Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early immunologic failure is associated with early mortality among advanced HIV-infected adults initiating antiretroviral therapy with active tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND The relationship between antiretroviral therapy (ART) response and early mortality after ART initiation is unknown. We hypothesized that early mortality is associated with decreased early immunologic response to ART. METHODS We prospectively determined the association between changes in plasma human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA and CD4(+) T-cell counts (CD4 count) after 4 weeks of ART and early mortality in adults with pulmonary tuberculosis and pre-ART CD4 counts ≤ 125 cells/µL. Purified protein derivative (PPD)-specific immune recovery was determined by interferon-γ enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assays. Levels of interleukin 6, C-reactive protein, and soluble CD14 were assessed. Patients with CD4 count and viral load values at baseline and week 4 were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS Early immunologic response, but not pre-ART CD4 counts or virologic response, was related to early mortality (8 [interquartile range {IQR}, -18 to 43] vs 68 [IQR, 24-131] cells/µL, P = .002). In a logistic regression model, every 20 cells/µL increase in the CD4 count from baseline to week 4 was independently associated with a 40% reduction in the odds of death (odds ratio, 0.59 [95% confidence interval, .41-.87]). PPD-specific immune recovery was lower, whereas levels of immune activation were higher, among deaths. CONCLUSIONS Early immunologic failure despite virologic suppression is associated with early mortality after ART initiation in advanced HIV/tuberculosis.
Impact of Problem-Based Learning on Social Work Students: Growth and Limits

Social workers are expected to constantly improve their knowledge and experience and respond quickly to new challenges. Educators appreciate the significance of learning how to learn to prepare students for real-life demands at work. For these reasons, problem-based learning (PBL) has been used experimentally in the training of different disciplines including social work. In recent years, the University of Hong Kong implemented PBL to cultivate social work students' self-directed learning and group learning/collaboration abilities. A PBL Questionnaire was devised to assess the growth of students in these areas. Students were invited to fill in the PBLQ at the beginning and at the end of the PBL programme. Two focus groups of graduates and agency supervisors were also conducted to see how PBL training might affect work performance. The PBLQ scores reflected a varied personal growth profile across the different student cohorts. The training stimulated their growth in employing multiple sources of learning, directing their own learning goals and activities, and teamwork collaboration. But growth in group learning abilities was not found. While there was positive feedback from the graduates and supervisors, generalization of the findings requires more rigorous exploration.
Reliability analysis for bearing capacity of surface strip footing using fuzzy finite element method

ABSTRACT This paper presents the reliability analysis on the basis of the foundation failure against bearing capacity using the concept of fuzzy set theory. A surface strip footing is considered for the analysis and the bearing capacity is estimated using the conventional Finite Element Method (FEM). The spatial variability of the variables is taken into consideration to capture the physical randomness of the soil parameters for an isotropic field. A variation of the probability of failure (Pf) against a varying limiting applied pressure (q) is presented for different Coefficient of Variation (COV) of the variables and different scale of fluctuation (θ). The results reveal that the friction angle of soil (ϕ) is the most influencing parameter among the other variables. Further, the influence of the scale of fluctuation (θ) on the probability of failure (Pf) is also examined. It is observed that for a particular COV of ϕ, higher value of θ predicts higher Pf whereas, Pf increases as COV of ϕ increases for a particular θ value. Later, a comparison study is accomplished to verify the viability of the present method and it can be noticed that the present method compares well with the other reliability method (First Order Reliability Method) to a reasonably good extent.
Social Change and the Persistence of Sex Typing: 1974-1997

The most accepted explanation for gender differences is the sociocultural model that holds them to be results of socialization and/or occupancy of sex differentiated roles. There has been extensive social change in the past three decades, reducing sex typed role assignments and attitudes. However, examination of some 30 researches shows that the social change has not been followed by change in sex typing. This present study of trends in stereotypic and self responses between 1974 and 1997 confirms the stability in sex typing, over seven surveys and 4,000 respondents. In addition, there is evidence of increase in the perceived femininity of females. These results are contrary to the predictions from the sociocultural model. They are, however, consistent with the alternate evolutionary model postulating constant gendered differences based on genetic patterns evolved from adaptations to differing reproductive challenges of early males and females.
Improved Ck , λ Approximation of Higher Order Sobolev Functions in Norm and Capacity

The approximation theorem of Michael and Ziemer asserts that any function u ∈ Wk,p(Rn) can be redefined on a set of small Bessel capacity Bk−m,p to yield a function w ∈ Cm, which moreover is close to u in the sense of Sobolev normWm,p. We extend this result in two ways. First, we show that it is possible to obtain the approximation in the higher order Sobolev space Wm+1,p without changing the estimate for the capacity. Moreover, we generalize the theorem to the case of approximation by Cm,λ functions. The proofs are based on a new extension formula, different from the classical one of Whitney.
CHRISTIANITY AND THE VALUE ORIENTATION OF CONTEMPORARY PEOPLE

This research study deals with the analysis of the value orientation of contemporary people. The Christian value framework is represented by traditional values such as family, spirituality and traditions, which are analyzed in contrast with values based on individualism. The aim of the research was to determine to what extent the Christian value orientation applies to demographic groups of larger agglomerations and to what extent is this sample affected by the fact of religiosity and whether the differences in value orientation relate to age. The research sample includes 1,100 respondents aged 15 to 79 years. Compliance with the quota sampling ensures the representativeness of the research. Part of the research is the factor analysis, testing of the differences between the individual demographic variables and the results are compared with the data on religious beliefs of the population. The research results point to the fact that traditional Christian values are unchanging across age cohorts. This means that values such as family, spirituality and traditions can be considered universal in relation to the development of personality. On the other hand, we found significant gender differences. Women have higher affinity for traditional values, in contrast to individualistic values, where no significant gender differences were confirmed. Based on comparing the results of the research with statistical data about religious beliefs of the population, we can confirm that in regions with a higher proportion of religious population the affinity for traditional values is significantly higher.
A Hybrid Algorithm for Convex Semidefinite Optimization

We present a hybrid algorithm for optimizing a convex, smooth function over the cone of positive semidefinite matrices. Our algorithm converges to the global optimal solution and can be used to solve general large-scale semidefinite programs and hence can be readily applied to a variety of machine learning problems. We show experimental results on three machine learning problems (matrix completion, metric learning, and sparse PCA) . Our approach outperforms state-of-the-art algorithms.
Depression, Control, and Counterfactual Thinking: Functional for Whom?

Abstract The present study examined relationships among counterfactual thinking, perceived control, and depressive symptoms. Undergraduate participants, grouped according to nondepressed, mild-to-moderately depressed, and severely depressed symptom categories, described potentially repeatable negative academic events and then made upward counterfactuals about those events. Whereas participants endorsing mild-to-moderate depressive symptom levels generated more counterfactuals about controllable than uncontrollable aspects of the events they described, participants endorsing severe levels of depressive symptoms generated counterfactuals that were less controllable, less reasonable, and more characterological in nature. Furthermore, controllable (relative to uncontrollable) counterfactual thinking enhanced retrospective control perceptions for less depressed participants, but depleted control perceptions for more depressed participants. Discussion focuses on the possibility that whereas controllable counter.
Mind and body: how the health of the body impacts on neuropsychiatry

It has long been established in traditional forms of medicine and in anecdotal knowledge that the health of the body and the mind are inextricably linked. Strong and continually developing evidence now suggests a link between disorders which involve Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis (HPA) dysregulation and the risk of developing psychiatric disease. For instance, adverse or excessive responses to stressful experiences are built into the diagnostic criteria for several psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders. Interestingly, peripheral disorders such as metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases are also associated with HPA changes. Furthermore, many other systemic disorders associated with a higher incidence of psychiatric disease involve a significant inflammatory component. In fact, inflammatory and endocrine pathways seem to interact in both the periphery and the central nervous system (CNS) to potentiate states of psychiatric dysfunction. This review synthesizes clinical and animal data looking at interactions between peripheral and central factors, developing an understanding at the molecular and cellular level of how processes in the entire body can impact on mental state and psychiatric health.
Is occult atrial disorder a frequent cause of non‐hemorrhagic stroke? Long‐term ECG in 86 patients.

To assess the importance of occult atrial disorder with possible embolization as a cause of non-hemorrhagic stroke, 68 patients with neurologic symptoms lasting 24 hours or more and 18 patients with transient ischemic attacks were examined by long-term electrocardiographic recording (LTER). Lacking matched controls we used a reference population of 103 elderly subjects selected at random from the general population for a previous LTER study. Permanent or episodic atrial arrhythmias of types known to cause cerebral embolization were detected by LTER in 32 (47%) of the 68 patients with a clinical diagnosis of cerebral embolization or thrombosis and in 6 (33%) of the 18 patients with transient ischemic attacks. Of the 38 patients with atrial arrhythmia during LTER 17 had such arrhythmias in their standard ECGs. This frequency of atrial arrhythmias during LTER differs from that of the reference population (p less than 0.025). Thirteen of 16 patients with multiple cerebral lesions had signs of atrial arrhythmia during LTER. Patients having occult atrial disorder with episodic atrial arrhythmia may be an important and common risk group for non-hemorrhagic stroke in addition to the previously recognized group of patients with atrial arrhythmia detectable in the standard ECG. LTER may be important in the evaluation of patients with unexplained stroke.
The Benefits of Church Involvement for African- Americans

Previous research has indicated that African-Americans benefit physically, psychologically, and socially when they are involved with religious organizations. While research has consistently highlighted the importance of the African-American church for individuals, couples, and families, little research has examined the benefits of church involvement from the perspectives of congregants, church staff, and the church pastor. To address this largely overlooked disparity in the research, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 17 African-Americans who were regular and active members in an African-American Baptist church organization in the Midwest. Although participants represented only one religious denomination, they represented a variety of social classes and educational levels. The participants were asked questions that explored their views regarding what they considered to be the most beneficial aspects of church attendance. The qualitative data were analyzed using a grounded theory methodology to determine recurring themes that were mentioned and explained by the participants. The findings were compiled through detailed ethnographic fieldwork, transcripts, observational materials, and interviews. This paper will explore seven recurring themes, including: (a) Fellowship; (b) Evangelism and Discipleship; (c) Positive Internal experiences; (d) Family-like Connections; (e) The Provision of Hope; (f) Extensive Community Outreach; and (g) Pastoral Love for the Church. Narratives will be offered to support and illustrate each of these themes. Implications regarding the value of creating strong partnerships between social service agencies and African-American church organizations are also provided.
CD74 Is Expressed by Multiple Myeloma and Is a Promising Target for Therapy

Purpose: CD74 (HLA-DR-associated invariant chain) plays a role in antigen presentation. In addition to its expression on antigen-presenting cells, it is expressed by carcinomas of renal, lung, gastric, and thymic origin and by certain sarcomas. The restricted expression of CD74 by normal tissues and its very rapid internalization make CD74 an attractive therapeutic target for both cancer and immunologic diseases. Preclinical efficacy of anti-CD74 monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy has been demonstrated in B-lymphoma models. Because there are few validated antigenic targets in multiple myeloma, CD74 expression was examined. Experimental Design: CD74 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in bone marrow biopsies of known multiple myeloma cases. Its expression was measured by flow cytometry in multiple myeloma lines, and CD74 mRNA expression was determined by reverse transcription-PCR. In addition, the in vitro antiproliferative effect of LL1 mAb was evaluated on a CD74+ multiple myeloma cell line using a [3H]thymidine incorporation assay. Results: CD74 expression was observed in 19 of 22 cases of multiple myeloma, with most expressing moderate to high levels in the majority of malignant plasma cells. CD74 was expressed by most multiple myeloma cell lines, as was CD74 mRNA, at levels mirroring CD74 protein. Also, unlabeled LL1 mAb mediated in vitro growth inhibition of a CD74+ multiple myeloma cell line. Conclusions: CD74 expression is frequent in multiple myeloma, with predominant expression by the malignant plasma cells. Because anti-CD74 mAbs internalize very rapidly and LL1 mAb has shown efficacy in B-lymphoma models, CD74 represents a novel and promising target for treatment of multiple myeloma. Therefore, LL1 mAb is well suited as a carrier of radionuclides, drugs, or toxins, and also has activity as an unlabeled mAb, thereby supporting its development for this unmet need in cancer therapy.
Sparse representation based lossy hyperspectral data compression

Sparse representation is capable of modeling signals as linear combination of a few atoms from a pre-trained dictionary. It allows learning an adaptive dictionary that leads to highly sparse nature in the representation of signals. In this paper, sparse representation is deployed in a lossy hyperspectral data compression framework. Dictionaries that exploit spectral correlation, as well as both spectral and spatial correlations are trained using online dictionary learning. A hyperspectral data is then represented using the learned dictionary via sparse coding. The resulting sparse coefficients are encoded to formulate the final bit stream. Experimental results on a number of hyperspectral datasets show that the proposed approach is indeed competitive to wavelet based methods, such as 3D-SPIHT, in terms of rate-distortion performance.
Resilience, Stress, and Depression among Russian Immigrants to Israel

This article reports the relationships between resilience, demographic characteristics, immigration demands, and depression in a sample of 450 adult Russian immigrants to Israel. Contrary to theories of how resilience is related to psychological outcomes, no support was found for resilience modifying or mediating the relationship between the demands of immigration and depression. Resilience did, however, increase the risk of not being depressed by about two-fold (p < .0001).
Statistical language learning

From the Publisher: Eugene Charniak breaks new ground in artificial intelligence research by presenting statistical language processing from an artificial intelligence point of view in a text for researchers and scientists with a traditional computer science background. New, exacting empirical methods are needed to break the deadlock in such areas of artificial intelligence as robotics, knowledge representation, machine learning, machine translation, and natural language processing (NLP). It is time, Charniak observes, to switch paradigms. This text introduces statistical language processing techniques -- word tagging, parsing with probabilistic context free grammars, grammar induction, syntactic disambiguation, semantic word classes, word-sense disambiguation -- along with the underlying mathematics and chapter exercises. Charniak points out that as a method of attacking NLP problems, the statistical approach has several advantages. It is grounded in real text and therefore promises to produce usable results, and it offers an obvious way to approach learning: "one simply gathers statistics. " Language, Speech, and Communication
N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide as a Predictor of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction in Hemodialysis Patients without Fluid Overload

Background/Aims: The diagnostic value of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (EF; HF-PEF) was evaluated in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Method: In total, 83 patients were analyzed. Left-ventricular (LV) function was assessed using trans-thoracic Doppler echocardiography, and indices of hydration status were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Plasma NT-pro BNP levels were measured simultaneously. Results: A moderate negative correlation was found between NT-pro BNP and LVEF. Subsequently, 77 HD patients who maintained their LVEF (LVEF >50%) were analyzed. Patients with a clinical suspicion of LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD; E/A ≤0.75) showed higher NT-pro BNP levels (p = 0.021), but no significant differences in hydration status were observed between the two groups. Conclusions: The NT-pro BNP level may be a very helpful biomarker in screening for LVDD and HF-PEF and determining the need for echocardiography or a sophisticated cardiac study, even in HD patients.
Role of Body Mass Index, Physical Activity and Nutrients in Cholelithiasis in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract To compare dietary intakes of gallstone patients and controls, 82 gallstone patients and 117 randomly selected control subjects without gallstones were enrolled in the study. The presences of gallstones were determined by ultrasonography. Both patients and control subjects completed a questionnaire exploring their dietary intake. Anthropometric measurements were collected. Blood samples were analyzed for serum glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and serum calcium. Oral contraceptive usage was significantly higher in gallstone patients than controls. Patients were significantly older than controls, had less physical activity and higher Body Mass Index (BMI). However, HDL-cholesterol, serum calcium levels were found significantly higher in controls. Dietary intake including energy, proteins, refined sugar, sodium, calcium, and iron were significantly higher in patients. Dietary fiber and vitamin C levels were significantly lower in patients. Dietary interventions that emphasize the prevention, effect of some nutrients and the contributory effect of others might provide a method of avoiding the formation of gallstones.
Topographic inspection as a method of weld joint diagnostic

The paper demonstrates a topographic inspection in the specific context of three kinds of inspection methods of austenitic stainless steel welds. Visual and metrological inspection was analysed during tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding tests, showing the non-destructive techniques: X-ray, computed tomography, and surface profilometry. The article is a response to the lack of information, especially in the area of non-destructive techniques suitable for wide practical application. The Paper presents advantages and drawbacks of the analysed diagnostic methods and a classification of conventional and specific welded joint flaws. The most important defect in practical applications determining reliability of a welded joint is cracks. This kind of diagnostic is based on the obtained information about anisotropic and inhomogeneous volume under consideration in the heat-affected zone of a weld.
Low-complexity MMSE turbo equalization: a possible solution for EDGE

This paper deals with a low complexity receiver scheme where equalization and channel decoding are jointly optimized in an iterative process. We derive the theoretical transfer function of the infinite length linear minimum mean square error (MMSE) equalizer with a priori information. A practical implementation is exposed which employs the fast Fourier transform (FFT) to compute the equalizer coefficients, resulting in a low-complexity receiver structure. The performance of the proposed scheme is investigated for the enhanced general packet radio service (EGPRS) radio link. Simulation results show that significant power gains may be achieved with only a few (3-4) iterations. These results demonstrate that MMSE turbo equalization is an attractive candidate for single-carrier broadband wireless transmissions in long delay-spread environments.
Gender Differences in Relationship Awareness and Marital Satisfaction among Young Married Couples

Relationship awareness is defined here as thinking about interaction patterns, comparisons, or contrasts between oneself and one's partner in a relationship. This concept provides a frame-work for examining the effects of spouses' thinking and talking about their own relationships on marital satisfaction and contentment with life. During interviews conducted with 42 married couples, wives talked more about their relationships than their husbands did. Wives' marital satisfaction was positively associated with the husbands' degree of relationship talk during the interview. The association between husbands' relationship talk and wives' marital well-being was strongest for wives who talked very little about their relationship. Husbands' marital satisfaction was not related to either spouse's relationship talk. A similar pattern of results was found for contentment with life. Findings are discussed in light of previous research that focuses on gender differences in relationships, in the sense of self and interpersonal communication.