Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surveillance of Patients with Metal-on-Metal Hip Resurfacing and Total Hip Prostheses: A Prospective Cohort Study to Investigate the Relationship Between Blood Metal Ion Levels and Implant Failure.

BACKGROUND We designed a prospective, single-center study to assess whether blood metal ion levels could predict implant failure in patients managed with unilateral metal-on-metal hip resurfacing or total hip arthroplasty. METHODS Five hundred and ninety-seven patients who had received unilateral Articular Surface Replacement prostheses at least twelve months earlier were recruited. Blood metal ion levels were compared between the group of patients with failed implants and the group with non-failed implants. Implant failure was defined as prostheses associated with revision, an intention to revise, or poor patient-reported hip function (Oxford Hip Score, <31 of 48). Specificity, sensitivity, area under the curve, positive and negative predictive values, and odds ratios were calculated. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify other risk factors for implant failure. RESULTS Patients with failed arthroplasty had significantly higher blood cobalt and chromium ion levels than did patients with non-failed arthroplasty (p < 0.01). Blood cobalt ion levels were disproportionately raised in patients with failed total hip arthroplasty (8.2 μg/L) compared with patients with failed hip resurfacing (2.5 μg/L) (p = 0.018). Blood chromium ion levels were not significantly different in patients with failed total hip arthroplasty and failed hip resurfacing (p = 0.058). The maximum value of either metal ion had good discriminant ability to predict implant failure (area under the curve, 0.76). A 7-μg/L cutoff had a positive predictive value of 0.75 (95% confidence interval, 0.66 to 0.82) and a negative predictive value of 0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.78 to 0.86). In patients managed with total hip arthroplasty, for each increase of 1 μg/L there was a 23% (p < 0.001) increase in the odds of them being in the failed group. For patients managed with hip resurfacing, the increase in odds was 5% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Raised levels of blood metal ions were associated with failed metal-on-metal hip resurfacings and total hip arthroplasties. A threshold level of 7 μg/L had inadequate sensitivity to be used in isolation as a screening test for implant failure, but it provided nearly optimal misclassification rates. No level had a perfect positive predictive value, and so we discourage surgeons from performing revision surgery based on blood metal ion levels alone. Levels of cobalt ions were raised out of proportion to levels of chromium ions in failed total hip arthroplasty and may reflect a different mechanism for metal ion generation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Continuity of care and health care cost among community-dwelling older adult veterans living with dementia.

OBJECTIVES To estimate the causal impact of continuity of care (COC) on total, institutional, and noninstitutional cost among community-dwelling older veterans with dementia. DATA SOURCES Combined Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and Medicare data in Fiscal Years (FYs) 2014-2015. STUDY DESIGN FY 2014 COC was measured by the Bice-Boxerman Continuity of Care (BBC) index on a 0-1 scale. FY 2015 total combined VHA and Medicare cost, institutional cost of acute inpatient, emergency department [ED], long-/short-stay nursing home, and noninstitutional long-term care (LTC) cost for medical (like skilled-) and social (like unskilled-) services were assessed controlling for covariates. An instrumental variable for COC (change of residence by more than 10 miles) was used to account for unobserved health confounders. DATA COLLECTION Community-dwelling veterans with dementia aged 66 and older, enrolled in Traditional Medicare (N = 102 073). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Mean BBC in FY 2014 was 0.32; mean total cost in FY 2015 was $35 425. A 0.1 higher BBC resulted in (a) $4045 lower total cost; (b) $1597 lower acute inpatient cost, $119 lower ED cost, $4368 lower long-stay nursing home cost; (c) $402 higher noninstitutional medical LTC and $764 higher noninstitutional social LTC cost. BBC had no impact on short-stay nursing home cost. CONCLUSIONS COC is an effective approach to reducing total health care cost by supporting noninstitutional care and reducing institutional care.
Optimisation of process parameters of wet scrubbing of biogas from night soil and vegetable waste using historical and Taguchi design

A floating-drum biogas plant has been constructed with night soil and vegetable waste from the student's home as feed. To upgrade the quality of the biogas, wet scrubber unit has been designed for removing carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and for enriching the methane (CH4) percentage by using water as an absorbent along with plastic balls. Historical design is employed to optimise the process parameters of wet scrubber like gas pressure, water flow rate (WFR) and gas flow rate (GFR) to obtain optimum methane percentage after scrubbing. Taguchi design is employed to identify the influence of parameters and their intensity on methane yield. With the optimised process parameters of 7.8 bar of gas pressure, 11.8 lpm of WFR and 5.9 lpm of GFR, the biogas was scrubbed. After upgradation, the biogas methane percentage has been increased from 44.15% to 91.89% and calorific value has been increased from 18,983 kJ/m³ to 30,525 kJ/m³.
Large-Scale QA-SRL Parsing

We present a new large-scale corpus of Question-Answer driven Semantic Role Labeling (QA-SRL) annotations, and the first high-quality QA-SRL parser. Our corpus, QA-SRL Bank 2.0, consists of over 250,000 question-answer pairs for over 64,000 sentences across 3 domains and was gathered with a new crowd-sourcing scheme that we show has high precision and good recall at modest cost. We also present neural models for two QA-SRL subtasks: detecting argument spans for a predicate and generating questions to label the semantic relationship. The best models achieve question accuracy of 82.6% and span-level accuracy of 77.6% (under human evaluation) on the full pipelined QA-SRL prediction task. They can also, as we show, be used to gather additional annotations at low cost.
Preparation of Spiced Sauerkraut by Using Lactic Acid Bacteria and By Natural Fermentation

: Fresh cabbage was procured from the market and sliced into thin shreds. The shredded cabbage was fermented by four treatments, i.e., (a) Sodium chloride ( 2.25%), (b) Sodium chloride ( 2.25%) + Lactobacillus plantarum, (c) Sodium chloride ( 2.25%) + mustard powder ( 1%) + spices ( 0.5%) (d) Sodium chloride (2.25%) + mustard powder (1%) + spices (0.5%) + Lactobacillus plantarum. During fermentation samples of brine were drawn at different time intervals for biochemical and microbiological analysis. In all the four treatments, total sugar and reducing sugar in the brine increased slowly to 3% and 2%, respectively upto 8 th day and then decreased. Maximum total acidity (1.98-2.22%) was observed on 15 th day which remained constant up to 90 days. The pH of the shredded cabbage was 6.9 and decreased to around 4 after 15 days and then remained constant. Around 60% of vitamin C was preserved upto 90 days. From cultural, morphological, physiological and molecular analysis, it was observed that Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Micrococcus were dominant at start of fermentation, but as the fermentation proceeded number of these microorganisms decreased and Leuconostoc and Lactobacillus became dominant. Coliforms were absent in all four treatments. Overall acceptability was higher in the Sauerkraut prepared by addition of spices whereas inoculation of Lactobacillus plantarum made no significant difference.
Fuelling displacement and labour market segmentation in low-skilled jobs? Insights from a local study of migrant and student employment

Medium-term employment trends highlight increasing labour market disadvantage for people with no/low qualifications. Consequently, established local populations with no/low qualifications have been reported as being hostile to ‘new arrivals’ filling local jobs, on the basis that they are perceived as taking employment opportunities away from them. Drawing on a local study of migrant and student employment on opportunities for people with no/low formal qualifications in the UK city of Coventry, this paper shows how labour market restructuring in the context of neoliberalism has resulted in an increasingly compartmentalised labour market, in which some types of employment have become undesirable and often not feasible for some local workers, but attractive (or at least acceptable) for other groups, including migrant workers and students. The outcome is reduced labour market opportunities for local people with no/low qualifications, because the more flexible migrant workers and students allow employers to restructure their workforces and develop jobs that fit with the ‘frames of reference’ of these groups but match the requirements of some established local people less well.
Service-Adaptive Multitype Repairman Problems

The classical “repairman problem” (cf. [Feller, An Introduction to Probability Theory and its Applications, Vol. I, 3rd ed., John Wiley, New York, 1967]) is generalized to consider r failure-prone machine types, each type having its own individual failure rate and repair rate. Each failed machine joins its type queue and is repaired by a single server. Several dynamic service priority schemes are considered that approximate first-come first-served, longest-line first, and least-available first situations. A heavy-traffic asymptotic analysis determines approximations to the time-dependent mean and covariance of individual-type queue lengths and shows that the marginal joint distribution of queue lengths is approximately Ornstein–Uhlenbeck. Numerical illustrations of approximation accuracy are provided, as well as suggested applications to computer performance and manufacturing systems analysis.
Resolved magnetic-field structure and variability near the event horizon of Sagittarius A*

Magnetic fields near the event horizon Astronomers have long sought to examine a black hole's event horizon—the boundary around the black hole within which nothing can escape. Johnson et al. used sophisticated interferometry techniques to combine data from millimeter-wavelength telescopes around the world. They measured polarization just outside the event horizon of Sgr A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way. The polarization is a signature of ordered magnetic fields generated in the accretion disk around the black hole. The results help to explain how black holes accrete gas and launch jets of material into their surroundings. Science, this issue p. 1242 Magnetic fields around the event horizon of a supermassive black hole have been probed. Near a black hole, differential rotation of a magnetized accretion disk is thought to produce an instability that amplifies weak magnetic fields, driving accretion and outflow. These magnetic fields would naturally give rise to the observed synchrotron emission in galaxy cores and to the formation of relativistic jets, but no observations to date have been able to resolve the expected horizon-scale magnetic-field structure. We report interferometric observations at 1.3-millimeter wavelength that spatially resolve the linearly polarized emission from the Galactic Center supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*. We have found evidence for partially ordered magnetic fields near the event horizon, on scales of ~6 Schwarzschild radii, and we have detected and localized the intrahour variability associated with these fields.
Alpha-Mannosidosis: Therapeutic Strategies

Alpha-mannosidosis (α-mannosidosis) is a rare lysosomal storage disorder with an autosomal recessive inheritance caused by mutations in the gene encoding for the lysosomal α-d-mannosidase. So far, 155 variants from 191 patients have been identified and in part characterized at the biochemical level. Similarly to other lysosomal storage diseases, there is no relationship between genotype and phenotype in alpha-mannosidosis. Enzyme replacement therapy is at the moment the most effective therapy for lysosomal storage disease, including alpha-mannosidosis. In this review, the genetic of alpha-mannosidosis has been described together with the results so far obtained by two different therapeutic strategies: bone marrow transplantation and enzyme replacement therapy. The primary indication to offer hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients affected by alpha-mannosidosis is preservation of neurocognitive function and prevention of early death. The results obtained from a Phase I–II study and a Phase III study provide evidence of the positive clinical effect of the recombinant enzyme on patients with alpha-mannosidosis.
Protection of Total Flavonoid Fraction from Nervilia fordii on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats

Abstract Objective To investigate the effects of total flavonoid fraction (TFF) from Nervilia fordii on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in rats, and to explore their protective mechanism. Methods LPS-induced ALI model was established by LPS (5 mg/kg) injection via left cervical vein. Blood samples were collected from the cervical artery of all rats at 5 and 6 h after LPS challenge for arterial blood gas test and cytokines measurements, and pulmonary microvascular permeability (PMP), lung wet/dry weight ratio (W/D), and pathological features were observed. Results Phytochemical study showed that the TFF contained 67.3% of flavonoids expressed in rutin and three flavone glycosides. The TFF pretreatment (6.24 and 12.48 mg/kg) attenuated the partial arterial pressure of oxygen decline in blood significantly, and decreased the PMP and lung W/D in ALI rats. In addition, the TFF (6.24 and 12.48 mg/kg) also ameliorated the LPS-induced lung damages including alveolar edema, neutrophils infiltration, alveolar hemorrhage, and thickening of the alveolar wall. Furthermore, the treatment with the TFF (6.24 and 12.48 mg/kg) also down-regulated the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and up-regulated the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in serum of ALI rats simultaneously. Conclusion These results suggest that the TFF could protect LPS-induced ALI in rats, which may be mediated, at least in part, by adjusting the production of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6, ICAM-1, and IL-10.
A Probability Diffusion Model of Dynamic Market Behavior

In recent years there has been a rapid growth of interest in the development of stochastic models of consumer brand choice behavior. The present paper is concerned with the development and empirical testing of a viable stochastic model of brand choice. In its present form the model considers a two brand market. The present formulation is a probability diffusion model. That is, an individual consumer's probability of purchasing brand A changes through time according to a diffusion process. Hence, a consumer's brand choice probability is non-stationary. The brand choice probability of each consumer changes through time according to the same stochastic diffusion process. Yet at any point in time, each consumer has his own unique brand choice probability. That is, at any time consumers are heterogeneous with respect to their probability of purchasing brand A. In sum, the diffusion model implies that with respect to brand choice probability a market is composed of heterogeneous, non-stationary
Protecting regulatory autonomy through greater precision in investment treaties: the TPP, CETA, and TTIP

The recently concluded Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the negotiations underway for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) have drawn renewed attention to the potential for treaty parties to frame the substantive obligations in new investment treaties in a manner that is more supportive of regulatory autonomy than earlier treaties. One way of doing so is to more precisely define the contours of states’ obligations towards foreign investors and investments, in an attempt to eliminate the likelihood of successful challenges to non-discriminatory public welfare measures. More precise norms place greater constraints on the decision-making criteria employed by adjudicators, fettering their discretion to make evaluative judgments. Treaty parties may adopt more precise language to provide guidance or to exert control over adjudicators in light of previous decisions that are regarded as erroneous, in light of concerns about adjudicator incompetence or to constrain subjective value choices. Concerns about the impact of vaguely drafted provisions in existing investment treaties are well documented. It is reasonable to assume that drafting states’ obligations with greater precision will constrain the scope of investment arbitrators’ interpretive discretion. The TPP, CETA and draft TTIP provisions on fair and equitable treatment, indirect expropriation, national treatment and exceptions contain several instances of greater precision than provisions seen in the majority of existing treaties. Yet, these provisions continue to grant broad discretion to investment arbitrators through the use of evaluative language such as ‘manifestly arbitrary’, ‘rare circumstances’, ‘excessive’, and ‘necessary’. Experience from the body of decided investment cases suggests that these provisions might not go far enough toward ensuring that non-discriminatory public welfare measures do not attract liability. The article concludes that the TTIP negotiating parties—and states negotiating other investment treaties—should consider drafting such provisions with greater precision so as to further reduce the breadth of adjudicative discretion entrusted to tribunals.
Cephalosporin-induced Neurological Toxicity in Elderly Patients with Preserved Renal Function

Cephalosporins are widely used in patients for the treatment of serious gram positive and gram-negative infections. Cephalosporins can induce some serious side effects, including neurotoxicity, mood disorder, hallucinations; however, non-convulsive status epilepticus has rarely been reported. We report three cases of acute reversible neurotoxicity associated with cephalosporins. Three patients without chronic kidney disease developed altered consciousness, hallucinations during ceftriaxone treatment for urinary tract infection and pneumonia and non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) during cefazoline treatment for cellulitis-three days after initiation of the treatment. The electroencephalogram demonstrated continuous bursts of generalized, high-voltage, 1 Hz to 2 Hz sharp wave activity. Neurologic symptoms disappeared two days following withdrawal of ceftriaxone or cefazolin. The possibility of cephalosporin-induced neurotoxicity should be considered in patients developing neurological signs especially cognitive and seizures appearance during cephalosporin use and the discontinuation of the drug could lead to rapid complete neurological improvement.
Updated meta-review of evidence on support for carers

Objective To update a 2010 meta-review of systematic reviews of effective interventions to support carers of ill, disabled, or older adults. In this article, we report the most promising interventions based on the best available evidence. Methods Rapid meta-review of systematic reviews published from January 2009 to 2016. Results Sixty-one systematic reviews were included (27 high quality, 25 medium quality, and nine low quality). The quality of reviews has improved since the original review, but primary studies remain limited in quality and quantity. Fourteen high quality reviews focused on carers of people with dementia, four on carers of those with cancer, four on carers of people with stroke, three on carers of those at the end of life with various conditions, and two on carers of people with mental health problems. Multicomponent interventions featured prominently, emphasizing psychosocial or psychoeducational content, education and training. Improved outcomes for carers were reported for mental health, burden and stress, and wellbeing or quality of life. Negative effects were reported in reviews of respite care. As with earlier work, we found little robust evidence on the cost-effectiveness of reviewed interventions. Conclusions There is no ‘one size fits all’ intervention to support carers. There is potential for effective support in specific groups of carers, such as shared learning, cognitive reframing, meditation, and computer-delivered psychosocial support for carers of people with dementia. For carers of people with cancer, effective support may include psychosocial interventions, art therapy, and counselling. Carers of people with stroke may also benefit from counselling. More good quality, theory-based, primary research is needed.
Chronotype and depressive symptoms in students: An investigation of possible mechanisms

ABSTRACT Individuals with an evening chronotype are at increased risk of experiencing emotional problems, including depressive symptoms. However, the mechanisms underlying these associations remain unclear. The present study aimed to determine whether poor sleep quality, substance use and cognitive emotion regulation difficulties – which have been implicated in the etiology of depression – mediate the relationship between chronotype and depressive symptoms in a student sample, which was assessed cross-sectionally and after 1 year. A total of 742 Dutch students (75% women, mean age 21.4 ± 2.9 years) completed the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, a questionnaire assessing alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and cannabis use, the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Behavioral Inhibition/Activation Scale. A subsample (n = 115) was assessed 1 year later with the same questionnaires. Cross-sectional analyses showed that evening chronotype was associated with more depressive symptoms, adjusted for age and gender (β = −0.082, p = 0.028). The relationship between eveningness and depressive symptoms was mediated by sleep quality, alcohol consumption and the cognitive emotion regulation strategies of self-blame and positive reappraisal. In longitudinal analyses, eveningness at baseline predicted more depressive symptoms at follow-up, adjusted for age and gender (β = −0.29, p = 0.002); after additional adjustment for baseline depressive symptoms, chronotype remained a significant predictor of depressive symptoms at T2 (β = −0.16, t = −2.01, p = 0.047). Only poor sleep quality at follow-up was a significant mediator of this relationship. Even though the effect is small in terms of explained variance, eveningness is related to depressive symptoms and this relationship is mediated by poor sleep quality, also in a prospective design. Self-blame and reduced positive reappraisal are correlated with eveningness. Further research is needed to assess the efficacy of chronotherapeutic interventions for the prevention of depression, in addition to sleep education and cognitive approaches.