Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thirty‐Day Readmission Rates as a Measure of Quality: Causes of Readmission After Orthopedic Surgeries and Accuracy of Administrative Data

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The rate of unplanned 30‐day readmissions to the hospital after discharge is being used as a marker to compare the quality of care across hospitals and to set reimbursement levels for care. While the readmission rate can be reported using administrative data, the accuracy of these data is variable, and defining which readmissions are unplanned and preventable is often difficult. The purpose of this study was to review readmissions to a single orthopedic hospital to identify the causes for readmission and, in particular, which readmissions are planned versus unplanned. Using that hospital's administrative database of patient records from 2007 to 2009, we identified all patients who were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of a previous hospitalization for a procedure. Readmissions were broadly categorized as planned (a staged or rescheduled procedure or a direct transfer) or unplanned. Unplanned readmissions were defined as either surgical or nonsurgical complications (medical conditions not directly related to the procedure). Almost 30 percent of readmissions were planned. Of the unplanned readmissions, close to 60 percent were triggered by an infection or a concern for an infection. Nonsurgical complications accounted for 18.2 percent of unplanned readmissions. This study highlights the importance of careful data collection and abstraction when calculating early readmission rates. Preventing surgical site infection and better coordinating care between orthopedic surgeons and primary care and medical subspecialty physicians may significantly reduce readmission rates.
Terminal Complement Inhibition Decreases Antibody‐Mediated Rejection in Sensitized Renal Transplant Recipients

Sensitized renal transplant recipients with high levels of donor‐specific alloantibody (DSA) commonly develop antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR), which may cause acute graft loss or shorten allograft survival. We examined the efficacy of terminal complement inhibition with the humanized anti‐C5 antibody, eculizumab, in the prevention AMR in renal transplant recipients with a positive crossmatch against their living donor. The incidence of biopsy‐proven AMR in the first 3 months posttransplant in 26 highly sensitized recipients of living donor renal transplants who received eculizumab posttransplant was compared to a historical control group of 51 sensitized patients treated with a similar plasma exchange (PE)‐based protocol without eculizumab. The incidence of AMR was 7.7% (2/26) in the eculizumab group compared to 41.2% (21/51) in the control group (p = 0.0031). Eculizumab also decreased AMR in patients who developed high levels of DSA early after transplantation that caused proximal complement activation. With eculizumab, AMR episodes were easily treated with PE reducing the need for splenectomy. On 1‐year protocol biopsy, transplant glomerulopathy was found to be present in 6.7% (1/15) eculizumab‐treated recipients and in 35.7% (15/42) of control patients (p = 0.044). Inhibition of terminal complement activation with eculizumab decreases the incidence of early AMR in sensitized renal transplant recipients (ClincalTrials.gov number NCT006707).
INTERRELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN UV‐PROTECTION, MUTAGENESIS AND THYMINELESS ELIMINATION IN N‐GROUP R PLASMIDS

The N-group R plasmid R46 mediates a t l e a s t t h r e e impor tan t gene func t ions . p r o t e c t s a g a i n s t UV i r r a d i a t i o n , it i n c r e a s e s mutat ion frequency and it i s elimina t e d dur ing thymine s t a r v a t i o n . All t h r e e e f f e c t s are i n d u c i b l e and sdepend, e n t and may t h e r e f o r e be mediated by the same gene product . taken advantage of t h e r e s u l t s o f Bi rks & Pinney (1975) , which sugges t t h a t only N-group R f a c t o r s l a c k i n g t h e m R I I (hspII) r e s t r i c t i o n S p e c i f i c i t y a r e e l i m i n a t e d by thymine s t a r v a t i o n . The N-group plasmid RN3 both r e s t r i c t s and modified and we have used a s e r i e s of i t s r e s t r i c t i o n ( r ) and modi f ica t ion (m) mutants (Schlagman & Hattman, 1974) t o t e s t whether t h e r e s t r i c t i o n l e s s (r-) State i s a Prerequis i te f o r e l i m i n a t i o n , W p r o t e c t i o n and mutagenesis.
ANTIBODY PREVALENCE AND MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF BABESIA SPP. IN ROE DEER IN FRANCE

In a region-wide serologic study carried out in 2004 on free-ranging hunted roe deer in various landscapes, we found that 58% of the animals (237 out of 406) were antibody positive for Babesia divergens antigen. Serologic and infection status was also analyzed for 327 roe deer live-trapped in two fenced forest areas over 5 yr (2004–08). For two consecutive years during this period, 92 and 94% of the deer in these closed populations were antibody-positive for B. divergens. Babesia spp. were isolated in autologous red blood cell culture for 131 of the trapped animals (40%). Molecular typing was done on 76 isolates with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–restriction fragment length polymorphism methods targeted at the 18S ribosomal subunit gene (18 isolates) and the Bd37 gene coding for a merozoïte surface antigen implicated in a protective response (60 isolates). Results indicated continuous cocirculation of B. capreoli and B. venatorum in both forests and possible coinfection of animals with both species. No infection with B. divergens was detected. Fifteen isolates were confirmed to be B. capreoli by sequencing part of the 18S rRNA gene. Using PCR detection of the Bd37 gene, all nine isolates of B. venatorum in this study were negative, whereas the 15 confirmed and 50 putative B. capreoli isolates showed very variable restriction profiles, distinct from those known for Bd37 in B. divergens. Two isolates showed conflicting results, suggestive of mixed infection.
Dual-Port Spidron Fractal Slot Antenna for Multiband Gap-Filler Applications

A novel dual-port Spidron fractal slot antenna has been developed for multiband gap-filler applications. The proposed antenna consists of a Spidron fractal slot, two microstrip feeding lines, and a conducting reflector. Two microstrip feeders are used to excite the Spidron fractal slot antenna at the 2.5 GHz and 5.5 GHz frequency bands. The proposed antenna was fabricated and tested. The fabricated antenna has dimensions of 55 mm × 55 mm × 18 mm. The measured -10 dB reflection bandwidths for the lower and upper frequency bands were 25% (2.28-2.93 GHz) and 19% (4.87-5.89 GHz), respectively. Although microstrip feeders share a single Spidron fractal slot, a low coupling level of less than -18 dB was achieved. The measured peak gains of the antenna were 5.64 dBi to 6.78 dBi at the lower band and 6.71 dBi to 8.22 dBi at the upper band.
Combination of telmisartan plus amlodipine in the treatment of hypertension: review of results

The rate of control of hypertension remains suboptimal despite widespread educational programs and an increasing number of novel medications. The combination of drugs with different mechanisms of action has become an alternative to improve blood pressure reduction and control, enhance adherence to the treatment and reduce adverse events. Telmisartan and amlodipine in monotherapy provide effective blood pressure lowering at all clinically relevant doses, but less than 50% of stage 1 and 2 achieve the target blood pressure. This article presents most of the relevant results of combinations of telmisartan plus amlodipine, at different doses, in hypertensive patients and a post hoc analysis of subgroups including the elderly, Type 2 diabetics, those with systolic hypertension and obese patients.
Cavernous sinus invasion by pituitary adenoma: MR imaging.

PURPOSE To define magnetic resonance (MR) imaging criteria for the diagnosis of cavernous sinus invasion by pituitary adenoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS The MR images obtained in 106 patients (86 female, 20 male; age range, 16-71 years) were reviewed retrospectively by two physicians. The standard-of-reference criteria for invasion were the surgical findings. A chi(2) analysis was performed, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for nine groups of MR imaging signs were computed. RESULTS Invasion of the cavernous sinus was certain (PPV, 100%) if the percentage of encasement of the internal carotid artery (ICA) by tumor was 67% or greater. It was highly probable if the carotid sulcus venous compartment was not depicted (PPV, 95%) or the line joining the lateral wall of the intracavernous and supracavernous ICAs was passed by the tumor (PPV, 85%). It was definitely not invaded (NPV, 100%) if the percentage of encasement of the intracavernous ICA was lower than 25% or the line joining the medial wall of the intracavernous and supracavernous ICAs was not passed by the tumor. CONCLUSION The radiologic diagnosis of cavernous sinus invasion by pituitary adenoma remains difficult, but the above-mentioned criteria may be of assistance.
Design of automatic interpretation expert system for weapons ballistic testing data

For the interpretation of weapons ballistic testing data demand, the paper design a practical test data interpretation expert system, using rule-based expert system principles. The paper presents the structure of the automatic interpretation expert system. Based on the system structural analysis, the paper presents such several key technical solutions as knowledge representation, reasoning machine and knowledge base management.
Range-Doppler algorithm for processing bistatic SAR data based on the LBF in the constant-offset constellation

This paper focuses on processing bistatic synthetic aperture radar data in the constant-offset configuration using the range-Doppler algorithm. The analytical two-dimensional signal spectrum introduced by Loffeld (Loffeld's Bistatic Formula: LBF) is used as the bistatic point-target reference spectrum. This spectrum consists of two key phase terms: a quasi-monostatic (QM) term similar to the monostatic phase of a point target, and a bistatic deformation (BD) term which is an intrinsic feature of the bistatic geometry and is due to the separation between the transmitter and receiver platforms. In this paper, both phase terms are combined into a single phase so that by directly using a Taylor series expansion, we may derive the key components of the signal including the azimuth modulation, range cell migration (RCM), and range-azimuth coupling. These terms can then be dealt with using the conventional processing techniques. In this paper, the range-Doppler algorithm is used which utilizes interpolation to remove the RCM, as in the monostatic case. Finally, simulation results are provided to verify the formulations.
Willingness to pay for a QALY: past, present and future

This paper is focused on establishing why a willingness-to-pay per quality-adjusted life-year value is needed and how such a value can be used in healthcare decision-making. Studies that have estimated willingness-to-pay per quality-adjusted life-year values from stated preference data are reviewed and categorized into three groups. These studies are then compared within and between groups highlighting the limitations of existing studies and their suitability for use in policy-making. The future of such work will be discussed, noting key issues for consideration and debate.
Cerebral Asymmetries in Random-Dot Stereopsis: Reversal of Direction with Changes in Dot Size

Visual field differences in stereoscopic form recognition using Julesz-type random dot stereograms were investigated. Dot size was varied in order to test the possibility that variations in the carrier dimension have contributed to past estimates of visual field differences. Twelve male and twelve female subjects, all right-handed, appeared for three test sessions—one with each different dot size. In each session the stimuli were flashed twenty-four times in each visual field, for 120 ms. Results showed no overall visual field effect, but a highly significant interaction between visual field and dot size. For small dots, left visual field superiority was observed, as previously reported by Durnford and Kimura. With large dots, however, the right visual field was superior. This reversal of visual field differences as a function of dot size implies that there is no consistent cerebral hemispheric specialization for stereopsis or stereoscopic form recognition per se. Instead, it appears that there is relative hemispheric specialization for responding to the carrier of stereoscopic information.
Determinants of target gene specificity for ROR alpha 1: monomeric DNA binding by an orphan nuclear receptor

The ROR alpha isoforms are orphan members of the steroid/thyroid/retinoid receptor superfamily. Previous DNA-binding studies indicated that ROR alpha isoforms bind to response elements consisting of a single copy of the core recognition sequence AGGTCA preceded by a 6-bp A/T-rich sequence and that the distinct amino-terminal domains of each isoform influence DNA-binding specificity. In this report, we have investigated in detail the protein determinants of target gene specificity for the ROR alpha 1 isoform and have now identified the minimal sequence both in its amino- and carboxy-terminal domains required for high-affinity DNA binding. High-resolution methylation and ethylation interference analyses and mixing of truncated proteins in a DNA-binding assay show that ROR alpha 1 presumably binds along one face of the DNA helix as a monomer. By analogy to previous studies of the orphan receptors NGFI-B and FTZ-F1, extensive mutational analysis of the ROR alpha 1 protein shows that a domain extending from the carboxy-terminal end of the second conserved zinc-binding motif is required for specific DNA recognition. However, point mutations and domain swap experiments between ROR alpha 1 and NGFI-B demonstrated that sequence-specific recognition dictated by the carboxy-terminal extension is determined by distinct subdomains in the two receptors. These results demonstrate that monomeric nuclear receptors utilize diverse mechanisms to achieve high-affinity and specific DNA binding and that ROR alpha 1 represents the prototype for a distinct subfamily of monomeric orphan nuclear receptors.
Sexual activity as a risk factor for hepatitis C

The accumulated evidence indicates that hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be transmitted by sexual contact but much less efficiently than other sexually transmitted viruses, including hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, because sex is such a common behavior and the reservoir of HCV‐infected individuals is sizable, sexual transmission of HCV likely contributes to the total burden of infection in the United States. Risk of HCV transmission by sexual contact differs by the type of sexual relationship. Persons in long‐term monogamous partnerships are at lower risk of HCV acquisition (0% to 0.6% per year) than persons with multiple partners or those at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (0.4% to 1.8% per year). This difference may reflect differences in sexual risk behaviors or differences in rates of exposure to nonsexual sources of HCV, such as injection drug use or shared razors and toothbrushes. In seroprevalence studies in monogamous, heterosexual partners of HCV‐infected, HIV‐negative persons, the frequency of antibody‐positive and genotype‐concordant couples is 2.8% to 11% in Southeast Asia, 0% to 6.3% in Northern Europe, and 2.7% in the United States. Among individuals at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), the median seroprevalence of antibody to HCV (anti‐HCV) is 4% (range, 1.6% to 25.5%). HIV coinfection appears to increase the rate of HCV transmission by sexual contact. Current recommendations about sexual practices are different for persons with chronic HCV infection who are in steady monogamous partnerships versus those with multiple partners or who are in short‐term sexual relationships. (HEPATOLOGY 2002;36:S99–S105).
NMDAR1 Receptor Proteins and Mossy Fibers in the Fascia Dentata during Rat Kainate Hippocampal Epileptogenesis

We examined the time course of NMDAR1 (NR1) immunoreactivity (IR) in the rat inner molecular layer of the dentate gyrus following unilateral intrahippocampal (hilar) kainic acid (KA) lesions and compared them to progressive aberrant mossy fiber (MF) sprouting into the inner molecular layer (IML). The results demonstrated that NR1 receptors in the IML of the KA side were decreased as early as 3 days after KA-induced denervation, then significantly increased at postinjection day (PID) 7. The densities of NR1 IR in the IML continued to increase up to 5 months. By comparison, MF sprouting did not occur significantly in the IML until PID 17, 10 days after NR1 IR was significantly increased. Recurrent MF-IML neoinnervation significantly increased on days 17, 60, and 150. This progressive MF innervation was significantly correlated with NR1 increases. These results suggest that NR1 receptors were decreased soon after KA-induced deafferentation of granule cell dendrites in the IML; however, they were replaced by new NR1 receptors at increased densities in the granule cell dendrites, which may have released neurotrophic factors to stimulate growth cones of MFs to reinnervate the IML. The progressive increases of NR1 and MFs in the IML suggest that such neosynaptogenesis would contribute monosynaptic recurrent excitatory mechanisms for focal hippocampal hyperexcitability and seizure onsets.
Conceptual and Methodological Problems with Comparative Work on Artificial Language Learning

Several theoretical proposals for the evolution of language have sparked a renewed search for comparative data on human and non-human animal computational capacities. However, conceptual confusions still hinder the field, leading to experimental evidence that fails to test for comparable human competences. Here we focus on two conceptual and methodological challenges that affect the field generally: 1) properly characterizing the computational features of the faculty of language in the narrow sense; 2) defining and probing for human language-like computations via artificial language learning experiments in non-human animals. Our intent is to be critical in the service of clarity, in what we agree is an important approach to understanding how language evolved.
Ellipticine induces apoptosis in T-cell lymphoma via oxidative DNA damage

Abstract The tumor suppressor p53 is often mutated in human cancers. Restoring its antitumor activity has been shown to be a promising therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. Here we analyzed the activity and mechanism of a p53 reactivator, ellipticine, in a cellular model of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a disease that is progressive, chemoresistant and refractory to treatment. We tested the effect of ellipticine in three cell lines with different p53 status: MyLa2000 (p53wt/wt), SeAx (G245Sp53) and Hut-78 (R196Stopp53). Ellipticine caused apoptosis in MyLa2000 and SeAx and restored the transcriptional activity of G245Sp53 in SeAx. However, p53 siRNA knockdown experiments revealed that p53 was not required for ellipticine-induced apoptosis in CTCL. The lipophilic antioxidant α-tocopherol inhibited ellipticine-dependent apoptosis and we linked the apoptotic response to the oxidative DNA damage. Our results provide evidence that ellipticine-induced apoptosis is exerted through DNA damage and does not require p53 activation in T-cell lymphoma.
PNS‐CNS transitional zone of the first cranial nerve

This study examined the ultrastructure of the region of transition where fascicles of olfactory axons leave the peripheral nervous system (PNS) to enter the central nervous system (CNS), the so‐called PNS‐CNS transitional zone. Adult rats were transcardially perfused with a solution of 1% glutaraldehyde and 1% paraformaldehyde, decapitated, and the heads decalcified over a period of several weeks in a solution of 1% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M tetrasodium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid; the latter solution was changed daily. It was found that astrocytes did not form the glia limitans at the nerve entry zone, unlike the situation that exists in other cranial and spinal nerves. Rather, the glia limitans in this region of the olfactory bulb was formed by a special type of glial cell, referred to as an ensheathing cell. Ensheathing cells are found only in the nerve fiber layer of the olfactory bulb. They possess a mixture of Schwann cell and astrocytic features and are more likely to be of placodal than of CNS origin. The meningeal coverings of the olfactory nerve rootlets and of the olfactory bulb are also described and the functional implications of the findings discussed.
Rapid diversification by recombination in Bartonella grahamii from wild rodents in Asia contrasts with low levels of genomic divergence in Northern Europe and America

Bartonella is a genus of vector‐borne bacteria that infect the red blood cells of mammals, and includes several human‐specific and zoonotic pathogens. Bartonella grahamii has a wide host range and is one of the most prevalent Bartonella species in wild rodents. We studied the population structure, genome content and genome plasticity of a collection of 26 B. grahamii isolates from 11 species of wild rodents in seven countries. We found strong geographic patterns, high recombination frequencies and large variations in genome size in B. grahamii compared with previously analysed cat‐ and human‐associated Bartonella species. The extent of sequence divergence in B. grahamii populations was markedly lower in Europe and North America than in Asia, and several recombination events were predicted between the Asian strains. We discuss environmental and demographic factors that may underlie the observed differences.
On the semantic non-completeness of certain Lewis calculi

I intend to show that for S1, S2, and S3 the class of true formulas cannot coincide with the class of theorems. This is to hold irrespective of the meaning assigned to “◊”. when only “∼”, “▪”, and the variables are interpreted in the customary manner. The idea of the proof is extremely simple and can be illustrated by the following argument concerning S3. The formula ~(◊(p▪~p)⥽▪p▪~p) ∨ (◊(q▪~q)⥽▪q▪~q) is a theorem of S3. Suppose now that all S3-theorems are true. Then either ~(◊(p▪~p)⥽▪p▪~p) is true (for every p) or (◊(q▪~q)⥽▪q▪~q) is true (for every q). But none of these formulas is an S3-theorem. Then some true S3-formula is not an S3-theorem. Hence, if all S3-theorems are true, some true S3-formula is not an S3-theorem. Then the class of S3-theorems cannot be identical with the class of true S3-formulas.
Subchronic Toxicity Evaluation of Sulfur Mustard in Rats

Occupational exposure criteria have not been established for sulfur mustard (bis(2‐chlorethyl) sulfide), a strong alkylating agent with known mutagenic properties. Seventy‐two Sprague‐Dawley rats of each sex, 6–7 weeks old, were divided into six groups (12 of each sex per group) and gavaged with 0, 0.003, 0.01, 0.03, 0.1 or 0.3 mg kg−1 sulfur mustard in sesame oil for 5 days a week for 13 weeks. No dose‐related mortality was observed. A significant decrease (P > 0.05) in body weight was observed in both sexes of rats only in the 0.3 mg kg−1 group. Hematological evaluations and clinical chemistry measurements found non consistent treatment‐related effects at the doses studied. The only treatment‐related lesion associated with gavage exposure upon histopathological evaluation was eipthelial hyperplasia of the forestomach of both sexes at 0.3 mg kg−1 and of males at 0.1 mg kg−1. The hyperplastic change was minimal and characterized by cellular disorganization of the basilar layer, apparent increase in mitotic activity of the basilar epithelial cells and thickening of the epithelial layer due to the apparent increase in cellularity. The estimated no‐observed‐effect level (NOEL) for sulfur mustard in this 90‐day study was 0.1 mg kg−1 day−1 when administered orally.