Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE RESULTS OF VITREOUS SURGERY FOR CHRONIC MACULAR HOLES

Purpose: To evaluate the visual and anatomic results of macular hole surgery in eyes that have had symptoms of a macular hole for 2 years or longer. Methods: Fifty‐one eyes with chronic macular holes (≥2 years' duration) were treated in a retrospective analysis of the results of vitrectomy, 16% perfluoropropane gas tamponade, and one of three adjunctive agents (bovine transforming growth factor beta‐2, recombinant transforming growth factor beta‐2, or autologous platelet extract). Of 51 eyes, 45 (88.2%) were examined 3 months after surgery. Visual acuity of these 45 eyes was measured preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity chart. Twenty‐eight eyes (62.2%) had no prior vitrectomy and 17 eyes (37.8%) had a prior vitrectomy for the macular hole that failed. Results: The macular holes had a mean duration of 3.7 years and were successfully closed in 32 of 51 total eyes (62.7%) and 32 of 45 eyes (71.1%) that were examined 3 months after surgery. The mean preoperative visual acuity was 20/100 −2 and the mean visual acuity at 3 months was 20/80 for a mean gain of 6.6 ETDRS letters (+1.3 lines). Of 45 eyes, 17 (37.8%) were 20/63 or better 3 months after surgery; 21 (46.7%) gained 2 or more ETDRS lines. There was no statistically significant difference in macular hole closure (P = 0.311) or visual acuity change (P = 0.095) in eyes with or without prior vitreous surgery. Eyes with macular holes between 2‐2.99 years experienced a somewhat better anatomic and functional result overall than eyes with macular hole from 3‐14 years, duration, but the visual acuity change was not statistically significant (P = 0.187). There was substantial variability in visual improvement among eyes with successful closure of the chronic macular hole. Conclusions: Macular holes of ≥2 years' duration may be more difficult to close successfully than are more recent macular holes, and the visual improvement appears to be less favorable. Many eyes with chronic macular holes in our study gained substantial visual acuity, so vitreous surgery can be considered in selected eyes with chronic macular holes based on visual needs.
The survival and growth of establishments: does gender segregation matter?

We empirically study gender segregation in privately owned Swedish establishments, and the correlation between gender segregation, survival and growth of establishments. We find that the overall inter-establishment gender segregation in Sweden has been constant between 1987 and 1995 and at the same level as that found in US manufacturing. Our results show that establishments dominated by males or females have a higher probability of exiting the market than more integrated establishments and that establishments dominated by females grow more slowly than other establishments. An important additional finding is that establishments with a skewed workforce in terms of educational background have lower survival probabilities. Furthermore, establishments with skewed age distributions have both lower survival probabilities and grow less compared with other establishments. These findings are consistent with theories suggesting that workers with different demographic characteristics contribute to a creative working environment as a result of their different experiences, a greater variety of information sources and different ‘thinking’.
A Hopf-type generalized vander-Pol oscillator underlies active signal generation in Drosophila hearing

The antennal hearing organs of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster boost their sensitivity by an active mechanical process that, analogous to the cochlear amplifier of vertebrates, resides in the motility of mechanosensory cells. This process nonlinearly improves the sensitivity of hearing and occasionally gives rise to self-sustained oscillations in the absence of sound. Time series analysis of self-sustained oscillations now unveils that the underlying dynamical system is well described by a generalized vander-Pol oscillator. From the dynamic equations, the underlying active mechanism can explicitly be derived. According to the model, the Drosophila hearing organ is driven by a regenerative amplifier that displays a Hopf-type nonlinearity, emphasizing the functional parallels between insect and vertebrate ears.
Anti-dense Fine Speckled 70 Autoantibodies in Japanese Children with Dermatomyositis, Localized Scleroderma, and Idiopathic Arthritis with Iridocyclitis

To the Editor: We read with interest the article by Schmeling, et al 1. They screened a large number of sera from children with antinuclear antibody (ANA)–associated rheumatic disease (AARD) and related conditions, as well as sera from a reference cohort, for anti-dense fine speckled 70 autoantibodies (anti-DFS70ab). They showed that the frequency of anti-DFS70ab in healthy children (3/145, 2.1%) was within the lower range of that reported in adults, but that anti-DFS70ab were found at significantly higher frequencies in children with localized scleroderma (LS; 4/29, 13.8%), juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM; 2/11, 18.2%), and uveitis (3/26, 11.5%). For 331 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 41 patients with systemic sclerosis, they investigated concomitant AARD-associated autoantibodies and found that only 6 patients with SLE had isolated anti-DFS70ab. This result fits the theory that anti-DFS70ab positivity in AARD is usually associated with additional AARD-related antibodies2. However, because their disease cohort was small, except for SLE and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA; 202 patients), the higher frequency of the antibodies in … Address correspondence to Dr. Y. Muro, Division of Connective Tissue Disease and Autoimmunity, Department of Dermatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan. E-mail: ymuro{at}med.nagoya-u.ac. jp
Investigating the Use of Simulation Model for Teaching Engineering Design

Research on teaching engineering design skills at the K -12 level is in its early stages and there is a need to understand how to design technology enabled learning environments that support students' productive engagement with the engineering design disciplinary practices in formal classrooms. This paper presents a simulation model that was part of one such learning environment and was designed to identify students' tacit understanding of the system rules and scaffold engineering design thinking skills. Results indicate that sixth graders evidenced good understanding of the relationship between two and three system parameters. Students used their understanding of system rules while solving their design challenge. The simulation model helped elicit students' tacit understanding of system rules and primed them for future learning of engineering design practices.
Assessing Suitability of adaptive Case Management

Business Process Management (BPM) includes methods and techniques to support the execution of business processes. In recent years, Adaptive Case Management (ACM) has been proposed as new BPM technology for supporting knowledge-intensive processes. However, there is currently no structured way of quickly deciding upon the suitability of an ACM system to a specific business process. This paper presents a framework for assessing to which extent ACM is suitable for a particular business process. It distinguishes between process characteristics that ACM can support, characteristics that ACM can support but are not ideal, and characteristics that ACM cannot support. The framework also explains the rationale behind each assessment, and refers to alternatives in case ACM is not suitable for the process that needs to be supported. Thus, the framework provides a transparent and useful advice about which kind of BPM technology is most suitable to support a business process to the best extent. A preliminary evaluation of the framework has been carried out in collaboration with an IT consultancy company that advises its clients on BPM technology.
Influence of institutional shareholders on CEO compensation in Sweden

Chief executive officer’s (CEO) compensation and its optimal level is an interesting and important topic. How successful and skilled are shareholders monitoring and making changes in its level and its mix? Ownership dispersion is an important determinant of it. In this study we try to answer this question from the perspective of institutional shareholders as they hold a substantial part of equity in firms. The paper sheds light on institutional ownership dispersion effect on CEO total and cash compensation in Sweden. Analysing data from the 26 largest companies listed on Stockholm Stock Exchange over the time period 2004 - 2008 we find that institutional ownership concentration decreases top executive officer’s total and cash compensation. We also find that small institutional shareholdings are positively associated with chief executive officer’s total and cash compensation. Overall this relationship suggests that institutions are powerful monitors of corporate governance.
Further evidence on the validity of the self typing paragraph approach: Miles and snow strategic

An analysis of 399 banks self typed as prospectors, analyzers or defenders indicated that the self typing paragraph approach was a useful measurement instrument which has reasonable convergent validity, supporting Shortell and Zajac (1990), and providing further evidence of the value of the self typing paragraph approach in strategy research.
Sorrento studies of diet and fecal flora in the newborn

The fecal flora of a breast‐fed baby is very different from that of a bottle‐fed baby. This paper reviews five previous studies, performed at this hospital concerning the effect of various dietary components (whey proteins, casein, lactoferrin, iron, nucleotides) on the fecal flora.
The effect of automated teller machines on banks’ services in Nigeria

The purpose of this research work is to find out the effects of Automated Teller Machines (ATM) on Bank’s services. Information technology, of which Automated Teller Machines are part of, has been the core tool of competitive strategies used by successful organizations for gaining competitive advantage over others. The rapid development in the banking sector has encouraged the accommodation of technology providers. This can be testified by the presence of ATM of all sorts, spread all over our bank premises. This paper addresses the issue of collaboration amongst banks and other service providers in the provision of cheap and efficient ATM services. It also addresses the issue of consumer behaviors with respect to quality services and has come to the conclusion that ATM deployment by banks saves time, encourages competition, and reduces bank risks. The low level of literacy, awareness, poverty and lack of trust are reasons for low adaptation of ATM in Nigeria.
PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL HYDROGEN PRODUCTION PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL HYDROGEN PRODUCTION

Abstract High efficiency photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems to produce hydrogen directly from water using sunlight as the energy source have been identified by DOE as one of the promising technologies to meet long-term hydrogen-production goals. In the PEC research at UH, our approach has been to compare alternate materials and system configurations using reactor modeling, and to identify and address the critical materials and photoelectrode-operation issues through extensive experiments in materials synthesis and in photoelectrode fabrication and testing. In 1996 we demonstrated direct solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiencies of 7.8% using a photocathode fabricated from 10% efficient triple-junction amorphous silicon solar cells. These prototypes were configured with a separate anode connect by wire to a photocathode. In subsequent years, our focus shifted toward the development of photoelectrodes with fully integrated cathodes/anodes. This year, we advanced the design of a new fully integrated and self-contained photoelectrode fabricated entirely with thin film processing and demonstrated a process sequence to fabricate prototypes. The new photoelectrodes again used multi-junction a-Si cells and sputter-deposited catalyst, contact, and protective films developed at UH. We also continued the development of optimal transparent-conductive and protective films. A deposition system for copper-indium -gallium diselenide (CIGS) films was installed (cost shared with other projects and UH support) as part of a new effort to develop higher efficiency photoelectrodes. The encapsulated design with side-by-side series-connected CIGS junctions has the potential to achieve 15% solar to hydrogen conversion efficiency. Plans are underway to demonstrate hydrogen-production using the a-Si photoelectrodes and to develop a fabrication process for high efficiency CIGS-based photoelectrodes.
The effect of chlorhexidine in reducing oral colonisation in geriatric patients: a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION Inadequate oral care has been implicated in the development of aspiration pneumonia in frail geriatric patients and is a major cause of mortality, due to the colonisation of microbes in vulnerable patients. This type of pneumonia has been associated with an increase in respiratory pathogens in the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chlorhexidine compared to routine oral care in edentulous geriatric inpatients. METHODS A double-blind, parallel-group randomised controlled trial was carried out. The intervention group received oral care with chlorhexidine 0.2%, while the control group received routine oral care with thymol. Nurses provided oral care with assigned solutions of 20 mL once daily over seven days. Oral cavity assessment using the Brief Oral Health Status Examination form was performed before each oral care procedure. Data on medication received and the subsequent development of aspiration pneumonia was recorded. An oral swab was performed on Day 7 to obtain specimens to test for colonisation. RESULTS The final sample consisted of 35 (control) and 43 (intervention) patients. Chlorhexidine was effective in reducing oral colonisation compared to routine oral care with thymol (p < 0.001). The risk of oral bacterial colonisation was nearly three times higher in the thymol group compared to the chlorhexidine group. CONCLUSION The use of chlorhexidine 0.2% significantly reduced oral colonisation and is recommended as an easier and more cost-effective alternative for oral hygiene.
Predictors of Hedis Performance and Improvement

Objective: To identify factors related to an HMO's performance on the standardized HEDIS and CAHPS measures and factors related to improvement in those measures over time. Study Design: Longitudinal analysis of a four year panel of HEDIS and CAHPS data (calendar year 1998-2001). All plans reporting to NCQA, regardless of their decision to allow the data to be publicly available, were included. All plans that reported data in at least one year of the panel were included. Data Sources: Data were obtained from a variety of sources including the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), Interstudy, the Area Resource File, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, and the U.S. Department of Labor. Methods: Multivariate growth models were estimated on market demographic and competition variables, as well as health plan characteristics and decisions regarding data collection and reporting. Principal Findings: Our estimates don't support the hypothesis that greater competition is associated with better performance on the six HEDIS measures examined. HMO penetration is positively related to HEDIS performance for four of the six measures. Health plan characteristics such as plan profit status, model type, reporting method and decision to allow the data to be made publicly available are all significantly related to better HEDIS performance. The growth parameters indicate that the relationship between the covariates and HEDIS performance is stable over time.
Effect of Auditor’s Judgment and Specialization on Their Differential Opinion between Semiannual and Annual Financial Reports

This study examines the factors that lead to issuing negative opinions on semiannual reports while issuing positive opinions in annual reports from the perspective of auditor-client relationships in listed companies in Taiwan. The empirical results show that the importance of the client is significant positively related to differential opinions while auditor tenure and industry specialists are significant negatively related to differential opinions. The results suggest that auditors have become more conservative and pay more attention to protecting their reputations post-Enron. The conclusion indicates that enhancing auditorsâ€™ specialization and independence reduces the opportunity to issue differential opinions in order to evade legal responsibility.
Acquisition of Serum Antibodies Reactive With Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli Virulence-Associated Factors by Healthy Brazilian Children and Adults

Background: Patients with hemorrhagic colitis or hemolytic uremic syndrome due to enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) develop serum IgM and IgG response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to virulence factors such as intimin. The small numbers of cases of diarrhea associated with EHEC strains in Brazil suggests a pre-existing immunity probably due to previous contact with diarrheagenic E. coli. Our aim was to evaluate the development of the serum antibody repertoire to EHEC virulence factors in Brazilian children and adults. Methods: Serum IgM and IgG antibodies were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with LPS O111, LPS O26, and LPS O157 in 101 children between 2 months and 10 years of age and in 100 adult sera, by immunoblotting with protein membrane extracts and purified &bgr; intimin; the ability of adult sera to neutralize Shiga toxin2 was also investigated. Results: Children older than 24 months had IgM concentrations reactive with the 3 LPS equivalent to those seen in the adult group, and significantly higher than the group of younger children (P < 0.05). Anti-O26 and anti-O157 LPS IgG concentrations were equivalent between the 2 groups of children and were significantly different from the adult group (P < 0.05). The anti-O111 LPS IgG levels in older children were intermediate between the younger group, and adults (P < 0.05). Immunoblotting revealed strong protein reactivity, including the conserved and variable regions of &bgr; intimin and more than 50% of the adult samples neutralized Shiga toxin 2. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate an increasing anti-LPS and antiprotein antibody response with age, which could provide protection against EHEC infections.
The nature of information in commercial bank loan loss disclosures

SYNOPSIS AND INTRODUCTION: Commercial bank loan portfolios are typically 10 to 15 times larger than bank equity; therefore bank loan portfolio cash flows and default risks are likely to have an important impact on bank stock market values. Bank financial statements provide three separate disclosures of changing default risks: non-performing loans, loan loss provisions, and loan chargeoffs. This study analyzes each of these disclosures for information about future bank cash flows and examines how investors impound this information in bank stock prices. Non-performing loans include all loans in the portfolio more than 90 days overdue on interest or principal payments, and are disclosed as supplemental financial statement information. Loan loss provisions reflect the current period increase in the level of expected future loan losses, and are disclosed as accrued expenses on the income statement. Loan chargeoffs measure all loans deemed uncollectible during the period. Chargeoffs are asset writeoffs that are reported separately in financial statement footnotes, and can also be derived from balance sheet and income statement data. Together these three disclosures represent an integrated, contextual set of potentially value-relevant information spanning the income statement, balance sheet, and footnotes. Recent empirical studies obtain evidence consistent with a positive relation between stock returns and loan loss provisions (cf., Beaver et al. 1989; Elliott et al. 1991; Griffin and Wallach 1991; Johnson 1989). This evidence is surprising because it contradicts the notion that loan loss provisions are interpreted as expenses that
Bipolar Mood Disorder in Children and Adolescents: In Search of Theoretic, Therapeutic and Diagnostic Clarity

I address early onset Bipolar Mood Disorder, exploring the ways in which the disorder manifests in the lives of children. Complications in current and past literature are clarified, and the dearth of substantive research into the area is noted. I clarify associated risk factors specific to paediatric bipolar disorder. A treatment procedure informed by cognitive-behavioural, narrative and family systems theories is proffered, and is considered in relation to the development of a pharmacological intervention. I highlight shortcomings in psychiatric interventions, and provide a framework for treatment which that takes into account the complex variety of needs which bipolar children present.
Involvement of circulating interleukin-6 and its receptor in the development of euthyroid sick syndrome in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE In patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), low triiodothyronine (T(3)) levels with normal or subnormal levels of thyrotropin (TSH), the euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS), have been reported, however, the mechanism of altered thyroid hormone metabolism is unknown. Recent reports have shown that interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of AMI and ESS. This preliminary study investigates the relationship between thyroid states and plasma levels of IL-6, the soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), and the soluble transducing 130kDa glycoprotein (sgp130) in AMI. DESIGN AND METHODS We measured the concentration of TSH, free T(3) (FT(3)), free thyroxine (FT(4)), IL-6, sIL-6R and sgp130 in plasma from 24 patients with AMI and 20 normal controls. RESULTS All 24 AMI patients showed significantly lower concentrations of FT(3) with normal or subnormal levels of TSH, and higher concentrations of IL-6 and sIL-6R than controls. IL-6 level was correlated with creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and FT(3) levels but not with FT(4 )or TSH levels in patients with AMI. The time course of IL-6 and FT(3 )concentration seemed to be closely linked. sIL-6R level was correlated with CPK and sgp130 levels, but not with FT(3), FT(4) or TSH levels. FT(4 )level was correlated with sgp130 level. CONCLUSION Patients with AMI develop ESS through activation of IL-6 and its receptor system.