Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of a metal-on-metal total hip replacement system.

INTRODUCTION High short-term failure rates have been reported for a variety of metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip replacements (THRs) owing to adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD). This has led to the withdrawal of certain poorly performing THRs. This study analysed the outcomes of a MoM THR system. METHODS Between 2004 and 2010, 578 uncemented MoM THRs (511 patients, mean age: 60.0 years) were implanted at one specialist centre. The THR system used consisted of the Corail(®) stem, Pinnacle(®) cup, Ultamet(®) liner and Articul/eze(®) femoral head (all DePuy, Leeds, UK). All patients were recalled for clinical review with imaging performed as necessary. RESULTS The mean follow-up duration was 5.0 years (range: 1.0-9.1 years). Overall, 39 hips (6.7%) in 38 patients (all 36 mm femoral head size) underwent revision at a mean time of 3.5 years (range: 0.01-8.3 years) from the index THR with 30 revisions (77%) performed in women. The cumulative eight-year survival rate for all THRs was 88.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 78.5-93.4%), with no difference (p=0.053) between male (95.2%, 95% CI: 84.2-98.7%) and female patients (85.3%, 95% CI: 70.2-92.1%) at eight years. Seventeen revisions (44%) were performed for ARMD. There was no significant difference in absolute postoperative Oxford hip scores between men and women (p=0.608). The mean acetabular inclination in unrevised THRs was 44.0°. Forty-seven non-revised THRs (8.7%) had blood metal ion concentrations above recommended thresholds (seven had periprosthetic effusions). CONCLUSIONS Although this MoM THR system has not failed as dramatically as other similar designs, we recommend against continued use and advise regular clinical surveillance to identify ARMD early.
Human telomerase specialization for repeat synthesis by unique handling of primer‐template duplex

With eukaryotic genome replication, incomplete telomere synthesis results in chromosome shortening and eventual compromise of genome stability. Telomerase counteracts this terminal sequence loss by synthesizing telomeric repeats through repeated cycles of reverse transcription of its internal RNA template. Using human telomerase domain‐complementation assays for telomerase reverse transcriptase protein (TERT) and RNA in combination with the first direct footprinting assay for telomerase association with bound DNA, we resolve mechanisms by which TERT domains and RNA motifs direct repeat synthesis. Surprisingly, we find that product‐template hybrid is sensed in a length‐ and sequence‐dependent manner to set the template 5′ boundary. We demonstrate that the TERT N‐terminal (TEN) domain determines active‐site use of the atypically short primer‐template hybrid necessary for telomeric‐repeat synthesis. Also against expectation, we show that the remainder of TERT (the TERT ring) supports functional recognition and physical protection of single‐stranded DNA adjacent to the template hybrid. These findings establish unprecedented polymerase recognition specificities for DNA‐RNA hybrid and single‐stranded DNA and suggest a new perspective on the mechanisms of telomerase specialization for telomeric‐repeat synthesis.
Exploring the leadership practice of school leaders: A pilot study

This paper shares preliminary findings from a multi-method study, investigating the leadership practices of educational managers. Early findings show that school leaders do not critically engage with the issues of the larger discourse of education as much as they believe they do. Building from this, two things are argued: first, school leaders would benefit from having an explicit tool that enables them to monitor their leadership practice; and secondly, there is considerable work to be done to unpack what taking on an administrative role does to educators.
Parameter Averaging of Quadratic SDEs With Stochastic Volatility

In an influential series of papers, V. Piterbarg demonstrates how to perform time-averaging of parameters in a class of diffusion models with linear local volatility and orthogonal stochastic volatility. In this paper, we consider how to extend the applicability of parameter-averaging techniques to a setting where i) the local volatility function has non-zero convexity; and ii) the correlation between the stochastic volatility process and the underlying asset is non-zero and deterministic. These extension are based on classical small-noise SDE expansions and are of practical use in a number of markets -- foreign exchange being a good example -- where empirical observations of volatility smile moves indicate the presence of non-linear local volatility. For efficient calibration of the time-averaged model, we also derive accurate call option pricing approximations for assets with constant-parameter quadratic local volatility overlaid with (correlated) Heston-type stochastic volatility. Several numerical tests probe the accuracy of the parameter-averaging techniques and the various option pricing approximations.
Hodgkin's disease: complications of therapy and excess mortality.

BACKGROUND The long-term survival of patients treated for Hodgkin's disease permits careful evaluation of long-term complications and excess mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between 1960 and 1995, 2498 patients who were treated for Hodgkin's disease at Stanford University were evaluated. Survival, freedom from relapse, and important complications of therapy (cardiac disease and secondary cancers) were analyzed, and risk of mortality from all causes was calculated utilizing absolute excess risk calculations. RESULTS The risk of death from Hodgkin's disease is 17% at 15 years of follow-up and increases only slightly thereafter. The risk of death from other causes is also 17% at 15 years, but increases sharply thereafter. The major causes of mortality (other than Hodgkin's disease) are secondary cancers and cardiac disease. Second cancers with significant increase in risk include leukemia (acute nonlymphocytic), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, lung/pleural cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, soft tissue and bone sarcomas, stomach cancer, salivary gland tumors, thyroid cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The absolute excess risk of death from causes other than Hodgkin's disease increases during each five-year follow-up interval for at least 25 years. However, the absolute excess risk of death during similar follow-up periods is less for patients treated in more recent years (1980-1995) than in the prior treatment era (1962-1980). CONCLUSIONS Mortality for causes other than Hodgkin's disease is important in the long-term follow-up of patients. Causes of death are often treatment related. Changes in treatment programs can reduce the long-term excess risk of death from complications of therapy.
Interaction Between the Porcine Lumbar Intervertebral Disc, Zygapophysial Joints, and Paraspinal Muscles

Study Design. A porcine model was used to study whether muscular activation in the paraspinal muscles caused by nerve stimulation in the anulus fibrosus of a lumbar intervertebral disc could be altered by saline injection into the zygapophysial (facet) joint. Objectives. To elucidate possible mechanisms regarding the nerve pathways and interactions between the intervertebral disc, zygapophysial joints, and the paraspinal musculature. Summary of Background Data. The physiologic basis for chronic low back pain, including muscular spasm, is uncertain. Although extensive research involving the lumbar motion segments and the surrounding tissues has been performed, the neuromuscular connection has not been sufficiently investigated. Materials and Methods. Twenty‐three adolescent pigs were used to measure the electromyographic response in the paraspinal musculature to electrical stimulation of the posterolateral L3‐L4 anulus fibrosus, before and after introduction of physiologic saline into the zygapophysial joint. Motor unit action potentials were recorded using three sets of needle electrodes placed into the deepest fascicles of the multifidus, bilateral to the L4 and L5 spinous processes, and into the central longissimus musculature, bilateral to the L4 spinous process. Results. Stimulation of the nerves within the posterolateral anulus of the disc elicited reactions in the paraspinal muscles, namely the lumbar multifidus and longissimus. Introduction of physiologic saline into the zygapophysial joint resulted in a reduction in the motor unit action potential amplitude. This reduction was manifested as an immediate and constant reduction, a graded reduction, or a delayed reaction, during which the reduction occurred an average of 5 minutes after the saline injection. Conclusions. Introduction of physiologic saline into the zygapophysial joint reduced the stimulation pathway from the intervertebral disc to the paraspinal musculature. The zygapophysial joints may therefore have a regulating function, controlling the intricate neuromuscular balance in the lumbar motion segment.
PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS, STOCK VALUATION AND CAPITAL BUDGETING DECISION RULES FOR RISKY PROJECTS

THis PAPER derives decision rules for corporate capital budgeting when cash flows resulting from the acceptance of projects are risky. The decision rules are in terms of a project's discounted value and rate of return, the two familiar measures of investment profitability under certainty. ' The analysis of capital projects assumes throughout that stock values are determined in perfect capital markets and also ignores complications which arise due to taxation of corporations and individuals. The results are therefore of theoretical rather than direct practical relevance. A capital project may be defined as profitable, and should be accepted by a shareholder's wealth maximizing corporation if, and only if, acceptance of it adds to the stock value of the corporation more than it costs the shareholders. The prerequisite for developing capital budgeting decision rules is, therefore, a theory of stock valuation. The questions answered in this paper include the following. What is the stock value of the corporation in terms of its future, risky cash flow, earnings, and dividends? What determines the cost of capital to a corporation? How can the relevant or significant risk of a capital project be measured? Given measures of the relevant risk of a project's cash flows, how can the project be evaluated? Sharpe [14] and Lintner [5, 6] have shown convincingly that the stock value of a corporation cannot be determined from information regarding the size and risk of the corporation's dividend stream alone. Some risk attaching to returns on a corporation's stock can be avoided by shareholders holding a portfolio of many stocks. Risk that cannot be avoided by holding a well diversified portfolio of stocks is 'significant' risk and is relevant to valuation. The implication of portfolio analysis is clear. Stock values of individual corporations can only be determined when stocks are viewed as part of a portfolio. Conventional analyses of stock value in terms of the size and risk of corporate earnings or dividends such as found in Solomon [16] are inadequate. Section II of this paper develops a theory of stock valuation, using
Social Networks: Effects of Social Capital on Firm Innovation*

This paper aims to introduce some specific insights regarding social networks and the geographical proximity of firms in order to investigate factors involved in the innovation of firms. In particular, this study reviews ideas from the industrial district literature by analyzing the role played by the dimensions of social capital, that is, social interactions, trust, shared vision and involvement of local institutions, in the process and product innovation of firms inside the district. This paper draws on an analysis comparing district members and nonmembers based on a sample of 220 manufacturing firms in the Valencia Region (Spain). Findings suggest a positive association between district affiliation, social capital and involvement of local institutions and innovation that can offer relevant prescriptions for policy makers and individual entrepreneurs.
Procedural Results and Clinical Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Switzerland: An Observational Cohort Study of Sapien 3 Versus Sapien XT Transcatheter Heart Valves

Background—New generation transcatheter heart valves (THV) may improve clinical outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Methods and Results—In a nationwide, prospective, multicenter cohort study (Swiss Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Registry, NCT01368250), outcomes of consecutive transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation patients treated with the Sapien 3 THV (S3) versus the Sapien XT THV (XT) were investigated. An overall of 153 consecutive S3 patients were compared with 445 consecutive XT patients. Postprocedural mean transprosthetic gradient (6.5±3.0 versus 7.8±6.3 mm Hg, P=0.17) did not differ between S3 and XT patients, respectively. The rate of more than mild paravalvular regurgitation (1.3% versus 5.3%, P=0.04) and of vascular (5.3% versus 16.9%, P<0.01) complications were significantly lower in S3 patients. A higher rate of new permanent pacemaker implantations was observed in patients receiving the S3 valve (17.0% versus 11.0%, P=0.01). There were no significant differences for disabling stroke (S3 1.3% versus XT 3.1%, P=0.29) and all-cause mortality (S3 3.3% versus XT 4.5%, P=0.27). Conclusions—The use of the new generation S3 balloon-expandable THV reduced the risk of more than mild paravalvular regurgitation and vascular complications but was associated with an increased permanent pacemaker rate compared with the XT. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation using the newest generation balloon-expandable THV is associated with a low risk of stroke and favorable clinical outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration—URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT01368250.
An empirical investigation of the GARCH option pricing model: Hedging performance

In this article, we study the empirical performance of the GARCH option pricing model relative to the ad hoc Black‐Scholes (BS) model of Dumas, Fleming, and Whaley. Specifically, we investigate the empirical performance of the option pricing model based on the exponential GARCH (EGARCH) process of Nelson. Using S&P 500 options data, we find that the EGARCH model performs better than the ad hoc BS model both in terms of in‐sample valuation and out‐of‐sample forecasting. However, the superiority of out‐of‐sample performance EGARCH model over the ad hoc BS model is small and insignificant except in the case of deep‐out‐of‐money put options. The out‐performance diminishes as one lengthens the forecasting horizon. Interestingly, we find that the more complicated EGARCH model performs worse than the ad hoc BS model in hedging, irrespective of moneyness categories and hedging horizons. For at‐the‐money and out‐of‐the‐money put options, the underperformance of the EGARCH model in hedging is statistically significant. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 23:1191–1207, 2003
Lemmatization and Morphological Tagging in German and Latin: A Comparison and a Survey of the State-of-the-art

This paper relates to the challenge of morphological tagging and lemmatization in morphologically rich languages by example of German and Latin. We focus on the question what a practitioner can expect when using state-of-the-art solutions out of the box. Moreover, we contrast these with old(er) methods and implementations for POS tagging. We examine to what degree recent efforts in tagger development are reflected by improved accuracies ― and at what cost, in terms of training and processing time. We also conduct in-domain vs. out-domain evaluation. Out-domain evaluations are particularly insightful because the distribution of the data which is being tagged by a user will typically differ from the distribution on which the tagger has been trained. Furthermore, two lemmatization techniques are evaluated. Finally, we compare pipeline tagging vs. a tagging approach that acknowledges dependencies between inflectional categories.
The Degradation, Absorption, and Solubility of Volatile Anesthetics in Soda Lime Depend on Water Content

Absorption of anesthetic into soda lime may delay induction of anesthesia and degradation by soda lime may produce toxic products. We determined whether the moisture content of soda time influences the mechanisms underlying absorption (saturable uptake), degradation, and solubility (nonsaturable uptake). We placed liquid anesthetic (sevoflurane, isoflurane, halothane, enflurane, or desflurane) in 581‐mL equilibration flasks containing soda lime of various water contents (0%‐15.1 % H[2]O) and sampled the vapor concentrations repeatedly for 24‐35 h. Loss of vapor from the gas phase was partitioned into absorption, degradation, and solubility factors by regression analyses. We also found that soda lime in absorbers may dry from H[2]O contents of 15% to 4%‐8,5% in routine clinical use. Our observations suggest that during induction of anesthesia a portion of the delivered anesthetic may be lost to the soda lime, rather than delivered to the patient. In addition, the potential for production of toxic products may be increased when volatile anesthetics are used with dry soda lime.
Testing the Diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder Through Measures of Dissociation, Absorption, Hypnotizability and PTSD: A Norwegian Pilot Study

A total of 14 women meeting criteria for dissociative identity disorder (DID) based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed. [DSM–IV]) were compared to a group of women (n = 10) with other dissociative diagnoses and a group of normal controls (n = 14) with regard to dissociativity, absorption, trauma related symptoms and hypnotizability. Both of the clinical groups reported histories of childhood trauma and attained high PTSD scores. The DID group differed significantly from the group with other dissociative diagnoses and the non-diagnosed comparison group with regard to hypnotizability, the variety of dissociative symptomatology, and the magnitude of dissociative symptomatology. However, no significant differences between the two clinical groups were detected with regard to absorption, general dissociative level, or symptoms related to traumatic stress. Results support the notion that DID can be regarded as a clinical entity which is separable from other dissociative disorders. Results also indicated that hypnotizability is the most important clinical feature of DID.
Myelin‐specific proteolipid protein is expressed in myelinating schwann cells but is not incorporated into myelin sheaths

Contrary to widely held beliefs, the gene encoding proteolipid protein (PLP), the major structural protein of central nervous system myelin, is ecpressed in Schwann cells and their tumors. Proteolipid mRNA was identified in human acoustic neuromas and in rat and rabbit sciatic nerves using a human PLP cDNA as probe. Proteolipid protein itself was shown to be present in human and rat sciatic nerve Schwann cells by immunofluorescence microscopy and by Western blot analysis using antisera raised to a sythetic PLP polypeptide. Although easily detected in the Schwann cell body, PLP was not detected in the peripheral myelin itself, suggesting that PLP is preferentially excluded from this protion of the Schwann cell membrane.
Needs and Feelings of Anxiety of Relatives of Patients Hospitalized in Intensive Care Units

Abstract Introduction: This study explores the needs and anxiety levels of relatives faced with the stress of a family member's critical care hospitalization in relation to the relatives' age, gender, educational level and type of kinship with the patient and in relationship to the characteristics of the admission and the condition of the patient. Methods: Participants were 200 relatives of 120 different critical care patients. Family needs were measured by means of the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory. Anxiety was measured by means of the State version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results and conclusion: Relatives' needs and anxiety levels are found to be significantly related to demographic variables and type of kinship with the patient. The implications for clinical practice are discussed.
A Selective Medium and a Specific Probe for Detection of Vibrio vulnificus

ABSTRACT A selective medium (VVM) and a specific 16S rRNA gene (rDNA) probe (V3VV) for the detection of Vibrio vulnificus were developed. The medium contains d-(+)-cellobiose as the main carbon source and electrolytes (MgCl2-6H2O and KCl), which stimulate bacterial growth. Polymyxin B, colistin, and moderate alkalinity and salinity provide selectivity properties.V. vulnificus grows on VVM as flat, bright yellow colonies. Other Vibrio species tested either did not grow or showed green-bluish colonies, with the exception of V. campbelli,V. carchariae, and V. navarrensis. There is a higher colony count on VVM agar than on cellobiose-colistin agar or on modified cellobiose-polymyxin B-colistin agar. The specific probe was evaluated by colony hybridization and dot blot hybridization with PCR-amplified 16S rDNA using collection strains and environmental isolates. No strain studied other than V. vulnificus showed positive hybridization with this oligonucleotide. The combined use of VVM agar and the V3VV probe provided the recovery of V. vulnificus from mixed bacterial suspensions and spiked mussels.
Short-Term Missions: Some Perspectives from Thailand

Recent interviews with congregational leaders in Thailand suggest a need for reframing some of the concerns commonly expressed in missiological writing on short-term missions (STM). North American writers have expressed concern about the ministerial inefficiency of short-term missions, the attendant de-professionalization of foreign missions, and the potential for STM to encourage dependency among recipients. Interviews with Thai pastors in 2007 revealed a different set of concerns. Many expressed an interest in resourcing for stronger congregational life, a concern that is usually missing from North American writing on short-term missions. Short-term missions were also valued most greatly by leaders whose congregations did not have alternative access to the material and relational resources made available by the visitors. Finally, in contrast to concerns that short-term missions promote dependency, the interviews suggest that many Thai leaders were using the relational networks to access moral and material resources that enhanced ministerial vitality and independence.
Latitudinal Patterns of Biological Invasions in Marine Ecosystems : A Polar Perspective

Biological invasions in coastal ecosystems have occurred throughout Earth’s history, but the scale and tempo have increased greatly in recent time due to human-mediated dispersal. Available data suggest that a strong latitudinal pattern exists for such human introductions in coastal systems. The documented number of introduced species (with established, self-sustaining populations) is greatest in temperate regions and declines sharply at higher latitudes. This observed invasion pattern across latitudes may result from differences in (1) historical baseline knowledge, (2) propagule supply, (3) resistance to invasion, and (4) disturbance regime. To date, the relative importance of these mechanisms across geographic regions has not been evaluated, and each may be expected to change over time. Of particular interest and concern are the interactive effects of climate change and human activities on marine invasions at high latitudes. Shifts in invasion dynamics may be especially pronounced in the Northern Hemisphere, where current models predict not only an increase in sea surface temperatures but also a rapid reduction in sea ice in the Arctic. These environmental changes may greatly increase invasion opportunity at high northern latitudes due to shipping, mineral exploration, shoreline development, and other human responses.