Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flow cytometry: a clinical test of platelet function.

INCE PLATELETS were first identified in 1881,' there S has been continuous and recently accelerating progress in our basic understanding of platelet f~nction. '. ~ Despite this great progress and the fact that platelets are so readily accessible for study compared with noncirculating human cells, there is a remarkable paucity of clinically useful tests of platelet function. Tests of platelet function have included measurements of the ability of platelets to adhere, aggregate, andor activate. The only standard clinical tests of platelet function are the bleeding time and platelet aggregometry, both of which have major limitation^. ^. ^ Other tests used to study platelet function in clinical research settings include plasma assays for platelet factor 4, p-thromboglobulin, and soluble P-~electin,~. ~ plasma and urine assays for thromboxane A2 metabolites,'". '' and the Wu and Hoak method for the detection of circulating platelet aggregates. " Platelet hyperreactivity andor circulating activated platelets have been reported to be associated with many common clinical settings, including unstable angina,'" acute myocardial infarction,13 angiopla~ty,'~ cardiopulmonary by pas^,'^ stroke,16 transient ischemic attacks," diabetes mellitus," cigarette smoking,Is hyperlip~proteinemia,'~ emotional stress,*" strenuous exercise,2' and blood bank storage of platelets for transfusion. " However, in many of these clinical settings, the role of platelet function testing is controversial, in part because the methods used to detect platelet function (eg. platelet aggregation and radioimmunoassays of plasma pthromboglobulin andor platelet factor 4) have such significant methodologic Recently, there have been an increasing number of published studies that have attempted to use whole blood flow cytometryZ3 as a platelet function test in clinical settings. Although there are many advantages to this method, methodologic and practical issues remain. This review will focus on the current and potential role of flow cytometry as a clinical test of platelet function.
Disruption of RNA editing in Leishmania tarentolae by the loss of minicircle‐encoded guide RNA genes.

RNA editing in kinetoplastids appears to be a labile genetic trait that is affected by prolonged cell culture. The transcripts of the G1‐G5 cryptogenes are pan‐edited in the recently isolated LEM125 strain of Leishmania tarentolae, but not in the UC strain which has been in culture for 55 years. At least 32 minicircle‐encoded guide RNAs (gRNAs) for the editing of G1‐G5 transcripts are present in LEM125 and absent in UC. We hypothesize that specific minicircle sequence classes encoding gRNAs for the editing of these transcripts were lost during the long culture history of the UC strain. The protein products, which include components of complex I of the respiratory chain, are probably not required during the culture stage of the Leishmania life cycle.
Low-Cost HIV-1 Diagnosis and Quantification in Dried Blood Spots by Real Time PCR

Background Rapid and cost-effective methods for HIV-1 diagnosis and viral load monitoring would greatly enhance the clinical management of HIV-1 infected adults and children in limited-resource settings. Recent recommendations to treat perinatally infected infants within the first year of life are feasible only if early diagnosis is routinely available. Dried blood spots (DBS) on filter paper are an easy and convenient way to collect and transport blood samples. A rapid and cost effective method to diagnose and quantify HIV-1 from DBS is urgently needed to facilitate early diagnosis of HIV-1 infection and monitoring of antiretroviral therapy. Methods and Findings We have developed a real-time LightCycler (rtLC) PCR assay to detect and quantify HIV-1 from DBS. HIV-1 RNA extracted from DBS was amplified in a one-step, single-tube system using primers specific for long-terminal repeat sequences that are conserved across all HIV-1 clades. SYBR Green dye was used to quantify PCR amplicons and HIV-1 RNA copy numbers were determined from a standard curve generated using serially diluted known copies of HIV-1 RNA. This assay detected samples across clades, has a dynamic range of 5 log10, and %CV <8% up to 4 log10 dilution. Plasma HIV-1 RNA copy numbers obtained using this method correlated well with the Roche Ultrasensitive (r = 0.91) and branched DNA (r = 0.89) assays. The lower limit of detection (95%) was estimated to be 136 copies. The rtLC DBS assay was 2.5 fold rapid as well as 40-fold cheaper when compared to commercial assays. Adaptation of the assay into other real-time systems demonstrated similar performance. Conclusions The accuracy, reliability, genotype inclusivity and affordability, along with the small volumes of blood required for the assay suggest that the rtLC DBS assay will be useful for early diagnosis and monitoring of pediatric HIV-1 infection in resource-limited settings.
Statistical and Machine Learning forecasting methods: Concerns and ways forward

Machine Learning (ML) methods have been proposed in the academic literature as alternatives to statistical ones for time series forecasting. Yet, scant evidence is available about their relative performance in terms of accuracy and computational requirements. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate such performance across multiple forecasting horizons using a large subset of 1045 monthly time series used in the M3 Competition. After comparing the post-sample accuracy of popular ML methods with that of eight traditional statistical ones, we found that the former are dominated across both accuracy measures used and for all forecasting horizons examined. Moreover, we observed that their computational requirements are considerably greater than those of statistical methods. The paper discusses the results, explains why the accuracy of ML models is below that of statistical ones and proposes some possible ways forward. The empirical results found in our research stress the need for objective and unbiased ways to test the performance of forecasting methods that can be achieved through sizable and open competitions allowing meaningful comparisons and definite conclusions.
The eigenvalues of the sample covariance matrix of a multivariate heavy-tailed stochastic volatility model

We consider a multivariate heavy-tailed stochastic volatility model and analyze the large-sample behavior of its sample covariance matrix. We study the limiting behavior of its entries in the infinite-variance case and derive results for the ordered eigenvalues and corresponding eigenvectors. Essentially, we consider two different cases where the tail behavior either stems from the i.i. d. innovations of the process or from its volatility sequence. In both cases, we make use of a large deviations technique for regularly varying time series to derive multivariate $\alpha$-stable limit distributions of the sample covariance matrix. While we show that in the case of heavy-tailed innovations the limiting behavior resembles that of completely independent observations, we also derive that in the case of a heavy-tailed volatility sequence the possible limiting behavior is more diverse, i.e. allowing for dependencies in the limiting distributions which are determined by the structure of the underlying volatility sequence.
Women with Substance Abuse Problems Exposed to Men's Violence - A Public Mental Health Challenge

Objective: To explore self-rated physical and psychological health in two groups of women with substance misuse problems, subjected to male violence. Methods: An examination of the health situation for women with substance dependence being exposed to male violence during life. The study took place in a Swedish context exploring data from 35 women with housing (WwH) and 44 homeless women (HW), regarding posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, psychological and physical problems. Mann-Whitney U-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used to calculate differences between groups and correlations. Results: The proportion of women being exposed to male violence during life for the studied group was 91% (72 of 79 women; WwH 29; HW 43). It was found that the WwH had physical health problems but compared to the HW, significantly less frequent. Regarding psychological health problems, both groups were suffering from self-reported problems, most notably in variables measuring stress susceptibility and embitterment, where both WwH and HW had scores markedly above norm mean scores. The HW had overall a poorer mental health profile as compared to the WwH. The WwH still maintained a foundation in the society compared to the HW regarding housing (100/0%), and custody over their children (91/0%). Conclusion: The study indicated that women with substance dependence and those who are victims of male violence have major problems with both their psychological and physical health. Particularly vulnerable are the HW. Past experiences of violence that have not been processed can further aggravate the women’s health. Thus, we suggest initiating the process of asking women if they have experienced violence in order to then be able to provide appropriate treatment interventions. For the WwH, this process may lead to a prevention of serious consequences for both their housing situation and for their health.
Interrelated role of Klotho and calcium-sensing receptor in parathyroid hormone synthesis and parathyroid hyperplasia

Significance Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a severe consequence of chronic kidney disease. A better understanding of the mechanisms controlling the progression of SHPT and the regulation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) production is clinically relevant. Utilizing parathyroid gland (PTG)-specific knockout mouse models, we demonstrated calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and Klotho together regulate PTH synthesis and PTG growth, and that Klotho contributes to PTH suppression in the absence of CaSR. Klotho exerts an independent function in mediating PTH secretion under chronic hypocalcemia and in suppressing PTG cell proliferation. Moreover, the results revealed a previously unidentified interaction between PTG-expressed CaSR and Klotho. These findings highlight the essential and interrelated roles for CaSR and Klotho to prevent parathyroid hyperplasia, suggesting potential treatment strategies to control PTH synthesis and hyperparathyroidism. The pathogenesis of parathyroid gland hyperplasia is poorly understood, and a better understanding is essential if there is to be improvement over the current strategies for prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Here we investigate the specific role of Klotho expressed in the parathyroid glands (PTGs) in mediating parathyroid hormone (PTH) and serum calcium homeostasis, as well as the potential interaction between calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and Klotho. We generated mouse strains with PTG-specific deletion of Klotho and CaSR and dual deletion of both genes. We show that ablating CaSR in the PTGs increases PTH synthesis, that Klotho has a pivotal role in suppressing PTH in the absence of CaSR, and that CaSR together with Klotho regulates PTH biosynthesis and PTG growth. We utilized the tdTomato gene in our mice to visualize and collect PTGs to reveal an inhibitory function of Klotho on PTG cell proliferation. Chronic hypocalcemia and ex vivo PTG culture demonstrated an independent role for Klotho in mediating PTH secretion. Moreover, we identify an interaction between PTG-expressed CaSR and Klotho. These findings reveal essential and interrelated functions for CaSR and Klotho during parathyroid hyperplasia.
Evaluation of diabetes care management in primary clinics based on the guidelines of American Diabetes Association

Objective: There is a rapid increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia. Diabetes management is an essential constituent to prevent prognosis of diabetes complications. The main objective of this study was to assess diabetes care in primary clinics based on the guidelines of American Diabetes Association (ADA). Methods: A retrospective study at King Khaled University Hospitals, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 200 patients were randomly selected from the databases of primary care clinics. An evaluation checklist was created based on the ADA treatment guidelines such as medical history, physical examination, laboratory evaluation, and referrals. Results: The result showed that elements achieving the ADA targets for overall care were medical history (44.9%), physical examination (59.6%), laboratory evaluation (36.3%), and referrals (19.3%). The other subelement indicators such as referral to diabetes self-management education clinics (10%), dental examination (2%), HbA1c regular monitoring (33.5%), and blood pressure determination (100%) were documented with adherence to ADA standards. Conclusions: Diabetes management standards are an essential element in the success of the management plan. Most of the elements examined are not in full compliance with the ADA standard. Continues monitoring and self-review are recommended.
EXAMINING THE CONSTRUCT OF PERFECTIONISM: A FACTOR-ANALYTIC STUDY

OF DISSERTATION Agnes Mariann Stairs The Graduate School University of Kentucky 2009 EXAMINING THE CONSTRUCT OF PERFECTIONISM: A FACTOR-ANALYTIC STUDY _________________________________________________ ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATIONOF DISSERTATION _________________________________________________ A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Kentucky By Agnes Mariann Stairs Lexington, Kentucky Director: Dr. Gregory T. Smith, Professor of Psychology Lexington, Kentucky 2009 Copyright © Agnes Mariann Stairs, 2009 ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATIONOF DISSERTATION EXAMINING THE CONSTRUCT OF PERFECTIONISM: A FACTOR-ANALYTIC STUDY The construct of perfectionism is related to many important outcome variables. However, the term “perfectionism” has been defined in many different ways, and items comprising the different existing scales appear to be very different in content. The overarching aim of the present set of studies was to help clarify the specific unidimensional constructs underlying what is called “perfectionism”. First, trained raters reliably sorted items from existing measures of perfectionism into nine dimensions. An exploratory factor analysis, followed by a confirmatory factor analysis on an independent sample, resulted in a 9 scale, 61 item measure, called the Measure of Constructs Underlying Perfectionism (MCUP). The nine scales were internally consistent and stable across time, and they were differentially associated with relevant measures of personality and psychosocial functioning in theoretically meaningful ways.
NAD(P)H Oxidase and Multidrug Resistance Protein Genetic Polymorphisms Are Associated With Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity

Background— A significant number of patients treated with anthracyclines develop cardiotoxicity (anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity [ACT]), mainly presenting as arrhythmias (acute ACT) or congestive heart failure (chronic ACT). There are no data on pharmacogenomic predictors of ACT. Methods and Results— We genotyped participants of the German non-Hodgkin lymphoma study (NHL-B) who were followed up for the development of heart failure for a median of >3 years. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected from 82 genes with conceivable relevance to ACT. Of 1697 patients, 55 developed acute and 54 developed chronic ACT (cumulative incidence of either form, 3.2%). We detected 5 significant associations with polymorphisms of the NAD(P)H oxidase and doxorubicin efflux transporters. Chronic ACT was associated with a variant of the NAD(P)H oxidase subunit NCF4 (rs1883112, −212A→G; symbols with right-pointing arrows, as edited? ‘ odds ratio [OR], 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3 to 5.0). Acute ACT was associated with the His72Tyr polymorphism in the p22phox subunit (rs4673; OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.0 to 3.9) and with the variant 7508T→A (rs13058338; OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.3 to 5.1) of the RAC2 subunit of the same enzyme. In agreement with these results, mice deficient in NAD(P)H oxidase activity, unlike wild-type mice, were resistant to chronic doxorubicin treatment. In addition, acute ACT was associated with the Gly671Val variant of the doxorubicin efflux transporter multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.6 to 8.4) and with the Val1188Glu-Cys1515Tyr (rs8187694-rs8187710) haplotype of the functionally similar MRP2 (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.0 to 5.4). Polymorphisms in adrenergic receptors previously demonstrated to be predictive of heart failure were not associated with ACT. Conclusions— Genetic variants in doxorubicin transport and free radical metabolism may modulate the individual risk to develop ACT.
Fitness sharing and niching methods revisited

Interest in multimodal optimization function is expanding rapidly since real-world optimization problems often require the location of multiple optima in the search space. In this context, fitness sharing has been used widely to maintain population diversity and permit the investigation of manly peaks in the feasible domain. This paper reviews various strategies of sharing and proposes new recombination schemes to improve its efficiency. Some empirical results are presented for high and a limited number of fitness function evaluations. Finally, the study compares the sharing method with other niching techniques.
Reliable, Distributed Scheduling and Rescheduling for Time-Critical, Multiagent Systems

This paper addresses two main problems with many heuristic task allocation approaches—solution trapping in local minima and static structure. The existing distributed task allocation algorithm known as performance impact (PI) is used as the vehicle for developing solutions to these problems as it has been shown to outperform the state-of-the-art consensus-based bundle algorithm for time-critical problems with tight deadlines, but is both static and suboptimal with a tendency toward trapping in local minima. This paper describes two additional modules that are easily integrated with PI. The first extends the algorithm to permit dynamic online rescheduling in real time, and the second boosts performance by introducing an additional soft-max action-selection procedure that increases the algorithm’s exploratory properties. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of the dynamic rescheduling module and shows that the average time taken to perform tasks can be reduced by up to 9% when the soft-max module is used. In addition, the solution of some problems that baseline PI cannot handle is enabled by the second module. These developments represent a significant advance in the state of the art for multiagent, time-critical task assignment.Note to Practitioners—This work was motivated by the limitations of current agent-to-task allocation algorithms that do not use a central server for communication. In previously published work, the current state-of-the-art consensus-based bundle algorithm has demonstrated poor performance when applied to model task allocation problems with critical time limits, often failing to assign all of the tasks, especially when the deadlines are tight. The performance impact (PI) algorithm has a much better success rate with these model problems but would be flawed when applied to real missions because it has no mechanism for online replanning when new information becomes available. In addition, it is somewhat restricted in the way it searches for a problem solution, meaning that more efficient plans are often available but are not discovered. This paper tackles both of these shortcomings. The PI algorithm is extended to include a module that permits rescheduling when necessary, and a further module is introduced that widens the scope of the solution search. A third module that is able to offer robust plans, even for large-scaled missions involving many agents and tasks, has also been developed, although it is not discussed here. Implementation and testing of a version of PI that incorporates all three of these modules are the final goal of this research.
Tree formulas, mean first passage times and Kemeny’s constant of a Markov chain

In this paper, we aim to provide probabilistic and combinatorial insights into tree formulas for the Green function and hitting probabilities of Markov chains on a finite state space. These tree formulas are closely related to loop-erased random walks by Wilson's algorithm for random spanning trees, and to mixing times by the Markov chain tree theorem. Let $m_{ij}$ be the mean first passage time from $i$ to $j$ for an irreducible chain with finite state space $S$ and transition matrix $(p_{ij}; i, j \in S)$. It is well-known that $m_{jj} = 1/\pi_j = \Sigma^{(1)}/\Sigma_j$, where $\pi$ is the stationary distribution for the chain, $\Sigma_j$ is the tree sum, over $n^{n-2}$ trees $\textbf{t}$ spanning $S$ with root $j$ and edges $i \rightarrow k$ directed to $j$, of the tree product $\prod_{i \rightarrow k \in \textbf{t} }p_{ik}$, and $\Sigma^{(1)}:= \sum_{j \in S} \Sigma_j$. Chebotarev and Agaev derived further results from {\em Kirchhoff's matrix tree theorem}. We deduce that for $i \ne j$, $m_{ij} = \Sigma_{ij}/\Sigma_j$, where $\Sigma_{ij}$ is the sum over the same set of $n^{n-2}$ spanning trees of the same tree product as for $\Sigma_j$, except that in each product the factor $p_{kj}$ is omitted where $k = k(i,j,\textbf{t})$ is the last state before $j$ in the path from $i$ to $j$ in $\textbf{t}$. It follows that Kemeny's constant $\sum_{j \in S} m_{ij}/m_{jj}$ equals to $ \Sigma^{(2)}/\Sigma^{(1)}$, where $\Sigma^{(r)}$ is the sum, over all forests $\textbf{f}$ labeled by $S$ with $r$ trees, of the product of $p_{ij}$ over edges $i \rightarrow j$ of $\textbf{t}$. We show that these results can be derived without appeal to the matrix tree theorem. A list of relevant literature is also reviewed.
Student performance in first-year physics: does high school matter?

At The University of Sydney, approximately one in four first-year physics students have not studied senior high school physics. Previous studies have concluded that taking a high school physics course has a positive effect on student performance in undergraduate physics. To our knowledge, no study has examined whether students who do not study senior high school physics are negatively affected when integrated into a first-year physics class with students who have studied senior high school physics. An educational context was found in which such a study could be performed. Thus, we investigate the consequences of integrating students with different high school physics backgrounds into the same undergraduate physics stream. The sample consisted of 233 first-year physics students. Of these, 109 had studied senior high school physics, while 124 students had not. We investigated the examination performance of matched groups at senior high school and at university. When both groups were integrated into the same Semester 2 physics stream, known as Environmental and Life Science, there was no statistically significant difference in the Environmental and Life Science raw examination marks for two of the three matched groups (p = 0.421, p = 0.157), and a borderline significant difference for the third matched group (p = 0.049). We conclude that students with no background in senior high school physics are generally not disadvantaged in the Environmental and Life Science physics course, when compared with students who have studied high school physics.