Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arterio-Jugular Difference of Oxygen Content and Outcome After Head Injury

This study investigated AJDo2 (arterio-jugular difference of oxygen content) in a large sample of severely head-injured patients to identify its pattern during the first days after injury and to describe the relationship of AJDo2 with acute neurological severity and with outcome 6 mo after trauma. In 229 comatose head-injured patients, we monitored intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, and AJDo2. Outcome was defined 6 mo after injury. Jugular hemoglobin oxygen saturation (Sjo2) averaged 68%. The mean AJDo2 was 4.24 vol% (sd, 1.3 vol%). There were 80 measurements (4.6%) with Sjo2 <5% and 304 (17.6%) with saturation >75%. AJDo2 was higher than 8.7 vol% in 8 measurements (0.4%) and was lower than 3.9 vol% in 718 (42%) measurements. AJDo2 was higher during the first tests and decreased steadily over the next few days. Cases with a favorable outcome had a higher mean AJDo2 (4.3 vol%; sd, 0.3 vol%) than patients with severe disability or vegetative status (3.8 vol%; sd, 1.3 vol%) and patients who died (3.6 vol%; sd, 1 vol%). This difference was significant (P < 0.001). We conclude that low levels of AJDo2 are correlated with a poor prognosis, whereas normal or high levels of AJDo2 are predictive of better results.
Image Completion Using Global Patch Matching and Optimal Seam Synthesis

This paper presented a global exemplar-based image completion method for filling large missing or damaged regions in an image. Based on three proposed completion rules, the image completion problem is formulated as a global discrete optimization problem with a well-defined energy function. The energy function can evaluate image consistency globally and is minimized with an expectation-maximization (EM) like algorithm, which considers patch matching and patch synthesis in a unified way. In the algorithm, M step and E step are achieved by fast coherent searching and optimal seam synthesis respectively. Moreover, E step combines image patch synthesis and coherent correction simultaneously. We analyzed our global energy function and optimization method in theory. Simulation comparisons with other state-of-the-art methods show the superiority of our proposed method in ensuring global coherent and avoiding image blurring.
A projection-based post-processing technique to reduce blocking artifact using a priori information on DCT coefficients of adjacent blocks

We propose a novel post-processing technique based on the theory of projections onto convex sets (POCS) to reduce the blocking artifacts in decoded images. Assuming that original image is highly correlated, the global frequency characteristics in two adjacent blocks may be similar to the local one in each block. Thus, we can consider the high frequency components of the global characteristics that do not exist in the local one as the effect caused by blocking artifact. We employ N-point DCT to obtain the local characteristics, and 2N-point DCT to obtain the global one, and then derive the relation between N-point and 2N-point DCT coefficients. The comparison of N-point with 2N-point DCT coefficients makes it possible to detect the undesired high frequency components, caused by the blocking artifact. From the above notion, we propose novel convex sets and their projection operators in the DCT domain. Results of performance evaluation show that regardless of image contents, the proposed technique is superior to the conventional ones, in terms of objective quality, subjective quality and convergence behavior.
Effect of pedal rate, brake load and power on metabolic responses to bicycle ergometer work.

Abstract In earlier investigations of the energy cost of bicycle ergometer work, pedal rate and brake load have been varied simultaneously while maintaining a constant power, thus confounding the effects of these factors. A two-way factorial design was used to isolate the effects of rate and load upon metabolic responses during ergometer work while also determining any interaction of effects (a power effect). Nine men performed bicycle ergometer tests at five pedal rates (20-100 r.p.m.) with five brake loads at each rate (0-4 kp). Steady-state V˙O2 was found to be a quadratic function of pedal rate when brake load was held constant, and to be a quadratic function of brake load when pedal rate was held constant. There was a significant interaction between the effects of rate and load which resulted in a shifting of the most efficient rate-load combination as the power changed. Significant differences (10-29%) were found between rate-load combinations at a constant power. It was concluded that the energy co.
Homozygosity for prion protein alleles encoding glutamine-171 renders sheep susceptible to natural scrapie.

Natural scrapie has been viewed both as a recessive trait and as a contagious disease modulated by a host locus. To address this conundrum, we determined the structure of the sheep prion protein (PrP) gene, which contains three exons and extends over 20 kb of DNA. In the United States 86.4% of scrapie cases occur in Suffolk sheep, and within this breed 49 +/- 6% (+/- S.D., n = 69) of healthy animals carry one or more PrP alleles encoding Arg (R)-171. Four scrapie-affected sheep were homozygous for wild-type PrP open reading frames encoding the alternative Gln (Q)-171 allele. Analysis of additional cases revealed that all were Q/Q-171 homozygotes (n = 31), yielding a probability of 0.000004 that PrP genotype is unrelated to susceptibility. These data imply that homozygosity for Q-171 codons is necessary but not sufficient for the development of natural scrapie, echo reports of recessive manifestation, and parallel over-representation of PRNP codon 129 homozygotes in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease of humans. Whereas progress has been substantial regarding experimental scrapie in rodents, the occurrence and spread of disease in flocks of sheep has remained enigmatic. Appreciation of the relationship between codon 171 genotype and susceptibility may help define the molecular basis of natural scrapie.
Postlaryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistula: determining the risk of preoperative tracheostomy and primary tracheoesophageal puncture.

BACKGROUND This article considers whether preoperative tracheostomy and primary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) contribute as independent risk factors to the development of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF), as well as discusses the significant factors related to the perioperative management of these patients. METHODS Retrospective data were collected on 145 patients treated with total laryngectomy/pharyngolaryngectomy between January 2003 and July 2010 at the Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario, including whether preoperative tracheostomy or primary TEP was performed. RESULTS One in four (25%) patients developed a postoperative PCF. No increase in PCF rates was observed with either preoperative tracheostomy or primary TEP. Salvage surgery PCFs achieved lower rates of spontaneous closure compared to those undergoing primary surgery (p = .002). CONCLUSIONS Neither preoperative tracheostomy nor primary TEP was associated with the development of PCF. Surgical closure of PCF is more likely to be required in the setting of salvage surgery.
Education and training to support the use of clinical telehealth: A review of the literature

Introduction Despite a growing literature base, substantial investment, and policy changes within governments, the integration of telehealth into routine clinical care has been limited. The availability of appropriate systematic education and training for practitioners has been highlighted as necessary for strong adoption. However, the availability and nature of telehealth-related education and training for practitioners is not understood. By reviewing the literature, we aimed to describe the delivery of education and training in telehealth, with particular focus on content, modes of delivery, types of institutions, and target clinician groups. Methods We performed searches using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, and ERIC. We included studies that were focused on the delivery of telehealth-related academic or vocational education and training. We extracted information pertaining to country, programs and their participants, and tabulated the results. Results Altogether 388 articles were identified, of which nine studies were selected for final review. Programs from five countries were represented and articles were spread across telemedicine and clinically oriented journals. Education and training in telehealth has been provided as both university level and vocational courses using conventional classroom based delivery methods and e-learning. Reported curriculum items included terminology, clinical applications, the evidence-base, and technological aspects. Conclusions Published evidence in peer-reviewed literature on telehealth education and training is limited. According to this review, a number of topics relating to telehealth have been covered by existing education programs both within tertiary and professional development levels.
Influence of body weight and substrate granulometry on the reproduction of Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri (Oligochaeta: Naididae: Tubificinae)

Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri Claparede, 1862 is a cosmopolitan Oligochaeta widely used as indicator of organic pollution in water bodies. Previous contributions have shown the effects of organic matter and temperature on the life history of the species, although very little is known about the factors that influence its reproduction. This study aimed 1) to test whether the larger weight of individuals results in an increase in the reproduction rate and 2) to test the influence of two granulometric fractions of sand on the reproduction and growth the species. In the first experiment, specimens of L. hoffmeisteri were separated in two groups with different average weights (small individuals = 6.63 ± 1.28 mg; large individuals = 12.44 ± 3.99 mg) and kept at 15 ± 1oC for 21 days. The results of this experiment showed that the number of cocoons was statistically similar between the groups, but the mean number of eggs per cocoon produced by large individuals (2.78 ± 0.35) was greater than that produced by small individuals (7.45 ± 2.50). In the second experiment, weekly observations were conducted for 25 weeks in two groups of 30 specimens: one kept in fine sand and the other in medium sand, at 25 ± 1oC. The single significant difference was in the number of cocoons per adult per day (0.37 ± 0.22 and 0.23 ± 0.24, for fine and medium sand, respectively). Individuals reared in fine sand produced a greater number of descendants compared to those reared in medium sand in the same period of time.
Sensitive and Rapid Detection of the New Delhi Metallo-Beta-Lactamase Gene by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification

ABSTRACT New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 1 (NDM-1), which is associated with resistance to carbapenem, was first reported in 2008. A sensitive and rapid molecular assay to detect the plasmid bla NDM-1 in clinical isolates is needed to control its spread. We describe a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the rapid detection of bla NDM-1 from pure culture and sputum, urine, and fecal samples. Eight sets of primers were designed to recognize six or eight distinct sequences on target bla NDM-1, and one set was selected as the most appropriate set of primers for its rapid detection. The specificity and sensitivity of the primers in the LAMP reactions for bla NDM-1 detection were determined. The sensitivity of the LAMP assay for bla NDM-1 detection in sputum, urine, and fecal samples was also tested. Two methods, namely, monitoring of turbidity and addition of calcein to the reaction tube, were used to determine negative and positive results. The results showed that target DNA was amplified and visualized by the two detection methods within 70 min at an isothermal temperature of 65°C. The sensitivity of LAMP, with a detection limit of 10.70 pg/μl DNA, was 100-fold greater than that of PCR. Thirteen infection bacterial strains without bla NDM-1 were selected for testing of specificity, and the results of the amplification were negative, which showed that the primers had good levels of specificity. The LAMP method reported here is demonstrated to be a potentially valuable means for the detection of bla NDM-1 and rapid clinical diagnosis, being fast, simple, and low in cost.
Multifocal inflammatory leukoencephalopathy after fluorouracil and levamisole therapy for colon cancer.

Multifocal inflammatory leukoencephalopathy, a central nervous system disorder characterized by demyelination with perivascular inflammation, has recently been reported in several patients treated with the combination of fluorouracil and levamisole chemotherapy (1–4). Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, ataxia, dysarthria, diplopia, and paresthesia. A lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage developed in a 59-year-old woman. Colonoscopy showed a lesion in the cecum. She underwent a right hemicolectomy and was found to have infiltrating adenocarcinoma in the cecum. The tumor grossly extended through the colonic wall into the pericolonic fat. Three months after starting a combination of levamisole and fluorouracil, she noted increasing fatigability with excessive daytime drowsiness. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain showed subtle areas of increased T2 signal in the periventricular white matter bilaterally (Fig 1A). A subtle area of enhancement was noted in the right hemisphere lateral to the body of the right lateral ventricle and a second lesion was identified in the right centrum semiovale. No mass effect or edema was present. One month later, MR showed rapid progression of the disease, with an increase in the number and size of the foci in the brain (Fig 1B). Stereotactic biopsy showed demyelinating lesions, which were sharply defined with Luxol fast blue/periodic acid–Schiff stain because of myelin loss. There was incomplete loss of myelin sheaths and only rare macrophages. One biopsy fragment showed a
Bottom-Up Determination of Air-Sea Momentum Exchange Under a Major Tropical Cyclone

As a result of increasing frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones, an accurate forecasting of cyclone evolution and ocean response is becoming even more important to reduce threats to lives and property in coastal regions. To improve predictions, accurate evaluation of the air-sea momentum exchange is required. Using current observations recorded during a major tropical cyclone, we have estimated this momentum transfer from the ocean side of the air-sea interface, and we discuss it in terms of the drag coefficient. For winds between 20 and 48 meters per second, this coefficient initially increases and peaks at winds of about 32 meters per second before decreasing.
Pediatric functional constipation treatment with Bifidobacterium-containing yogurt: a crossover, double-blind, controlled trial.

AIM To evaluate the treatment of pediatric functional chronic intestinal constipation (FCIC) with a probiotic goat yogurt. METHODS A crossover double-blind formula-controlled trial was carried out on 59 students (age range: 5-15 years) of a public school in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, presenting a FCIC diagnostic, according to Roma III criteria. The students were randomized in two groups to receive a goat yogurt supplemented with 10(9) colony forming unit/mL Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum) (probiotic) daily or only the yogurt for a period of 5 wk (formula). Afterwards, the groups were intercrossed for another 5 wk. Defecation frequency, stool consistency and abdominal and defecation pain were assessed. RESULTS Both treatment groups demonstrated improvement in defecation frequency compared to baseline. However, the group treated with probiotic showed most significant improvement in the first phase of the study. An inversion was observed after crossing over, resulting in a reduction in stool frequency when this group was treated by formula. Probiotic and formula improved stool consistency in the first phase of treatment, but the improvement obtained with probiotic was significantly higher (P = 0.03). In the second phase of treatment, the group initially treated with probiotic showed worsening stool consistency when using formula. However, the difference was not significant. A significant improvement in abdominal pain and defecation pain was observed with both probiotic and formula in the first phase of treatment, but again the improvement was more significant for the group treated with B. longum during phase I (P < 0.05). When all data of the crossover study were analyzed, significant differences were observed between probiotic yogurt and yogurt only for defecation frequency (P = 0.012), defecation pain (P = 0.046) and abdominal pain (P = 0.015). CONCLUSION An improvement in defecation frequency and abdominal pain was observed using both supplemented and non-supplemented yogurt, but an additional improvement with B. longum supplementation was obtained.
Reasons for Failure of the Ketogenic Diet*

&NA; This study examined reasons why patients discontinue the ketogenic diet. A total of 46 children placed on the ketogenic diet between November 1994 and August 1996 were followed prospectively. Reasons for discontinuing the diet prior to 6 months were analyzed. Nineteen (41%) children discontinued the diet for either medical or nonmedical reasons. Nonmedical reasons were caregiver issues and patients' unwillingness to follow the diet. Noncompliance was more common in older children. The ketogenic diet, while effective, is a very stringent diet. Nonmedical reasons for discontinuation are as common as the traditional medical reasons of lack of efficacy or complications.
Congenital Heart Diseases in Twin Pregnancies

Objective: To find connection between the type of congenital heart malformations and twin pregnancies. Method: Retrospective analysis of data of fetal cardiology database between 1 January 1996 and 30 November 2003. Results: In single pregnancies 455 and in twin pregnancies 31 severe congenital heart malformations were diagnosed prenatally. In monozygotic twin pregnancies 36% of heart malformations were pulmonary stenosis and 45% endocardial fibroelastosis, which is significantly higher than in single pregnancies. In dizygotic twin pregnancies Ebstein malformation was significantly more frequent than in single pregnancies. With the exception of Ebstein malformation in dichorionic and dizygotic twin pregnancies the cardiac malformations were similar to the ones in single pregnancies. Conclusions: The twin pregnancy alone can be considered as indication for fetal echocardiography. The type of congenital heart malformations detected in monochorial twin pregnancies was different from those found in single, dizygotic or dichorionic twin pregnancies. Chorionicity seems to be more important than zygosity.
The impact of chief executive officer optimism on hospital strategic decision making

Background: Previous strategic decision making research has focused mostly on the analytical positioning approach, which broadly emphasizes an alignment between rationality and the external environment. In this study, we propose that hospital chief executive optimism (or the general tendency to expect positive future outcomes) will moderate the relationship between comprehensively rational decision-making process and organizational performance. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the impact that dispositional optimism has on the well-established relationship between rational decision-making processes and organizational performance. Specifically, we hypothesized that optimism will moderate the relationship between the level of rationality and the organization’s performance. We further suggest that this relationship will be more negative for those with high, as opposed to low, optimism. Methods: We surveyed 168 hospital CEOs and used moderated hierarchical regression methods to statically test our hypothesis. Findings: On the basis of a survey study of 168 hospital CEOs, we found evidence of a complex interplay of optimism in the rationality–organizational performance relationship. More specifically, we found that the two-way interactions between optimism and rational decision making were negatively associated with performance and that where optimism was the highest, the rationality–performance relationship was the most negative. Executive optimism was positively associated with organizational performance. We also found that greater perceived environmental turbulence, when interacting with optimism, did not have a significant interaction effect on the rationality–performance relationship. Practice Implications: These findings suggest potential for broader participation in strategic processes and the use of organizational development techniques that assess executive disposition and traits for recruitment processes, because CEO optimism influences hospital-level processes. Research implications include incorporating greater use of behavior and cognition constructs to better depict decision-making processes in complex organizations like hospitals.
In-situ prognostic method of power MOSFET based on miller effect

Power MOSFET plays an important role in power electronic systems, the failure of which will lead to system losing functions. Thus the degradation failure process and mechanism of MOSFET attract wide attention of scholars. However current research works cannot solve the real time degradation monitoring problem of MOSFET. Normally, MOSFET should be removed from the system for testing or monitoring. This paper presents a new in-situ prognosis method for MOSFET based on miller effect. According to the theory analysis, simulation and experiment results, the miller platform voltage is identified as a new degradation precursor. Then, particle filter algorithm is used for MOSFET remaining useful life (RUL) prediction based on the degradation data of miller platform voltage. Meanwhile, MOSFET samples with different degradation levels are formed by “overstress of gate bias” accelerating life test. The samples are placed into application circuit for the monitoring and extraction of miller platform voltage, so as to verify the method proposed in this paper.
Efficacy of a process improvement intervention on delivery of HIV services to offenders: a multisite trial.

OBJECTIVES We tested a modified Network for the Improvement of Addiction Treatment (NIATx) process improvement model to implement improved HIV services (prevention, testing, and linkage to treatment) for offenders under correctional supervision. METHODS As part of the Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Studies, Phase 2, the HIV Services and Treatment Implementation in Corrections study conducted 14 cluster-randomized trials in 2011 to 2013 at 9 US sites, where one correctional facility received training in HIV services and coaching in a modified NIATx model and the other received only HIV training. The outcome measure was the odds of successful delivery of an HIV service. RESULTS The results were significant at the . 05 level, and the point estimate for the odds ratio was 2.14. Although overall the results were heterogeneous, the experiments that focused on implementing HIV prevention interventions had a 95% confidence interval that exceeded the no-difference point. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that a modified NIATx process improvement model can effectively implement improved rates of delivery of some types of HIV services in correctional environments.