Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Primary total knee arthroplasty in patients receiving workers' compensation benefits.

OBJECTIVE To determine the influence of Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) benefits on short-term clinical outcomes of primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS In a retrospective matched-cohort study at a single tertiary-care arthroplasty centre in Ontario, we compared a study cohort of 38 successive primary TKA patients receiving WSIB benefits from 1998 to 2002 to 38 controls, a matched cohort of non-WSIB patients, comparing Oxford Knee Score and Knee Society Score (both clinical and functional components) as well as flexion and pain variables, preoperatively and at postoperative intervals of 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year. At least 1 year after their surgery, all patients were asked to complete a non-validated patient satisfaction survey. The number of clinic visits related to the operation was also compared, by means of Ontario Hospital Insurance Plan billing codes for each individual. RESULTS Preoperative measurements showed the 2 groups to be similar. At follow-up, WSIB patients had significantly higher pain scores, poorer self-perceived functional outcomes and a lower range of knee flexion than the control group. WSIB patients also required more postoperative clinic visits and were more reluctant to answer questions about functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS Short-term outcomes of primary TKA in patients receiving WSIB benefits are inferior to those of non-WSIB patients. WSIB patients are seen more frequently for postoperative follow-up, which we would attribute to the persistence of subjective complaints after TKA.
A new look at the stock price-exchange rate nexus

The extant literature on exchange rate forecasting on the basis of the Dornbusch- Frankel, Frenkel-Bilson and Hooper-Morton models prominently reveals the dominance of the autoregressive models over the theory-based models. Some studies have however attempted to upturn the results by including the lagged dependent variable in the theory-based models which somewhat implies comparing a modified random walk with a traditional random walk. We follow a different approach both in terms of theory and methodology. We offer an innovative exposition of the Portfolio Balance theory to stock price â€“ exchange rate nexus. Consequently, a predictive model for exchange rate where stock price is a predictor is formulated. The formulated model is expressed in both linear and nonlinear form in order to account for the role of asymmetric changes in stock prices in exchange rate forecasting. Thereafter, we employ the Lewellen (2004) and Westerlund and Narayan (2014) methods which account for any inherent statistical properties of the predictors. Our results validate the Portfolio Balance theory where we show that the sector-level stock prices consistently turn up as good predictors of the exchange rates. The predictive model proposed in this work does not require the inclusion of a lagged dependent variable to beat the autoregressive models which is the practice in the existing literature. We further demonstrate that asymmetry matters to a large extent in the nexus both for the in-sample and out-of-sample predictability.
Simulation of Switching Arcs Under Transverse Magnetic Fields for DC Interruption

The importance of low-voltage devices to interrupt dc currents under load and fault conditions has been considerably growing recently. From experimental work, it is known that arcs in strong transverse magnetic fields are able to generate arc voltages high enough to interrupt such circuits. To study the mechanisms behind this process, 2-D simulations of the plasma fluid flow in arc chambers, coupled with current flow and magnetic field, were carried out with a Multiphysics FEM program. For arc chambers, where the arc is pressed against a wall, it could be shown that the power removal that determines directly the arc voltage per unit length occurs predominantly by convection in the J × B force field (electromagnetic pump). In this sense, hydrogen is much more effective than air. In a similar way, this mechanism can also explain the effect of strong magnetic blow fields in arcs with free environment.
Improvement of Bragg peak shift estimation using dimensionality reduction techniques and predictive linear modeling

With the emergence of clinical prototypes and first patient acquisitions for proton therapy, the research on prompt gamma imaging is aiming at making most use of the prompt gamma data for in vivo estimation of any shift from expected Bragg peak (BP). The simple problem of matching the measured prompt gamma profile of each pencil beam with a reference simulation from the treatment plan is actually made complex by uncertainties which can translate into distortions during treatment. We will illustrate this challenge and demonstrate the robustness of a predictive linear model we proposed for BP shift estimation based on principal component analysis (PCA) method. It considered the first clinical knife-edge slit camera design in use with anthropomorphic phantom CT data. Particularly, 4115 error scenarios were simulated for the learning model. PCA was applied to the training input randomly chosen from 500 scenarios for eliminating data collinearities. A total variance of 99.95% was used for representing the testing input from 3615 scenarios. This model improved the BP shift estimation by an average of 63±19% in a range between -2.5% and 86%, comparing to our previous profile shift (PS) method. The robustness of our method was demonstrated by a comparative study conducted by applying 1000 times Poisson noise to each profile. 67% cases obtained by the learning model had lower prediction errors than those obtained by PS method. The estimation accuracy ranged between 0.31 ± 0.22 mm and 1.84 ± 8.98 mm for the learning model, while for PS method it ranged between 0.3 ± 0.25 mm and 20.71 ± 8.38 mm.
Telomere length shortening in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies

Background and purpose: Shortened telomere length has been considered to be associated with various age‐related diseases, especially in dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. However, changes in telomere length in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) remain unclear. To elucidate these changes, we set out to determine telomere length in peripheral leukocytes as well as the level of urinary 8‐hydroxy‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) as a marker of oxidative stress in DLB.
Ocular surface disorder in pterygium: role of conjunctival impression cytology.

OBJECTIVE To study ocular surface abnormalities in patients with pterygium, conjunctival impression cytology was explored as a tool for the assessment of the cytological changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comparative case control study was undertaken to evaluate the ocular surface disorders in pterygium. Fifty cases of pterygium and 50 age and sex-matched controls were analyzed for the presence of local tear film abnormalities as assessed by the tear film break up time and Schirmer test. The spectrum of changes in cytomorphology was studied in detail using conjunctival imprint cytology. RESULTS Tear film break-up time and Schirmer's strip wetting were found to be significantly different in study and control groups. Studying the cytomorphology of the conjunctival imprint smears, reduced cellularity and squamous metaplasia of different grades was observed more frequently in patients compared to controls. On overall grading of cytological changes, statistically significant difference was noted between the study and control groups (P value 0.00172). CONCLUSION From the present study we can suggest that aqueous tear film deficiency leading to ocular surface disorder brings about a change at the cytological level, and ocular surface disorders found in pterygium can be interpreted by conjunctival impression cytology.
Surface and airborne measurements of organosulfur and methanesulfonate over the western United States and coastal areas

This study reports on ambient measurements of organosulfur (OS) and methanesulfonate (MSA) over the western United States and coastal areas. Particulate OS levels are highest in summertime and generally increase as a function of sulfate (a precursor) and sodium (a marine tracer) with peak levels at coastal sites. The ratio of OS to total sulfur is also highest at coastal sites, with increasing values as a function of normalized difference vegetation index and the ratio of organic carbon to elemental carbon. Correlative analysis points to significant relationships between OS and biogenic emissions from marine and continental sources, factors that coincide with secondary production, and vanadium due to a suspected catalytic role. A major OS species, methanesulfonate (MSA), was examined with intensive field measurements, and the resulting data support the case for vanadium's catalytic influence. Mass size distributions reveal a dominant MSA peak between aerodynamic diameters of 0.32–0.56 µm at a desert and coastal site with nearly all MSA mass (≥84%) in submicrometer sizes; MSA:non‐sea‐salt sulfate ratios vary widely as a function of particle size and proximity to the ocean. Airborne data indicate that relative to the marine boundary layer, particulate MSA levels are enhanced in urban and agricultural areas and also the free troposphere when impacted by biomass burning. Some combination of fires and marine‐derived emissions leads to higher MSA levels than either source alone. Finally, MSA differences in cloud water and out‐of‐cloud aerosol are discussed.
Transplant Center Provision of Education and Culturally and Linguistically Competent Care: A National Study

Although transplant centers are required to educate patients about kidney transplantation (KT) and living donation (LD), little is known about the educational format, and cultural and linguistic competence necessary for patients to make informed treatment decisions. This study surveyed US transplant administrators about education provided concerning KT and LD and culturally and linguistically competent care. Transplant administrators were invited to participate in an anonymous Internet‐based survey about education format, education providers, promoting LD, culturally and linguistically competent care and center characteristics. Most (61%) transplant administrators contacted (N = 280/461) completed the survey. Most administrators (91%) reported that their center provides any type of formal education in their pre‐KT evaluation. Education was mostly provided by: nurses (97%), social workers (72%) and surgeons (55%), and predominantly as one‐on‐one (80%) versus group discussions (60%). Education was primarily delivered through written materials (93%). Written educational materials in Spanish (86%) and the provision of interpreters (82%) were emphasized over educational sessions in Spanish (39%), or employing bilingual (51%) and bicultural staff (39%). Half (55%) promoted LD as the best option. Transplant centers need to take greater efforts to consistently provide appropriate education, promote LD, and provide culturally and linguistically competent care to ensure effective communication with all patients.
Association of µ‐opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene polymorphism with response to naltrexone in alcohol dependence: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Previous studies have suggested that the effect of naltrexone in patients with alcohol dependence may be moderated by genetic factors. In particular, the possession of the G allele of the A118G polymorphism of the µ‐opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) has been associated with a better response to naltrexone, although controversial results have been reported. The aim of this paper is to combine previous findings by means of a systematic review and a meta‐analysis. We retrieved studies on the relationship between A118G polymorphism in OPRM1 gene and response to treatment with naltrexone in patients with alcohol dependence by means of electronic database search. A meta‐analysis was conducted using a random‐effects model. Calculations of odds ratio (OR) and their confidence intervals (CI) and tests for heterogeneity of the results have been performed. Six previous studies have analyzed the role of A118G polymorphism in response to naltrexone for alcohol dependence. After meta‐analysis, we found that naltrexone‐treated patients carrying the G allele had lower relapse rates than those who were homozygous for the A allele (OR: 2.02, 95% CI 1.26–3.22; P = 0.003). There were no differences in abstinence rates. Our results support the fact that the G allele of A118G polymorphism of OPRM1 moderates the effect of naltrexone in patients with alcohol dependence. This genetic marker may therefore identify a subgroup of individuals more likely to respond to this treatment.
Single major polypeptide of a calicivirus: characterization by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and stabilization of virions by cross-linking with dimethyl suberimidate

A calicivirus, San Miguel sea lion virus serotype 4, isolate 15FT, externally labelled with 125I, was shown by gel electrophoresis to possess a single major polypeptide. The polypeptide migrated anomalously upon electrophoresis in two sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) systems: more slowly than bovine serum albumin in a continuous phosphate-buffered system and more rapidly than bovine serum albumin in a discontinuous system. Estimated molecular weights in the two systems were approximately 71,000 and 64,000, respectively. There was no clear evidence for a minor virion polypeptide. Treatment of purified San Miguel sea lion virions with dimethyl suberimidate, a cross-linking reagent, preserved virion integrity during long-term storage at 4 degrees C. Oligomeric species of the polypeptide were observed upon electrophoresis of products from cross-linked virions. Based upon a preferred polypeptide molecular weight estimate of 71,000 and distribution of oligomeric species, a calicivirion model with 120 monomeric protein units is proposed as an alternative to a 180-unit model.
Direct measurement of islet amyloid polypeptide fibrillogenesis by mass spectrometry

A novel method for monitoring fibrillogenesis is developed and applied to the amyloidogenic peptide, islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). The approach, based on electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, is complementary to existing assays of fibril formation as it monitors directly the population of precursor rather than product molecules. We are able to monitor fiber formation in two modes: a quenched mode in which fibril formation is halted by dilution into denaturant and a real time mode in which fibril formation is conducted within the capillary of the electrospray source. Central to the method is the observation that fibrillar IAPP does not compromise the ionization of monomeric IAPP. Furthermore, under mild ionization conditions, fibrillar IAPP does not dissociate and contribute to the monomeric signal. Critically, we introduce an internal standard, rat IAPP, for analysis on the mass spectrometer. This standard is sufficiently similar in sequence in that it ionizes identically to human IAPP. Furthermore, the sequence is sufficiently different in that it does not form fibrils and is distinguishable on the basis of mass. Applied to IAPP fibrillogenesis, our technique reveals that precursor consumption in seeded reactions obeys first‐order kinetics. Furthermore, a consistent level of monomer persists in both seeded and unseeded experiments after the fibril formation is complete. Given the inherent stability of fibrils, we expect this approach to be applicable to other amyloid systems.
The jaw is a second-class lever in Pedetes capensis (Rodentia: Pedetidae)

The mammalian jaw is often modelled as a third-class lever for the purposes of biomechanical analyses, owing to the position of the resultant muscle force between the jaw joint and the teeth. However, it has been proposed that in some rodents the jaws operate as a second-class lever during distal molar bites, owing to the rostral position of the masticatory musculature. In particular, the infraorbital portion of the zygomatico-mandibularis (IOZM) has been suggested to be of major importance in converting the masticatory system from a third-class to a second-class lever. The presence of the IOZM is diagnostic of the hystricomorph rodents, and is particularly well-developed in Pedetes capensis, the South African springhare. In this study, finite element analysis (FEA) was used to assess the lever mechanics of the springhare masticatory system, and to determine the function of the IOZM. An FE model of the skull of P. capensis was constructed and loaded with all masticatory muscles, and then solved for biting at each tooth in turn. Further load cases were created in which each masticatory muscle was removed in turn. The analyses showed that the mechanical advantage of the springhare jaws was above one at all molar bites and very close to one during the premolar bite. Removing the IOZM or masseter caused a drop in mechanical advantage at all bites, but affected strain patterns and cranial deformation very little. Removing the ZM had only a small effect on mechanical advantage, but produced a substantial reduction in strain and deformation across the skull. It was concluded that the masticatory system of P. capensis acts as a second class lever during bites along almost the entire cheek tooth row. The IOZM is clearly a major contributor to this effect, but the masseter also has a part to play. The benefit of the IOZM is that it adds force without substantially contributing to strain or deformation of the skull. This may help explain why the hystricomorphous morphology has evolved multiple times independently within Rodentia.
3D-Printable Electronics - Integration of SMD Placement and Wiring into the Slicing Process for FDM Fabrication

Several approaches to the integration of wires and electronic components into almost every existing additive fabrication process have been successfully demonstrated by a number of research groups in the last years. While the pure mechanical process of generating conductive wires inside of a printed object has proved to be feasible, the design, integration, routing and generation of toolpaths is still a laborious manual task. In this paper, we present a novel approach to place and wire SMDs in a three-dimensional object, based on schematics generated by conventional PCB design tools such as CadSoft EAGLE. Routing wires in an object for FDM manufacturing requires certain knowledge about the printer’s properties to meet the extruder characteristics, avoid non-ﬁllable regions and electric shorts. Cor-respondingly for the slicing of conductive wires, the software must respect appropriate channel widths, avoid interrupted traces and ensure proper endpoints serving as contact pads for the SMDs. To fulﬁll those requirements, we implemented the design and routing software as a native extension of an existing slicing software. The user works in a three-dimensional representation of the ﬁnal extruder toolpath, augmented by the routing information. The actual computing step is executed at the layer level by manipulating the polygons which represent the two-dimensional object topology and toolpath for each single layer, allowing the routing algorithm to avoid the generation of non-printable traces. We successfully designed and printed some test objects including a force-sensor prototype, demonstrating a signiﬁcant improvement in the usability and efﬁciency over manual solutions.
Human cooperative wheelchair for haptic interaction based on dual compliance control

A human and a robot will carry out a task which is not attainable by themselves. In particular, a human recognizes environment and plans his trajectory without collision with obstacles. On the other hand, a robot generates a controlled force more than a human. In this paper, the best combination of human ability and robot capacity is considered. Based on force commands from a human, a robot supports it A reaction torque observer is implemented in a robot to observe an environmental disturbance. Environmental disturbance is classified into translational and rotational direction modes. As a result, adaptive force control in each mode is attained. Dual compliance control is applied to a wheelchair. A wheelchair that has the abilities of power-assist and relaxation of contact force is developed in this paper. As a result, operationality and stability are improved. The numerical and experimental results show the viability of the proposed method.
Hearing assessment by recording multiple auditory steady-state responses: the influence of test duration

The influence of test duration on the precision of hearing thresholds estimated by recording multiple auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) was investigated. ASSR thresholds at four frequencies in both ears were assessed in 10 normal-hearing and 10 hearing-impaired subjects. The precision of the estimated hearing thresholds was compared for ASSR recordings of 5, 10 and 15 min per intensity level, corresponding to total test durations of approximately 30, 55 and 70 min for hearing-impaired ears. Furthermore, an intensity step size of 10 dB was compared to a step size of 5 dB. The mean difference scores averaged over the four frequencies were 15±10, 12±9 and 11±8 dB after recordings of 5, 10 and 15 min respectively. The corresponding Pearson correlation coefficients were 0.93, 0.95 and 0.96. Increasing the length of the separate recordings increases the precision of the estimates, independent of tested frequency. A compromise between both will have to be made. With a total test duration of approximately 1 h, four hearing thresholds in both ears can be estimated with a standard error of the estimate of 8dB. Sumario Se investigó la influencia de la duración de la prueba en la precisión de umbrales auditivos estimados por medio del registro múltiple de respuestas de estado estable (ASSRs). Se evaluaron los umbrales ASSR en cuatro frecuencias en ambos oídos de 10 normo-oyentes y 10 hipoacúsicos. La precisión de los umbrales auditivos estimados se comparó con los registros ASSR de 5, 10 y 15 minutos por nivel de intensidad, correspondiendo a duraciones totales de las pruebas de aproximadamente 30, 55 y 70 minutos en oídos hipoacúsicos. Incluso se compararon los intervalos de intensidad de 10 dB con los de 5 dB. La diferencia media de puntuaciones promediadas en las cuatro frecuencias fueron de 15±10, 12±9 y 11±8dB después de los registros de 5, 10 y 15 minutos, respectivamente. Los correspondientes coeficientes de correlación de Pearson fueron de 0.93, 0.95 y 0.96. El aumento en la duración de los registros separados aumenta la precisión de las estimaciones, independientemente de la frecuencia evaluada. Deberá establecerse un compromiso entre ambos. Con una duración total de la prueba de una hora se pueden estimar cuatro umbrales auditivos en ambos oídos con un error estándar de 8dB.
Metastatic Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma: An Autopsy Case

BACKGROUND Microcystic adnexal carcinoma is a clinically aggressive, local destructive sweat gland carcinoma with a high rate of recurrence, but regional or distant metastasis is quite rare. OBJECTIVE The objective was to describe an autopsy case of microcystic adnexal carcinoma with hematogenous metastasis and perineural intracranial spreads. METHODS This is an autopsy case of a 73-year-old woman with hematogenous metastasis of microcystic adnexal carcinoma followed for more than 20 years. RESULT The autopsy study revealed that the metastatic lesions were located in the perineural intracranial spread, left clavicle bone, bilateral 12th ribs, and liver. CONCLUSION Physicians should be aware that microcystic adnexal carcinoma is capable of metastasis to the liver and bones with intracranial spread along the optic nerve into the cranium.