention to enhance overall accuracy of medication lists and measure the sustainability of the intervention. Methods: A prospective study of patients seen in an academic, ambulatory primary care internal medicine clinic. Before the intervention, baseline data were analysed, assessing completeness of medication documentation in the electronic medical record. The intervention consisted of standardising the entire visit process from scheduling of the appointment to signing of the final clinical note by the physician. Each healthcare team member was instructed in her role to enhance accuracy of the documented medication list. Immediately after the intervention, a second data collection was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the intervention on the accuracy of individual medications and medication lists. Finally, a year later, a third data collection was undertaken to assess the sustainability of the intervention. Results: Completeness of individual medications improved from 9.7% to 70.7% (p<0.001). However, completeness of the entire medication lists improved only from 7.7% to 18.5%. The incomplete documentation of medication lists was mostly due to lack of route (85.8%) and frequency (22.3%) for individual medications within a medication list. Also, documentation of over-the-counter and “as needed” medications was often incomplete. The incorrectness in a medication list was mostly due to misreporting of medications by patients or failure of clinicians to update the medication list when changes were made. Conclusion: To improve the accuracy of medication lists, active participation of all members of the healthcare team and the patient is needed.
Shamed and Able : How Firms Respond to Being Rated

We examine how firms respond to third-party ratings of their corporate environmental activities. Using insights from institutional theory, we hypothesize that ratings are particularly likely to spur responses from firms whose legitimacy is threatened—and thus are shamed—by these ratings. We extend existing theory by drawing on the strategic choice perspective to hypothesize that the greatest performance improvements will be exhibited by those shamed firms that face lower-cost opportunities to improve—and thus are particularly able to respond. We take advantage of a natural experiment, when a major social rating agency expanded the scope of its ratings, to empirically test these hypotheses in the context of environmental ratings and environmental performance of more than 650 firms in the United States. We find empirical evidence that supports our hypotheses, and present implications for theory and public policy.
From static files to collaborative workspace with SharePoint

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the implementation of Microsoft SharePoint Services at the University of Mississippi Libraries with particular emphasis on the use of this technology in library departments. It aims to describe major components of the software, and to discuss examples of library use. This paper also seeks to explore some unanticipated benefits derived from using this software.Design/methodology/approach – This paper covers key points from the preparation, setup, and training phases of this implementation.Practical implications – Most twenty‐first century organizations need to collaborate electronically on a variety of projects. The suite of tools available in SharePoint offers one approach to electronic collaboration.Originality/value – The University of Mississippi Libraries has been using SharePoint very successfully as a means of fostering online collaboration and communication. Other libraries could use this software in much the same way that University of Mississippi .
Longitudinal bone transport for treatment of primary bone tumors in dogs: technique description and outcome in 9 dogs.

OBJECTIVE To describe a surgical technique for bone transport osteogenesis (BTO) limb salvage and report outcome in 9 dogs with primary bone tumors. ANIMALS Nine dogs with spontaneously occurring primary bone tumors. RESULTS BTO surgery was performed as a primary means of limb salvage in 7 dogs and as a salvage procedure after catastrophic allograft infection and failure in 2 dogs. Mean defect size was 9.5 cm with a mean of 123 days distraction until docking. Mean time from surgery to fixator removal was 205 days. Minimum follow-up was 9 months. There were 2 histologically confirmed local recurrences where although limb function was excellent, eventually resulted in limb amputation. Limb function was good to excellent in all but 2 dogs; 1 was chronically non-weight bearing before BTO surgery because of complications associated with an allograft limb salvage that had been performed previously on the same limb. The cause of lameness in the other dog was undetermined. CONCLUSIONS BTO limb salvage can be successful in dogs with primary bone tumors. Whereas allograft limb salvage may be simpler from an initial management perspective, BTO has some unique advantages when compared with the allograft technique. CLINICAL RELEVANCE BTO has an emerging role in limb salvage surgery for dogs with primary bone tumors. BTO provides excellent long-term outcomes in some dogs with primary bone tumors and will likely become increasingly more attractive as technique modifications allow the duration of the treatment to be shortened.