Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Minimally invasive sinus surgery in the geriatric patient

The outcome of minimally invasive sinus surgery in patients over age 65 has not yet been reported. Geriatric patients who have objective clinical findings and extensive medical histories that would usually warrant surgical intervention are often managed medically for various reasons, chief among which may be the rationale that many older patients have lived with their symptoms for many years and can continue to do so. Surgeons may fear an increased complication rate or poor outcome caused by a general conception of frailty in the elderly. Perhaps there is also a lack of appreciation for the profound effect that chronic sinus disease can have on quality of life in older adults. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with minimally invasive sinus techniques (MIST) in 100 consecutive patients between the ages of 65 and 91 years (average age, 74.5 years). All patients were operated on between June 1996 and August 1998 with minimally invasive techniques and had a minimum follow-up time of 3 months. Epistaxis requiring treatment was the major surgical complication, occurring in 2 patients. None of the patients experienced an exacerbation of an underlying medical condition, and all medical complications were minor and transient. Quality of life was significantly improved in 84%, and somewhat improved in an additional 10%. In none of the patients was quality of life worsened. Patient selection criteria for the use of MIST in the treatment of chronic sinus disease in the geriatric population is no different than for those under age 65.
Anatomic and Functional Results of Cartilage Type 1 Tympanoplasty in Children and the Evaluation of the Success of Surgery with Parental Perceptions

Methods: Only pediatric patients who had undergone cartilage Type 1 tympanoplasty were included in this study. Patients older than 16 years and patients who had otorrhoea during the previous month, chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma and patients who had undergone mastoidectomy or ossiculopasty were excluded. The ‘anatomical’ success was accepted as an intact graft in the last control in the at least 6th month postoperatively. A satisfaction questionnaire with four questions about the perceptual results of surgical intervention was applied to the patients’ parents on the telephone.
Current Margin of 66 kV Class HTS Power Cable Against Fault Current

In practical applications, high temperature superconducting (HTS) power cables can be subjected to short-circuit fault currents. Further, these cables are assumed to operate over a period of 30 years. Therefore, it is important to investigate the current margin and aging degradation against the fault current. In order to ensure the over-current characteristics of 66 kV class HTS power cables against the fault current, preliminary experiments were carried out on some HTS model cables. Concurrently, numerical simulations were performed to clarify the electromagnetic and thermal behaviors of the HTS model cables under fault conditions. Moreover, the validity of our computer simulation was confirmed by comparing the experimental results with the simulation results. In this study, the maximum fault current in one GdBCO coated conductor assembled in the HTS power cable was numerically simulated. AC over-current experiments were carried out on an HTS model cable by using the maximum fault current of the simulation result to evaluate the current margin against the fault current under conduction cooling and liquid nitrogen bath cooling condition.
The compromise of dynamic disulfide/thiol homeostasis as a biomarker of oxidative stress in trichloroethylene exposure

In this study, we aimed to investigate disulfide/thiol homeostasis in trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure. The study was carried out in 30 nonsmoker TCE-exposed workers with a variety of occupations. Additionally, 30 healthy nonsmoker volunteers were recruited as the control group. TCE exposure was determined by measuring urinary trichloroacetic acid (TCA) concentration. Median urinary TCA levels of exposed workers (20.5 mg/L) were significantly higher than control subjects (5 mg/L). Thiol and disulfide concentrations were determined using a novel automated method. Disulfide/thiol ratio was significantly higher in the exposed group (p < 0.001). Thiol/disulfide homeostasis was found to be disturbed in TCE-exposed workers. We predict that in TCE-exposed workers this disturbance can be a therapeutic target, and the efficiency of the treatment can easily be monitored by the novel method we used.
Real‐time PCR detection systems for Flavescence dorée and Bois noir phytoplasmas in grapevine: comparison with conventional PCR detection and application in diagnostics

A new real-time PCR detection system was developed for grapevine yellows (GY) using TaqMan minor groove binder probes and including two amplicons for group-specific detection of Flavescence doree (FD) and Bois noir (BN) phytoplasmas, plus a universal phytoplasma amplicon. FD and BN amplicons were designed to amplify species-specific genomic DNA fragments and the universal amplicon to amplify the 16S ribosomal DNA region. Efficiency of PCR amplification, limit of detection, range of linearity and dynamic range were assessed for all three amplicons. The specificity of detection systems was tested on several other isolates of phytoplasmas and bacteria and on healthy field grapevine and insect samples. No cross-reactivity with other phytoplasma strains, plant or insect DNA was detected. The assay was compared with conventional PCR on more than 150 field grapevine, insect and field bindweed samples. Real-time PCR showed higher sensitivity as phytoplasmas were detected in several PCR-negative and in all PCR-positive samples. A data-mining analysis of results from both detection approaches also favoured real-time PCR over conventional PCR diagnostics. The developed procedure for detection of phytoplasmas in grapevine also included amplification of plant DNA co-extracted with phytoplasmic DNA, providing additional quality control for the DNA extraction and PCR amplification for each sample. The newly developed assay is a reliable, specific and sensitive method easily applicable to high-throughput diagnosis of GY.
Effect of Vitamin A and Zinc Supplementation on Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections Among Mexican Children

OBJECTIVE. Gastrointestinal parasites continue to be an important cause of morbidity and stunting among children in developing countries. We evaluated the effect of vitamin A and zinc supplementation on infections by Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Entamoeba histolytica. METHODS. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 707 children who were 6 to 15 months of age and from periurban areas of Mexico City, Mexico, between January 2000 and May 2002. Children, who were assigned to receive either vitamin A every 2 months, a daily zinc supplement, a combined vitamin A and zinc supplement, or a placebo, were followed for 1 year. The primary end points were the 12-month rates and durations of infection for the 3 parasites and rates of parasite-associated diarrheal disease as determined in stools collected once a month and after diarrheal episodes. RESULTS. G lamblia infections were reduced and A lumbricoides infections increased among children in the combined vitamin A and zinc group or the zinc alone group, respectively. Durations of Giardia infections were reduced among children in all 3 treatment arms, whereas Ascaris infections were reduced in the vitamin A and zinc group. In contrast, E histolytica infection durations were longer among zinc-supplemented children. Finally, E histolytica–and A lumbricoides–associated diarrheal episodes were reduced among children who received zinc alone or a combined vitamin A and zinc supplement, respectively. CONCLUSIONS. We found that vitamin A and zinc supplementation was associated with distinct parasite-specific health outcomes. Vitamin A plus zinc reduces G lamblia incidence, whereas zinc supplementation increases A lumbricoides incidence but decreases E histolytica–associated diarrhea.
A statistical analysis of vertical shear effect on tropical cyclone intensity change in the North Atlantic

Based on the best track data of tropical cyclones (TCs) in the North Atlantic and the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis during 1981–2008,the effect of vertical wind shear (VWS) between different vertical levels and with different directions of shear on TC intensity change for TCs of different intensities, translational speeds, and latitudes were statistically analyzed. The results show that TC intensity change and VWS are generally negatively correlated, indicating the overall negative effect of VWS on TC intensity. The strong, slow moving, and low latitude TCs are strongly affected by VWS in a deep layer, while the weak, fast moving, and high latitude TCs are subject to strong effect by VWS in the mid‐lower troposphere. Furthermore, overall easterly shear, especially in the mid‐lower troposphere, has considerably weaker effects on TC intensity change than westerly shear because part of the easterly shear could be offset by the beta‐induced northwesterly shear.
An Empirical Study of the Influencing Factors of Management Consulting Performance on Application Intend mediating the consulting deliverables and satisfaction

The purpose of this study is aimed at policy proposal to increase the management consulting application intend, investigating the factor that influence the application intend in terms of consultant side, consulting diagnosed small and medium sized enterprises side by means of consulting satisfaction and consulting deliverables. The results of this study showed that consultant capacity and consulting performance have positive impacts on the consulting deliverables and satisfaction, but the collaboration of diagnosed SMEs have no significant effect on consulting deliverables. In addition, verifying the mediating effect of consulting deliverables and consulting satisfaction for the consulting application intend, consultant capacity and consulting performance was mediated fully by the consulting deliverables and satisfaction. The collaboration of diagnosed SMEs was not mediated by the consulting deliverables, but particialy mediated by the consulting satisfaction.
Financial viability of screening for drugs of abuse.

Urine drug testing is now a common practice in the American workplace; a recent survey indicated that > 90% of companies with > 5000 employees have some type of testing program. These programs have indeed reduced the rate of drug-positive test results; for example, recent data from the Federal Aviation Agency show that the rate for 1993 was 0.82% compared with 0.95% for 1992. Many corporations have stated that urine drug testing, as a component of a substance abuse policy, results in significant savings, e.g., from decreased absenteeism and turnover. The United States Postal Service recently completed a longitudinal study on the economic benefits and found that, over the average tenure of an annual intake of employees, there were savings of more than $100 million. Although this study clearly demonstrates the financial benefits of preemployment drug testing, the decision to test is not based solely on this but also on the regulatory environment and on the potential impact of a major accident attributable to the use of drugs or alcohol in the workplace.
Improved Resistance to Bacterial Superinfection in Mice by Treatment with Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor

ABSTRACT Nosocomial infections in immune-suppressed patients are a widespread problem in intensive care medicine. Such patients are highly susceptible to infections because their immune defenses are impaired and, therefore, unable to adequately combat invading microorganisms. To investigate the problem of sepsis-induced immune suppression, we used a model in which mice developed sublethal peritonitis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Two days after CLP mice were in an immune-suppressed state, as measured by impaired capacity to produce tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and enhanced susceptibility to bacterial infections. Since macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a critical mediator of septic shock by modulation of innate immune responses, the role of MIF in sepsis-induced immune suppression was analyzed. Neutralization of endogenous MIF further enhanced susceptibility to bacterial superinfection after CLP. Conversely, treatment with recombinant human MIF before the bacterial superinfection protected the animals. MIF treatment reconstituted the impaired capacity to produce proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF and interleukin-6. This study indicates that MIF might be able to ameliorate the sepsis-induced immune suppression by reenabling the organism to react adequately to a secondary bacterial challenge.
The influences of suppliers on buyer market competitiveness: an opportunism perspective

Purpose This paper aims to propose an integrated model based on buyer and supplier opportunism to show the mechanism through which current and competing suppliers influence buyer market competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach Questionnaires were distributed to purchasing staff in listed electronics firms in Taiwan to collect empirical data. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze these data and examine the fitness of the proposed model. Findings The findings show that current and competing suppliers influence buyer market competitiveness through supplier opportunistic behaviors and buyer commitment. The alternative attractiveness of competing suppliers affects buyer market competitiveness through the influence of asset specificity. Supplier opportunism negatively and indirectly influences buyer market competitiveness through buyer commitment. Nevertheless, buyer opportunism does not influence buyer commitment and market competitiveness. Research limitations/implications The investigation focused on only one industry in one country. Future research could investigate other industries and countries to increase the generalizability of the findings. Practical implications The results suggest that buyers can focus on utilizing the pressure of alternative suppliers to improve market competitiveness through increased specific investments by the current supplier. Originality/value On the basis of buyer–supplier opportunism, this study shows the mechanism through which the asset specificity of current suppliers and alternative attractiveness influence buyer market competitiveness.
Pharmacokinetics and Distribution of Linezolid in Cerebrospinal Fluid in Children and Adolescents

Background: Two studies in hydrocephalic children and adolescents were performed to assess the penetration of linezolid into cerebrospinal fluid and its relation to meningeal inflammation. Methods: Each patient was administered intravenous linezolid 10 mg/kg every 12 hours for 3 days (study 1) or every 8 hours for 2 days (study 2). Pharmacokinetic indices (Cmax, Cmin, Tmax, AUC) were determined for plasma and ventricular fluid (VF) after the first and last doses. Results: In study 1, after the last dose, the mean Cmax values for plasma and VF were 10.30 &mgr;g/mL (range, 3.95–16.6 &mgr;g/mL) and 7.54 &mgr;g/mL (range, 2.26–12.6 &mgr;g/mL), respectively; mean Cmin values were 1.32 &mgr;g/mL (range, 0.08–3.66 &mgr;g/mL) and 1.26 &mgr;g/mL (range, 0.19–2.58 &mgr;g/mL), respectively. The VF:plasma ratio based on last dose AUC0–12 was 0.98 &mgr;g h/mL (range, 0.64–1.22 &mgr;g h/mL). In study 2, after the last dose, the mean plasma and VF Cmax levels were 9.83 &mgr;g/mL (range, 3.19–16.5 &mgr;g/mL) and 5.84 &mgr;g/mL (range, 1.82–9.34 &mgr;g/mL), respectively; mean plasma and VF Cmin levels were 1.12 &mgr;g/mL (range, 0.10–3.39 &mgr;g/mL) and 1.94 &mgr;g/mL (range, 0.34–4.62 &mgr;g/mL), respectively. The VF:plasma ratio based on last dose AUC0–8 was 0.95 &mgr;g h/mL (range, 0.62–1.31 &mgr;g h/mL). Inflammation of the meninges did not seem to influence penetration of linezolid to the VF. Conclusions: Both studies showed that VF concentrations were variable. Further investigation of the role of linezolid in the treatment of CNS infection is needed.
Brain delivery of proteins via their fatty acid and block copolymer modifications

Abstract It is well known that hydrophobic small molecules penetrate cell membranes better than hydrophilic molecules. Amphiphilic molecules that dissolve both in lipid and aqueous phases are best suited for membrane transport. Transport of biomacromolecules across physiological barriers, e.g. the blood-brain barrier, is greatly complicated by the unique structure and function of such barriers. Two decades ago we adopted a simple philosophy that to increase protein delivery to the brain one needs to modify this protein with hydrophobic moieties. With this general idea we began modifying proteins (antibodies, enzymes, hormones, etc.) with either hydrophobic fatty acid residues or amphiphilic block copolymer moieties, such as poy(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) (pluronics or poloxamers) and more recently, poly(2-oxasolines). This simple approach has resulted in impressive successes in CNS drug delivery. We present a retrospective overview of these works initiated in the Soviet Union in 1980s, and then continued in the United States and other countries. Notably some of the early findings were later corroborated by brain pharmacokinetic data. Industrial development of several drug candidates employing these strategies has followed. Overall modification by hydrophobic fatty acids residues or amphiphilic block copolymers represents a promising and relatively safe strategy to deliver proteins to the brain.
Investigation of Irradiated Silicon Detectors by Edge-TCT

A Transient Current Technique (TCT) utilizing an IR laser with 100 ps pulse width and beam diameter of FWHM = 8 μm was used to evaluate non-irradiated and irradiated p-type silicon micro-strip detectors. The beam was parallel with the surface and perpendicular to the strips (Edge-TCT) so that the electron hole pairs were created at known depth in the detector. Induced current pulses were measured in one of the strips. The pulse shapes were analyzed in a new way, which does not require the knowledge of effective trapping times, to determine drift velocity, charge collection and electric field profiles in heavily irradiated silicon detectors. The profiles were studied at different laser beam positions (depth of carrier generation), voltages and fluences up to 5·1015 neutrons cm-2. A strong evidence for charge multiplication at high voltages was found with the detector irradiated to the highest fluence.
Impact of ownership change on plant practice-performance dynamics: A longitudinal multiple case study

Purpose – Ownership change has been an overlooked contingency factor in past plant level practice-performance studies. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of ownership changes to practice-performance dynamics by longitudinally following the same 23 manufacturing sites from year 1993 to 2010. Design/methodology/approach – Interview data of the made in Finland – study are used for presenting different paths of plant development in the long term. Both narratives and descriptive statistics are used to support the analysis. Findings – The findings suggest that the benefits of long-term domestic ownership may in fact exceed the positive knowledge spill-over effects that derive from foreign acquisitions. Foreign acquirers seem to “cherry-pick” well-performing sites. Also it seems that the likelihood of inferior performance and plant shutdowns may increase due to foreign acquisitions. Research limitations/implications – Due to the exploratory nature of the study the sample size did not a.
The consequences of virtual embodiment for the mental representation of proximity

There is evidence that knowledge about space will reflect the details of how that space is experienced and how people interact with it. In two experiments we demonstrate that memory for items is spatially structured after their locations were learnt in a desktop virtual environment (DVE). The structure was measured using interitem priming of recognition. By comparison in Experiment 2, after the same layout had been learnt using a map display, there was no evidence of spatial structuring in memory. It is concluded that the limited view of space afforded by navigation through an environment, as contrasted with the overview afforded by a map, explains the observed differences in the spatial structuring of interitem associations. Navigation through an environment leads to spatial structuring in memory whereas using a map does not.
A biomimetic robotic jellyfish (Robojelly) actuated by shape memory alloy composite actuators

An analysis is conducted on the design, fabrication and performance of an underwater vehicle mimicking the propulsion mechanism and physical appearance of a medusa (jellyfish). The robotic jellyfish called Robojelly mimics the morphology and kinematics of the Aurelia aurita species. Robojelly actuates using bio-inspired shape memory alloy composite actuators. A systematic fabrication technique was developed to replicate the essential structural features of A. aurita. Robojelly's body was fabricated from RTV silicone having a total mass of 242 g and bell diameter of 164 mm. Robojelly was able to generate enough thrust in static water conditions to propel itself and achieve a proficiency of 0.19 s−1 while the A. aurita achieves a proficiency of around 0.25 s−1. A thrust analysis based on empirical measurements for a natural jellyfish was used to compare the performance of the different robotic configurations. The configuration with best performance was a Robojelly with segmented bell and a passive flap structure. Robojelly was found to consume an average power on the order of 17 W with the actuators not having fully reached a thermal steady state.
A Mixture or a Compound? Community-Level Antecedents of Firms’ Category-Spanning Strategies

This paper examines community-level antecedents of firms’ market diversification and product differentiation strategies using the concept of category spanning. Exploiting novel and extensive data on the restaurant industry in a large metropolitan statistical area, I find a contrasting effect of economic and social status of consumer communities on firms’ market diversification. Results show a negative effect of residents’ income levels and a positive effect of their education levels on the business scope of the restaurants in a focal town, both effects notable by statistical significance and size. Also, results from a computational text analysis of every word used in the menus of the sample restaurants suggest that it is educated social elites, culturally omnivorous and seeking novelty, who encourage firms to engage in product hybridization. Examining the full spectrum of the demand side with a novel theory and operationalization of spanning, this study complements the traditional focus in strategy resear.