Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nurse Dose: Linking Staffing Variables to Adverse Patient Outcomes

Background:Inconsistent findings in more than 100 studies have made it difficult to explain how variation in nurse staffing affects patient outcomes. Nurse dose, defined as the level of nurses required to provide patient care in hospital settings, draws on variables used in staffing studies to describe the influence of many staffing variables on outcomes. Objectives:The aim of this study was to examine the construct validity of nurse dose by determining its association with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections and reported patient falls on a sample of inpatient adult acute care units. Methods:Staffing data came from 26 units in Ontario, Canada, and Michigan. Financial and human resource data were data sources for staffing variables. Sources of data for MRSA came from infection control departments. Incident reports were the data source for patient falls. Data analysis consisted of bivariate correlations and Poisson regression. Results:Bivariate correlations revealed that nurse dose attributes (active ingredient and intensity) were associated significantly with both outcomes. Active ingredient (education, experience, skill mix) and intensity (full-time employees, registered nurse [RN]:patient ratio, RN hours per patient day) were significant predictors of MRSA. Coefficients for both attributes were negative and almost identical. Both attributes were significant predictors of reported patient falls, and coefficients were again negative, but coefficient sizes differed. Discussion:By conceptualizing nurse and staffing variables (education, experience, skill mix, full-time employees, RN:patient ratio, RN hours per patient day) as attributes of nurse dose and by including these in the same analysis, it is possible to determine their relative influence on MRSA infections and reported patient falls.
Effect of systemic adjuvant treatment on risk for contralateral breast cancer in the Women's Environment, Cancer and Radiation Epidemiology Study.

BACKGROUND Results from randomized trials indicate that treatment with tamoxifen or chemotherapy for primary breast cancer reduces the risk for contralateral breast cancer. However, less is known about how long the risk is reduced and the impact of factors such as age and menopausal status. METHODS The study included 634 women with contralateral breast cancer (case patients) and 1158 women with unilateral breast cancer (control subjects) from the Women's Environment, Cancer and Radiation Epidemiology Study. The women were younger than age 55 when they were first diagnosed with breast cancer during 1985-1999. Rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for contralateral breast cancer after treatment with chemotherapy or tamoxifen were assessed by multivariable adjusted conditional logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Chemotherapy was associated with a lower risk for contralateral breast cancer (RR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.42 to 0.75) than no chemotherapy. A statistically significant association between chemotherapy and reduced risk for contralateral breast cancer persisted up to 10 years after the first breast cancer diagnosis and was stronger among women who became postmenopausal within 1 year of the first breast cancer diagnosis (RR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.11 to 0.76). Tamoxifen use was also associated with reduced risk for contralateral breast cancer (RR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.50 to 0.88) compared with no use, and the association was statistically significant for 5 years after the first diagnosis. CONCLUSION The associations between chemotherapy and tamoxifen treatment and reduced risk for contralateral breast cancer appear to continue for 10 and 5 years, respectively, after the initial breast cancer is diagnosed. Ovarian suppression may have a role in the association between chemotherapy and reduced risk for contralateral breast cancer.
Reversibility of acid induced changes in absorptive function of sheep rumen.

Summary The duration of pH induced alterations in net absorption of sodium and chloride and trans-epithelial potential difference (p. d.) was tested in six sheep with rumen fistulae. The method used was the isolated washed reticulo-rumen technique. When the intraruminal pH was lowered to 5.4 or 4.8, this led to decreases in ion net transport and p. d. The extent of pH induced alterations was much more pronounced at pH 4.8. When the control solution (pH 6.8) was reintroduced into the reticulorumen after the pH 5.4 solution, net absorption recovered completely within 60 min. When absorption periods were conducted after intraruminal acidification to pH 4.8, a lag of five days was needed for complete recovery of net absorption and p.d. Zusammenfassung Reversibilitat von Veranderungen der Resorptionsfunktion des Pansens nach Saurebelastung An sechs Schafen mit Pansenfisteln wurde die Reversibilitat von pH-induzierten Veranderungen in Natrium- und Chlorid-Nettoabsorption und transepithelialer Potentialdifferenz (P. D.) untersucht. Eine Erniedrigung des pH-Wertes von 6,8 auf 5,4 oder 4,8 erniedrigte den Ionen-Nettotransport und die P. D. Die Veranderungen waren bei pH 4,8 wesentlich starker. Austausch der sauren Losungen gegen die Kontroilosung fuhrte zu einem Wiederanstieg der Nettoabsorption und der P. D. Nach einer Losung mit pH 5,4 erholte sich die Nettoabsorption von Na innerhalb von 60 min. Nach einer Losung von pH 4,8 dauerte die Erholungsphase funf Tage.
Secrecy Performances of Multicast Underlay Cognitive Protocols with Partial Relay Selection and without Eavesdropper's Information

This paper considers physical-layer security protocols in multicast cognitive radio (CR) networks. In particular, we propose dual-hop cooperative decode-and-forward (DF) and randomize-and-forward (RF) schemes using partial relay selection method to enhance secrecy performance for secondary networks. In the DF protocol, the secondary relay would use same codebook with the secondary source to forward the source’s signals to the secondary destination. Hence, the secondary eavesdropper can employ either maximal-ratio combining (MRC) or selection combining (SC) to combine signals received from the source and the selected relay. In RF protocol, different codebooks are used by the source and the relay to forward the source message secretly. For each scheme, we derive exact and asymptotic closed-form expressions of secrecy outage probability (SOP), non-zero secrecy capacity probability (NzSCP) in both independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) and independent but non-identically distributed (i.n.i.d.) networks. Moreover, we also give a unified formula in an integral form for average secrecy capacity (ASC). Finally, our derivations are then validated by Monte-Carlo simulations.
The Distributed Flight Array: Design, implementation, and analysis of a modular vertical take-off and landing vehicle

We describe the design and implementation of a modular vertical take-off and landing vehicle, which can be assembled and flown in an unlimited number of arbitrary configurations. This vehicle is intended to be used as a testbed for evaluating distributed estimation and control algorithms. We present the custom hardware, dynamics model, method of state estimation, and a parameterized control strategy capable of controlling any flight-feasible configuration of the vehicle. In terms of the control strategy, we describe a method for optimizing its parameters in order to achieve the best possible performance subject to the system’s physical constraints. We then show a straightforward method of mapping the configuration space of our vehicle to the control parameter space. Experimental results are included, demonstrating flight for a variety of configurations both indoors and outdoors.
Ultrastructure of submandibular salivary glands of mouse: TEM and HRSEM observations

The fine structure of submandibular glands of mouse were analyzed using light microscopy (LM), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods. For LM, the specimens were embedded in Spurr resin, stained by toluidin blue solutions. For TEM, the tissues of submandibular salivary glands were fixed with modified Karnovsky solution and postfixed with osmium tetroxide. For HRSEM, the tissues were fixed with 2% osmium tetroxide solution in 1/15M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). The samples were immersed successively in dymethylsulphoxide and freeze cracked. The maceration was made in diluted osmium tetroxide for 24–48 h. The samples were examined by high resolution scanning electron microscopy. The intracellular components of acinar and ductal cells revealed clearly the Golgi apparatus, rough endoplasmic reticulum, secretory granules, and mitochondria. The end bulbs of Golgi lamellae and flattened cisterns of rough endoplasmic reticulum showed the luminal surface. A few mitochondria were identified intermingling between the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondriales cristae in three‐dimensional HRSEM images. Secretory granules were numerous and presented different sizes. Small granules of ribosomes were attached on cistern surface, measuring 20–25 nm in diameter. Numerous arranged microvilli were found on the luminal surface of secretory canaliculus. The contact surfaces of acinar cells revealed complicated interdigitations by cytoplasmic processes. The mitochondria of duct cells were disposed vertically and surrounded by basal infoldings of plasma membranes. Basement membrane showed a spongy‐like structure having an irregular surface with various strands and meshes of fine collagen fibrils. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Method for the Quantitation of Conjugated Bile Acids in Dried Blood Spots Using Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry

Bile acid concentrations are elevated in the blood of neonates with cholestatic hepatobiliary disorders providing a possible means of screening for treatable conditions including biliary atresia. A method is described for the determination of concentrations of conjugated bile acids in dried blood spots using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Bile acids were eluted from the blood spots using methanol containing, as internal standards, the taurine and glycine conjugates of D4-chenodeoxycholic acid and D4-cholic acid. The samples were then reconstituted in acetonitrile/water and injected by autosampler into the electrospray source operating in negative ion mode. Optimal conditions were determined for both single quadrupole and tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Blood spot bile acid profiles were studied in two groups of infants (<1 y), a cholestatic group(conjugated bilirubin >25 μmol/L; n = 49), and a control group(n = 96). The best discrimination between the two groups was provided by measurements of taurodihydroxycholanoates (normal <5 μmol/L; cholestatic group 18-94 μmol/L) and glycodihydroxycholanoates (normal <5μmol/L; cholestatic group 11-66 μmol/L). The method can also be adapted to detect unusual bile acids which are diagnostic of inborn errors of bile acid synthesis and peroxisomal disorders. The method is fast, reliable, reproducible, and relatively cheap; however, much more work is required to determine whether it can be used for mass screening for cholestasis. It will be necessary to show that measurement of bile acid concentrations in blood spots obtained at 7-10 d can be used to detect infants who currently present with jaundice, pale stools, and dark urine during the first 6 mo of life.
Chronic Glenohumeral Dislocation

Abstract The evaluation and management of chronic glenohumeral dislocations can be challenging. By definition, chronic glenohumeral dislocations represent injuries that were not identified at the time of injury. Therefore, the primary goal is to avoid circumstances in which these injuries are not recognized. This includes undertaking a comprehensive clinical evaluation as well as appropriate imaging studies to understand the pathoanatomic changes—specifically, the humeral head impression fracture and any associated glenoid changes. The size of the impression fracture and duration of the dislocation are important factors in determining the appropriate treatment approach. Satisfactory outcomes can be achieved by using a variety of techniques, including open reduction combined with tendon transfers, allograft reconstruction, disimpaction and bone grafting and prosthetic replacement. Equally important, however, is recognizing patients in whom successful outcomes can be achieved with nonsurgical management.
The effect of education on dementia occurrence in an Italian population with middle to high socioeconomic status

Objective: To explore the relation between education and dementia prevalence by computing the odds ratios (ORs) for different educational levels after adjustment for age, gender, occupational level, and life habits. Methods: A two-phase community study including 495 elderly subjects with middle to high socioeconomic status, aged more than 60 years and with a high percentage of noneducated subjects, was carried out in the province of Ravenna, Italy. Dementia and dementia type were clinically diagnosed using DSM-III-R diagnostic criteria. Results: A higher prevalence of dementia was observed among noneducated subjects of both genders. Comparing no education with any education, the OR (adjusted for age, gender, and occupation) was 4.7 (95% CI = 2.3 to 9.6). The association, although present in all age groups, was extraordinarily strong among the youngest subjects (61 to 69 years) (OR = 139.5, 95% CI = 6.4 to 3,024.6) and decreased with increasing age. Life habits, such as smoking and alcohol consumption as well as current or previous history of hypertension, did not change the results. There was no significant difference in dementia prevalence among less well-educated (up to 3 years of education) and better-educated subjects (more than 3 years of schooling) after age and gender were taken into account. Similar findings were found to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia separately. Conclusions: Having no education is associated with dementia independent of gender, occupation, life habits, and hypertension. This association was stronger among younger old persons, and decreased with increasing age. The findings suggest that the first decade of life is a critical period for developing dementia later in life. The decrease in dementia risk may be due to schooling, according to the cerebral reserve hypothesis, or to other factors associated with a higher educational level during childhood.
The effect of root‐associated microbes on plant growth and chemical defence traits across two contrasted elevations

Ecotypic differences in plant growth and anti‐herbivore defence phenotypes are determined by the complex interactions between the abiotic and the biotic environment. Root‐associated microbes (RAMs) are pervasive in nature, vary over climatic gradients and have been shown to influence the expression of multiple plant functional traits related to biomass accumulation and biotic interactions. We addressed how variation in climatic conditions between lowland and subalpine habitats in the Alps and RAMs can independently or interactively affect plant growth and anti‐herbivore defence trait expression. To address the contribution of climate and RAMs on growth and chemical defences of high‐ and low‐elevation Plantago major ecotypes, we performed a full‐factorial reciprocal transplant field experiment at two elevations. We coupled it with plant functional trait measurements and metabolomics analyses. We found that local growing climatic conditions mostly influenced how the ecotypes grew, but we also found that the high‐ and low‐elevation ecotypes improved biomass accumulation if in the presence of their own‐elevation RAMs. We also found that while chemical defence expression was affected by climate, they were also more highly expressed when plants were inoculated with low‐elevation RAMs. Synthesis. Our research demonstrated that root‐associated microbes (RAMs) from contrasted elevations impact how plants grow or synthesize toxic secondary metabolites. At low elevation, where biotic interactions are stronger, RAMs enhance plant biomass accumulation and the production of toxic secondary metabolites.
One-way traffic design in small region network based on the link traffic volume for estimating OD matrix

The method which road traffic volume deduces OD matrix is simple and operable to forecast one-way road traffic volume. Taking the example of Hongqi Street commerce area where traffic is very congested, the traffic organization design scheme is brought forward. By contrast, the result indicates that the vehicle speed improved and the vehicle delay decreased significantly after the one-way traffic is put in practice.
A randomized trial of a consultation service to reduce falls in nursing homes.

CONTEXT Falls are a major health problem in nursing homes, but no interventions have been shown to prevent falls in nursing home residents. OBJECTIVE To evaluate an intervention program designed to prevent falls and associated injuries in high-risk nursing home residents. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Seven pairs of middle Tennessee nursing homes with 1 facility in each pair randomly assigned to the intervention. Facilities had 482 (261 control, 221 intervention) residents who qualified for the study because they had high risk of falls and a potential safety problem that could be addressed by the intervention. INTERVENTION Comprehensive structured individual assessment with specific safety recommendations that targeted suboptimal practices for environmental and personal safety, wheelchair use, psychotropic drug use, and transferring and ambulation. Facility staff were encouraged to implement the individual recommendations and to improve overall facility safety. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The mean proportion of recurrent fallers and incidence rate of injurious falls in the facility in the year following the intervention. RESULTS The mean proportion of recurrent fallers in intervention facilities (43.8%) was 19.1% (95% confidence interval, 2.4%-35.8%) lower than that in control facilities (54.1%, P=.03). Intervention facilities had a nonsignificant trend toward a lower mean rate of injurious falls (13.7 vs 19.9 per 100 person-years, reduction of 31.2%, P=.22). Subgroup analyses suggested greatest benefits for residents for whom the recommended interventions were carried out or who had 3 or more falls in the preceding year. CONCLUSION The high rate of falls and related injuries in nursing homes should not be viewed as inevitable, but as outcomes that can be substantially improved through structured safety programs.
The Ventriloquist Effect in Augmented Reality

An effective interaction in augmented reality (AR) requires utilization of different modalities. In this study, we investigated orienting the user in bimodal AR. Using auditory perception to support visual perception provides a useful approach for orienting the user to directions that are outside of the visual field-of-view (FOV). In particular, this is important in path-finding, where points-of-interest (POIs) can be all around the user. However, the ability to perceive the audio POIs is affected by the ventriloquism effect (VE), which means that audio POIs are captured by visual POIs. We measured the spatial limits for the VE in AR using a video see-through head-worn display. The results showed that the amount of the VE in AR was approx. 5&deg;&ndash;15&deg; higher than in a real environment. In AR, spatial disparity between an audio and visual POI should be at least 30&deg; of azimuth angle, in order to perceive the audio and visual POIs as separate. The limit was affected by azimuth angle of visual POI and magnitude of head rotations. These results provide guidelines for designing bimodal AR systems.
Institutions and coordination: what is the contribution of a proximity-based analysis? The case of Airbus and its relations with the subcontracting network

In this paper, we propose to expound the various dimensions of proximity with a view to emphasising the institutional and organisational dimensions of inter-firm relations. To that end, we set out to define, in a first part, the various forms of geographic, institutional and organisational proximity, and to put them into perspective. The dual role of geographic proximity as a source of conflicts and resource for collective action is underlined. We then intend to show that the institution generates a so-called form of institutional proximity which, for the actors, refers to common meanings they have to share, as well as to the setting of complementary roles they have to play in collective action. As for organisational proximity, it is understood as a particular form of institutional proximity combining cognitive coordination with political coordination. In a second part, we propose to apply the theoretical framework so conceived to analyse the vertical relations between Airbus and its subcontracting network.
Csound on the Web

This paper reports on two approaches to provide a general-purpose audio programming support for web applications based on Csound. It reviews the current state of web audio development, and discusses some previous attempts at this. We then introduce a Javascript version of Csound that has been created using the Emscripten compiler, and discuss its features and limitations. In complement to this, we look at a Native Client implementation of Csound, which is a fully-functional version of Csound running in Chrome and Chromium browsers.
A multi-projector CAVE system with commodity hardware and gesture-based interaction

Spatially-immersive systems such as CAVEs provide users with surrounding worlds by projecting 3D models on multiple screens around the viewer. Compared to alternative immersive systems such as HMDs, CAVE systems are a powerful tool for collaborative inspection of virtual environments due to better use of peripheral vision, less sensitivity to tracking errors, and higher communication possibilities among users. Unfortunately, traditional CAVE setups require sophisticated equipment including stereo-ready projectors and tracking systems with high acquisition and maintenance costs. In this paper we present the design and construction of a passive-stereo, four-wall CAVE system based on commodity hardware. Our system works with any mix of a wide range of projector models that can be replaced independently at any time, and achieves high resolution and brightness at a minimum cost. The key ingredients of our CAVE are a self-calibration approach that guarantees continuity across the screen, as well as a gesture-based interaction approach based on a clever combination of skeletal data from multiple Kinect sensors.