Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preoperative and Intraoperative Predictors of Postoperative Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in a General Surgical Population

Background:Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a devastating condition with an estimated mortality exceeding 30%. There are data suggesting risk factors for ARDS development in high-risk populations, but few data are available in lower incidence populations. Using risk-matched analysis and a combination of clinical and research data sets, we determined the incidence and risk factors for the development of ARDS in this general surgical population. Methods:We conducted a review of common adult surgical procedures completed between June 1, 2004 and May 31, 2009 using an anesthesia information system. This data set was merged with an ARDS registry and an institutional death registry. Preoperative variables were subjected to multivariate analysis. Matching and multivariate regression was used to determine intraoperative factors associated with ARDS development. Results:In total, 50,367 separate patient admissions were identified, and 93 (0.2%) of these patients developed ARDS. Preoperative risk factors for ARDS development included American Society of Anesthesiologist status 3–5 (odds ratio [OR] 18.96), emergent surgery (OR 9.34), renal failure (OR 2.19), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 2.16), number of anesthetics during the admission (OR 1.37), and male sex (OR 1.65). After matching, intraoperative risk factors included drive pressure (OR 1.17), fraction inspired oxygen (OR 1.02), crystalloid administration in liters (1.43), and erythrocyte transfusion (OR 5.36). Conclusions:ARDS is a rare condition postoperatively in the general surgical population and is exceptionally uncommon in low American Society of Anesthesiologists status patients undergoing scheduled surgery. Analysis after matching suggests that ARDS development is associated with median drive pressure, fraction inspired oxygen, crystalloid volume, and transfusion.
Impact of genetic selection on feed efficiency on carcass traits in Irish beef cattle

Impact of genetic selection on feed efficiency on carcass traits in Irish beef cattle J.J. Crowley, R.D. Evans, D.P. Berry Teagasc, Moorepark Dairy Production Research Centre, Fermoy, Cork, Ireland, Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, Bandon, Cork, Ireland, School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, College of Life Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland Email: john.j.crowley@teagasc.ie
Prevalence of Genital Human Papillomavirus Infection and Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Rates Among US Adult Men: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014

Importance Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that is a major cause of noncervical anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. Prophylactic HPV vaccine is available for primary prevention. However, the population prevalence data for male genital HPV infection is not well known, while the HPV vaccination coverage is low in the United States. Objectives To estimate the prevalence of genital HPV infection and the HPV vaccination rate in the United States among adult men and to examine potential risk factors for HPV infection. Design, Setting, and Participants The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) samples a representative cross-section of the US population. Men aged 18 to 59 years were examined in mobile examination centers during the NHANES 2013-2014. DNA was extracted from self-collected penile swab specimens, and HPV genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction amplification. Demographic and vaccination information was gathered via self-report during home-based standardized interviews. Binary multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of HPV infection. Main Outcomes and Measures The prevalence of genital HPV infection and the HPV vaccination coverage rate among adult men. Results During the NHANES 2013-2014, a total of 1868 men aged 18 to 59 years were examined. The overall genital HPV infection prevalence was 45.2% (95% CI, 41.3%-49.3%). The infection prevalence with at least 1 high-risk HPV subtype defined by DNA testing was 25.1% (95% CI, 23.0%-27.3%). In vaccine-eligible men, the prevalence of infection with at least 1 HPV strain targeted by the HPV 4-valent vaccine and HPV 9-valent vaccine was 7.1% (95% CI, 5.1%-9.5%) and 15.4% (95% CI, 11.7%-19.6%), respectively. Among vaccine-eligible men, the HPV vaccination coverage was 10.7% (95% CI, 7.8%-14.6%). Conclusions and Relevance Among men aged 18 to 59 years in the United States, the overall prevalence of genital HPV infection was 45.2% (95% CI, 41.3%-49.3%). The overall genital HPV infection prevalence appears to be widespread among all age groups of men, and the HPV vaccination coverage is low.
DO HOSPITAL MERGERS LEAD TO HEALTHY PROFITS

There have been a number of hospital mergers in the last decade that have resulted in increases in concentration in an already highly concentrated market. Frequently these have been opposed by the Competition Commission and interveners, but have very often ultimately been approved by the Competition Tribunal. Merger analysis in such cases is often complicated, trying to understand the impact of a merger for national bargaining with medical schemes (including the role of regional dominance on such negotiations), local competition for specialists and local patient flow. Given the complexity of the merger analysis and differences in opinions as to effects, there is a strong case to conduct an ex-post analysis of how mergers may have impacted on the ability of merging parties to exercise market power. This would provide a stronger basis to understand how future mergers may impact on competition. In light of information limitations, this paper aim to examine the simplest expression of market power, namely overall profitability. In doing so, it attempts to determine whether the incremental mergers that have taken place have resulted in changes to profitability for the remaining hospital groups. In particular, using publically available information contained in annual reports going back to 1988 for Mediclinic and 1997 for Netcare, this paper aims to construct inter-temporal return on capital employed (ROCE) estimates for the major listed hospital groups to determine trends in profitability.
Effects of experimental graded compression on blood flow in spinal nerve roots. A vital microscopic study on the porcine cauda equina

Compression injuries of spinal nerve roots are very common. However the basic pathophysiology of these conditions is not fully understood. In this study a model is presented for experimental graded compression of the nerve roots of the pig cauda equina, including a technique for vital microscopic studies on the microcirculation flow of the intrinsic vessels of the nerve roots during compression. With this model critical pressure levels for compressioninduced occlusion of the arterioles. capillaries, and venules of the intrinsic vasculature of the nerve roots were determined. The study showed that the average minimum pressure in the inflated balloon required to stop the flow in the arterioles was 127 mm Hg (SD = 18, n = 11), in the capillaries 40 mm Hg (SD = 6, n = 12), and in the venules 30 mm Hg (SD = 10, n = 12). The average mean arterial pressure (MAP) was 150 mm Hg (SD = 14, n = 12). There was a statistically significant correlation (p > 0.001) between the MAP and the pressure required to stop the flow in the arterioles (r = 0.83, n = 14), but no correlation between MAP and capillary (r = 0.09 NS, n = 20) or venular (r = −0.28 NS, n = 34) occlusion pressure. After the nerve roots had been compressed at 50 or 200 mm Hg for 10 min or 2 h, the recirculation started immediately. There was a hyperemia during the first 10 min, with a dilatation of the vessels, particularly the venules. In nerve roots exposed to compression for 2 h at either 50 or 200 mm Hg, an intraneural edema developed. Compression can thus induce changes in the blood flow of spinal nerve roots and may, even at low pressures where only venular congestion occurs, lead to alteration in function.
Targeted Strategic Alignment via Real-time Perioperative Performance Dashboards

This study examines business process management practices of business analytics via balanced scorecards and performance dashboards within hospital processes to target and achieve improvement aligned to strategy. The study maps specific perioperative metrics in the hospital environment to clinical results and demonstrates how business process management is applicable for aligning perioperative clinical outcomes to hospital strategy. Identification of existing limitations, potential capabilities, and the subsequent contextual understanding are contributing factors that yield measured improvement within the hospital’s perioperative process. Based on a 150-month longitudinal study of a large 1,046 registered-bed academic medical center, this case study investigates the impact of integrated systems to qualify and quantify business analytics to improve hospital efficiency and effectiveness across patient quality of care, patient satisfaction, operational efficiency, and financial cost effectiveness. The theoretical and practical implications and/or limitations of this study’s results are also discussed.
Call centre management: is service quality a priority?

In recent years the call centre industry has grown rapidly in size and popularity. In so doing the industry has been perceived to suffer from some of the problems associated with industrial mass production. The nature of the requirement to answer a high number of calls in these centres had led to the use of a traditional “production‐line” management approach. Recently, as a result of both customers’ and employees’ expectations rising in relation to service delivery, the trend is for call centre operations to become more focused on staff empowerment, moving away from the traditional production‐line approach. For many companies this has become a difficult management problem. This paper reports on one such company. Following a number of years’ reliance on carrying out surveys of customer perceptions, and a history of subsequent lack of service improvement, this research used an in‐depth case study approach incorporating observation studies, interviews with different levels of managers, and focus‐group discussions with front‐line service delivery staff (agents). The findings identified the service quality issues to be addressed in order to reconcile customers’ and agents’ needs; and the implications for managers.
RFID-based network for personnel and mission-critical asset tracking in a Disaster C1ity®

The purpose of this paper is to describe a successful undergraduate research project and lessons learned. The project scope is to design, implement and test a proof of concept for personnel and mission-critical asset tracking at the Texas A&M Disaster Cityreg site utilizing RFID system. On a larger scale solution, this system can be used for underground mine safety and communications, subterranean building safety and communications, indoor/outdoor personnel tracking, indoor/outdoor moveable asset tracking, environmental test and measurement, and continuous data logging, trending and homeland security concerns. Our approach is to start with a proof-of-concept scalable system architecture that could be used for a full-scale system. This is an excellent example of how multiple industry partners can impact undergraduate education on a real-world project while seeking new applications for their products and solutions.
Support for farmers' cooperatives: EU synthesis and comparative analysis report: policy measures

In order to foster the competitiveness of the food supply chain, the European Commission is committed to promote and facilitate the restructuring and consolidation of the agricultural sector by encouraging the creation of voluntary agricultural producer organisations. To support the policy making process DG Agriculture and Rural Development has launched a large study, “Support for Farmers’ Cooperatives (SFC)”, that will provide insights on successful cooperatives and producer organisations as well as on effective support measures for these organisations. These insights can be used by farmers themselves, in setting up and strengthening their collective organisation, and by the European Commission in its effort to encourage the creation of agricultural producer organisations in the EU. Within the framework of the SFC project this EU synthesis and comparative analysis report - Policy Measures has been written. Data collection for this report has been done in the summer of 2011. In addition to this report, the SFC-project has delivered 27 country reports, a report on policies for cooperatives in non-EU OECD countries, 8 sector reports, 5 other EU synthesis and comparative analysis reports, 33 case studies, a report on cluster analysis, and a final report.
A Consumer Preference Formation Perspective on Pioneering Advantage in Electronic Marketplace

In physical markets, the pioneer or first-mover often enjoys large market share because of its early entry. This large share is often a result of high entry barriers for late entrants and high switching costs for consumers. In electronic markets, however, switching costs across online retailers are relatively lower and entry barriers are minimal. This paper extends the stream of competitive advantage research to e-commerce settings. Specifically, it conceptualizes and assesses the pioneering advantage of online retailers from the perspective of consumer preference formation. Several propositions were developed for future empirical testing.
HOST GROWTH CONDITIONS INFLUENCE EXPERIMENTAL EVOLUTION OF LIFE HISTORY AND VIRULENCE OF A PARASITE WITH VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL TRANSMISSION

In parasites with mixed modes of transmission, ecological conditions may determine the relative importance of vertical and horizontal transmission for parasite fitness. This may lead to differential selection pressure on the efficiency of the two modes of transmission and on parasite virulence. In populations with high birth rates, increased opportunities for vertical transmission may select for higher vertical transmissibility and possibly lower virulence. We tested this idea in experimental populations of the protozoan Paramecium caudatum and its bacterial parasite Holospora undulata. Serial dilution produced constant host population growth and frequent vertical transmission. Consistent with predictions, evolved parasites from this “high‐growth” treatment had higher fidelity of vertical transmission and lower virulence than parasites from host populations constantly kept near their carrying capacity (“low‐growth treatment”). High‐growth parasites also produced fewer, but more infectious horizontal transmission stages, suggesting the compensation of trade‐offs between vertical and horizontal transmission components in this treatment. These results illustrate how environmentally driven changes in host demography can promote evolutionary divergence of parasite life history and transmission strategies.
Relationships among Organisational Characteristics, Marketing Strategy and Export Performance

The relationships between organisational characteristics, export marketing strategy, and export performance are examined. Based on a nationwide survey of United States exporting firms, it is shown that exporters who are committed to exporting and are formally trained in international business tend to sell directly to final end‐users, utilise their own export department, and charge higher prices for products exported than for sales in the domestic market. In turn, such exporters tend to perform better financially.
Entrepreneurship education and training needs of family businesses operating in the agricultural sector of India

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the entrepreneurship education and training (EET) needs of small family businesses operating in the agricultural sector of the Indian economy.Design/methodology/approach – Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through a survey of 122 agricultural family firms in the Indian state of Punjab. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistical methods to establish causal relationships between key variables and EET needs in these family firms.Findings – Results show that owner/managers of small family businesses have low levels of EET and hence higher needs. Lack of sufficient funds and low awareness about the availability of training are the most significant challenges for these family firms in accessing financial education and training. Factors such as level of education and training of the owner/manager were found to be major determinants of family firms’ take up of EET.Originality/value – This research paper makes an empirically rigorous c.
Repricing Alternatives, Optimal Repricing Policy, and Early Exercise of Executive Stock Options

Traditional executive stock option repricing practices have become obsolete since new accounting rules took effect in July 2000. To avoid associated variable accounting charges that cause uncertainty in future reported earnings, companies have tried several repricing alternatives as solutions to rescuing underwater options. In our three-period utility-maximizing model, dynamic programming is used to not only justify the occurrence of some repricing alternatives but also quantify the impact of the marking-to-market feature imbedded in the new accounting rules. In addition, we derive optimal repricing policies, from an ex-ante viewpoint, which specify how deeply the options are under water before repricing takes place.
Zwischen Beobachtung und Partizipation – nutzerzentrierte Methoden für eine Bedarfsanalyse in der digitalen Geschichtswissenschaft

: This contribution demonstrates the application of approaches from information science to the domain-specific analysis of user requirements in the digital huma-nities. The ongoing project “ Welt der Kinder ” (Children and their World) serves as an example of a project in the area of digital history. In this interdisciplinary project, a team of historians, computer linguists and information scientists develops and tests innovative methods for the comparative analysis of a large corpus of historical text-books. From an information science perspective, methods for the user centred requirements analysis will be applied and evaluated in the context of the digital humanities, resulting in a set of system requirements
Organospecific activation of azathioprine in mice: role of liver metabolism in mutation induction.

The organ-specific mutagenicity of azathioprine was examined by means of the intrasanguineous host-mediated assay in mice, combined with the D7 strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To assay for changes in the frequency of mitotic gene conversion, mitotic crossing-over and point reverse mutation frequency, a single i.p. dose of azathioprine was administered. Kidney-mediated mutagenicity was significantly enhanced. The ability of liver, kidney and lung S9 fractions (from Na-phenobarbital + beta-naphthoflavone induced mice) to activate azathioprine into genotoxic intermediates was also evaluated in vitro by incubating organ homogenates with S. cerevisiae cells as a target organism. Organ-specific activation was demonstrated only in the liver. The relative role of liver metabolism in the induction of mutations and tumor induction was investigated in in vivo experiments with partially hepatectomized mice. The data demonstrated that liver affects both kidney- and lung-mediated mutagenicity and indicated that hepatic metabolism can contribute mutagenic metabolites for cancer initiation by azathioprine.
Simultaneous reduction of iron–sulfur protein and cytochrome bL during ubiquinol oxidation in cytochrome bc1 complex

The key step of the protonmotive Q-cycle mechanism of the cytochrome bc1 complex is the bifurcated oxidation of ubiquinol at the Qp site. It was postulated that the iron–sulfur protein (ISP) accepts the first electron from ubiquinol to generate ubisemiquinone anion to reduce bL. Because of the difficulty of following the reduction of ISP optically, direct evidence for the early involvement of ISP in ubiquinol oxidation is not available. Using the ultra-fast microfluidic mixer and the freeze-quenching device, coupled with EPR, we have been able to determine the presteady-state kinetics of ISP and cytochrome bL reduction by ubiquinol. The first-phase reduction of ISP starts as early as 100 μs with a t1/2 of 250 μs. A similar reduction kinetic is also observed for cytochrome bL, indicating a simultaneous reduction of both ISP and bL. These results are consistent with the fact that no ubisemiquinone was detected at the Qp site during oxidation of ubiquinol. Under the same conditions, by using stopped flow, the reduction rates of cytochromes bH and c1 were 403 s−1 (t1/2 1.7 ms) and 164 s−1 (t1/2 4.2 ms), respectively.
Rapid resetting of rabbit aortic baroreceptors and reflex heart rate responses by directional changes in blood pressure.

In both anaesthetized and conscious rabbits, perivascular balloon inflations slowly raised or lowered mean arterial pressure (M.A.P.), at 1‐2 mmHg/s, from resting to various plateau pressures. Deflations then returned the M.A.P. to resting. 'Steady‐state' curves relating M.A.P. to unitary aortic baroreceptor firing, integrated aortic nerve activity and heart rate were derived during the primary and return pressure changes and they formed typical hysteresis loops. In single units, return M.A.P.‐frequency curves were shifted in the same direction as the primary pressure changes by an average 0.37 mmHg per mmHg change in M.A.P. Shifts were linearly related to the changes in M.A.P. between resting and plateau levels for all pressure rises and for falls less than 30 mmHg. They were established within 30 s and were quantitatively similar to the rapid resetting of baroreceptor function curves found 15 min‐2 h after a change in resting M.A.P. (Dorward, Andresen, Burke, Oliver & Korner, 1982). Unit threshold pressures were shifted within 20 s to the same extent as the over‐all curve shift to which they contributed. In the whole aortic nerve, return M.A.P.‐integrated activity curves were shifted to same degree as unit function curves in both anaesthetized and conscious rabbits. Simultaneous shifts of return reflex M.A.P.‐heart rate curves were also seen in conscious rabbits within 30 s. During M.A.P. falls, receptor and reflex hysteresis was similar, but during M.A.P. rises, reflex shifts were double baroreceptor shifts, suggesting the involvement of other pressure‐sensitive receptors. We conclude that hysteresis shifts in baroreceptor function curves, which follow the reversal of slow ramp changes in blood pressure are a form of rapid resetting. They are accompanied by rapid resetting of reflex heart rate responses. We regard this as an important mechanism in blood pressure control which produces relatively high‐gain reflex responses, during slow directional pressure changes, over a wider range of absolute pressure levels than would otherwise be possible.
Condensés de textes par des méthodes numériques

Since information in electronic form is already a standard, and that the variety and the quantity of information become increasingly large, the methods of summarizing or automatic condensation of texts is a critical phase of the analysis of texts. This article describes Cortex a system based on numerical methods, which allows obtaining a condensation of a text, which is independent of the topic and of the length of the text. The structure of the system enables it to find the abstracts in French or Spanish in very short times.