Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Treatment of hepatitis C with peginterferon and ribavirin in a public health program.

BACKGROUND/AIMS In hepatitis C treatment, literature is limited with regard to independent studies developed outside the context of clinical assays. To evaluate the sustained virological response to the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 in a public program in the south of Brazil. METHODOLOGY It is a mixed cohort, the data of all patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon associated with ribavirin for 48 weeks were collected. If there was no early virological response on week 12 the treatment was discontinued. The significance level adopted in the statistical analysis was micro = 0.05. RESULTS The cohort was comprised of 323 individuals. The treatment was completed in 215 (66.6%) patients. With the intention to treat analysis, the sustained virological response was obtained in 114 (35.3%) patients. The factors predictive of the response were lower age (below 40 years) and minor fibrosis (< F3 according METAVIR score), as well as viral load less than 600,000 IU/ml and the absence of hepatitis C virus viremia on 12th week of treatment. CONCLUSION The sustained virological response in patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 treated with peginterferon and ribavirin in a public health system did not reproduce the results obtained in the major clinical trials.
Evaluation of two-input speech dereverberation techniques

In this paper we review the acoustical and statistical principles underlying the operation of a two-input signal processing speech dereverberation technique (J.Allen et al., 1977) and describe modifications to this technique based upon experimental and analytical studies of this process. These experimental modifications include selectable short-time binaural coherence estimation techniques, frequency domain smoothing of coherence measures on a critical-band basis, and suppression rules based on thresholded coherence estimates. The effect of these modifications and choices of processing parameters will be discussed in relation to changes in spectrograms and the quality and intelligibility of processed signals.
Use of a Mobile Sink for Maximizing Data Collection in Energy Harvesting Sensor Networks

In this paper we study data collection in an energy harvesting sensor network for traffic monitoring and surveillance purpose on busy highways, where sensors are densely deployed along a pre-defined path and a mobile sink travels along the path to collect data from one-hop sensors periodically. As the sensors are powered by renewable energy sources, the time-varying characteristics of energy harvesting poses great challenges on the design of efficient routing protocols for data collection in such energy harvesting sensor networks. In this paper we first formulate a novel data collection maximization problem that deals with multi-rate transmission mechanism and transmission time slot scheduling among the sensors. We then show the NPhardness of the problem and devise an offline algorithm with a provable approximation ratio for the problem by exploiting the combinatorial property of the problem, assuming that the global knowledge of the network topology and the profile of each sensor are given. We also develop a fast, scalable online distributed solution for the problem without the global knowledge assumption, which is more suitable for real distributive sensor networks. In addition, we consider a special case of the problem for which a optimal polynomial solution is given. We finally conduct extensive experiments by simulations to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms are very efficient, and the solutions are fractional of the optimum.
Influencing Factors for Cure of Clonorchiasis by Praziquantel Therapy: Infection Burden and CYP3A5 Gene Polymorphism

Chemotherapy of clonorchiasis with praziquantel (PZQ) is effective but about 15% of treated cases have been reported uncured. The present study investigated correlation of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the cytochrome P450 gene, CYP3A5 and cure of clonorchiasis. A total of 346 egg passing residents were subjected and treated by 3 doses of 25 mg/kg PZQ. Reexamination recognized 33 (9.5%) uncured and 313 cured. Numbers of eggs per gram of feces (EPGs) before treatment were significantly lower in the cured group than in the uncured group (2,011.2±3,600.0 vs 4,998.5±7,012.0, P<0.001). DNAs of the subjects were screened for SNPs at 7 locations of CYP3A5 using PCR. In the uncured group, the SNP frequencies at g. -20555G>A and g.27526C>T of CYP3A5 were 15.2% and 9.1% while those were 3.8% and 1.0%, respectively, in the cured group. The cure rate was significantly lower in the cases with SNP at g.27526C>T and EPGs≥1,000. In conclusion, EPGs and SNPs of CYP3A5 are factors which influence cure of clonorchiasis by PZQ therapy. It is strongly suggested to recommend 2-day medication for individuals with high EPGs≥1,000.
Perceived Differences in Instructional Communication Behaviors Between Effective and Ineffective Corporate Trainers

Research has documented positive relationships between instructor nonverbal immediacy, verbal effectiveness, clarity, and student perceptions of learning. The research has been somewhat limited, however, to samples of students in university classrooms. This study examined perceived differences in instructional communication behaviors between effective and ineffective corporate trainers using a sample of 106 corporate employees from a U.S. pharmacy benefits company who were involved in a company training program. Participants completed measures of nonverbal immediacy, verbal effectiveness, teacher clarity, and affective learning. Results indicated effective trainers were perceived to use more nonverbal immediacy and clarity behaviors that resulted in perceptions of greater affective learning than ineffective trainers. Results found no differences in trainers’ use of verbal effectiveness behaviors. Of the variables studied, trainer clarity was the primary predictor of affective learning for trainees.
The Need for Foreign Savings in Post – Crisis Asia

Much of Asia has long been characterised by high domestic savings. East Asia saved, before the Asian crisis in 1997, a third of its GDP, more than any other region in the world. High savings financed rapid capital accumulation that accompanied remarkable economic growth. A question often raised is therefore: why should Asia incur risky foreign savings when it can finance development from local savings? After all, even distinguished economists such as Joe Stiglitz have argued that countries with such enviable savings rates as often found in Asia do not need foreign funds for investment and growth.
Personality in Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): Exploring the Hierarchical Structure and Associations with the Vasopressin V1A Receptor Gene

One of the major contributions of recent personality psychology is the finding that traits are related to each other in an organized hierarchy. To date, however, researchers have yet to investigate this hierarchy in nonhuman primates. Such investigations are critical in confirming the cross-species nature of trait personality helping to illuminate personality as neurobiologically-based and evolutionarily-derived dimensions of primate disposition. Investigations of potential genetic polymorphisms associated with hierarchical models of personality among nonhuman primates represent a critical first step. The current study examined the hierarchical structure of chimpanzee personality as well as sex-specific associations with a polymorphism in the promoter region of the vasopressin V1a receptor gene (AVPR1A), a gene associated with dispositional traits, among 174 chimpanzees. Results confirmed a hierarchical structure of personality across species and, despite differences in early rearing experiences, suggest a sexually dimorphic role of AVPR1A polymorphisms on hierarchical personality profiles at a higher-order level.
Effects of shortening the steeplechase phase (phase B) of a 3-day-event.

Thirty-four horses competing in the Endurance Test of a 3-day-event were divided into 3 groups: horses in Group 1 (n = 15) competing in a 3.5 min steeplechase phase; horses in Group 2 (n = 13) in a 3 min steeplechase phase (Phase B) and horses in Group 3 (n = 6) in a 2.5 min steeplechase phase. The shortening of Phase B was associated with a lengthening of Phase C so that the total distance of the event for all horses was 14,940 m. Bodyweight (BW) was measured and total body water (TBW) and water loss estimated. Blood samples were collected from the horses prior to the Endurance Test, at the end of Phase B, the 4 km marker on Phase C (C4K), the end of Phase C, and 20 min after the completion of Phase D for measurement of packed cell volume (PCV), total plasma protein [TPP], lactate, ionised calcium, pH, sodium, potassium, chloride, total calcium and glucose concentrations, and aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities. Mean +/- s.d. ambient environmental temperature during the Endurance Test was 25.3 +/- 1 degrees C (range 20.3 degrees C-29.7 degrees C). Mean relative humidity was 43.8 +/- 2.4% (range 39%-48.6%) and the average 'comfort index' (CI) was 121. There were no significant differences between the groups competing in the Endurance Test, despite the shorter Phase B. However, there were significant decreases in BW, TBW, net exchangeable cations, chloride, ionised calcium, and pH. The sodium and total calcium concentrations remained at near pre-event values. The PCV, TPP, lactate, potassium, glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase activity increased during the Endurance Test, when compared to pre-event values. Horses competing in this competition experienced significant fluid and electrolyte losses, reduced glomerular filtration, increased glycogenolysis and had significant leakage of enzymes from working muscles during competition. These changes could not be reduced by shortening Phase B and lengthening Phase C.
Susceptibility to hepatitis A in patients with chronic liver disease due to hepatitis C virus infection: Missed opportunities for vaccination

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) superinfection is associated with a high risk of liver failure and death in patients with underlying chronic liver disease. Although HAV vaccination is recommended for all patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, little is known about adherence to these recommendations in clinical practice. The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of HAV testing and vaccination among patients with chronic HCV infection. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 1,193 patients diagnosed with chronic HCV infection over a 1‐year period. During 1,646 person‐years of follow‐up, patients were seen by their primary care provider a median of 10.0 times (interquartile range, 4.0‐20.0). HAV antibody testing was performed in 640 subjects (53.6%), and 317 (49.5%) of those tested were susceptible (HAV antibody negative). Only 94 of the 1,193 patients (7.9%) received the HAV vaccine, including 26.8% of the 317 susceptible patients, 0.9% of the 323 patients who were already immune to HAV, and 1.1% of the 553 subjects who were never tested. Among the 94 vaccinated patients, 45 received only one dose of the vaccine. Three of the unvaccinated patients developed acute HAV infection during follow‐up, and 1 of them died of acute liver failure. In conclusion, despite published recommendations to vaccinate against HAV in patients with chronic HCV infection, we found that HAV testing and vaccination rates were low in clinical practice. Public health programs to increase awareness about HAV vaccination in patients with chronic liver disease are needed. (HEPATOLOGY 2005.)
Comparisons of Belief-Based Personality Constructs in Polish and American University Students

This two-part study used Rotter's Social Learning Theory as a framework for comparing university students from Poland and from the Southern United States on (a) four belief-based personality constructs: paranormal beliefs, locus of control, irrational beliefs, and social interest; and (b) personality correlates of paranormal beliefs. Both Poles and Americans reported high levels of traditional religious belief, as well as disbelief in superstition, spiritualism, and witchcraft. As hypothesized, the Poles reported a significantly more external locus of control and significantly greater endorsement of irrational beliefs. Also consistent with hypotheses, for the Poles paranormal beliefs showed 10 significant personality correlates, whereas for the Americans only one relationship was significant. These findings are consistent with the notion that within the Polish sociocultural situation, fundamental political and ideological conflicts between the government and the Roman Catholic Church may have optimized personal involvement in choosing beliefs and values, resulting in more central, personally involving, and self-relevant beliefs. In turn, these belief characteristics may result in more significant personality correlates of paranormal beliefs for Poles.
Reinnervated Free Muscle Transplantation for Extremity Reconstruction

Reinnervated free muscle transplantation was used to rehabilitate severely impaired extremities in patients with brachial plexus palsy and for functional limb salvage in cases of traumatic muscle loss or radical excision of a malignant soft-tissue tumor. Fifty-eight reinnervated free muscle transplantations were implanted in 46 patients. Twenty-four patients had simultaneous reconstruction of two functions, such as finger and elbow flexion lost to brachial plexus palsy; 12 patients underwent double muscle transplantation; 15 patients received free muscle transplants for limb salvage after tumor excision in an extremity; 6 transplants replaced traumatic muscle loss; and 1 was used for reconstruction of finger flexion after poliomyelitis. Twenty-six latissimus dorsi, 25 gracilis, and 7 rectus femoris muscles were used as donors. All muscles survived. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 18 months to 4 years. The speed and extent of reinnervation of the transplanted muscle depended on the choice of recipient nerve, the patient's age, and the occurrence of postoperative vascular complications. Neurotization by the spinal accessory nerve or the posterior interosseous nerve resulted in the most rapid recovery. The administration of postoperative chemotherapy did not delay recovery of function. Free muscle transplantation is consistently successful and provides a functional extremity in severely handicapped patients.
Pegylated liposomal mitomycin C prodrug enhances tolerance of mitomycin C: a phase 1 study in advanced solid tumor patients

Mitomycin C (MMC) has potent cytotoxicity but cumulative toxicity limits widespread use. In animals, pegylated liposomal mitomycin C lipid‐based prodrug (PL‐MLP) was well tolerated and more effective than free MMC. We evaluated PL‐MLP in patients with advanced cancer. Twenty‐seven patients were treated in escalating dose cohorts of 0.5–3.5 mg/kg (equivalent to 0.15–1.03 mg/kg MMC) every 4 weeks for up to 12 cycles, unless disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurred. Pharmacokinetics were assessed during cycles 1 and 3. Per protocol maximum tolerated dose was not reached at 3.5 mg/kg. However, prolonged thrombocytopenia developed after repeated doses of 3 mg/kg or cumulative doses of 10–12 mg/kg. Dose‐related grade 3 or higher adverse events included fatigue, anemia, and decreased platelets. Cmax and AUC0‐∞ increased linearly over the dose range 0.5–2.0 mg/kg, and greater than linearly from 2.5 to 3.5 mg/kg; there were no significant differences in clearance of MLP between cycles 1 and 3. Median t1/2 was 23 h among dose cohorts, with no trend by dose or cycle. One patient had a partial response. Stable disease was observed in 10 patients across all dose levels. PL‐MLP has a long circulation time, was well tolerated, and can be administered to heavily pretreated patients at a single dose of 3.0 mg/kg and cumulative dose of 10–12 mg/kg before development of prolonged thrombocytopenia; this is nearly threefold the equivalent dose of MMC tolerated historically. This formulation may be active in a variety of tumor types and is better tolerated than free MMC.
When the End Justifies the Means

We explore the possibility that self-defeating behaviors represent self-regulatory success rather than failure. Specifically, we suggest that drug use, overeating, risky sexual behavior, self-harm, and martyrdom represent means toward individuals’ goals. In this capacity, they may be initiated and pursued upon goal activation despite potentially negative consequences, and thus exemplify the long-held notion that the end justifies the means. We propose a means-end analysis, present evidence that these activities demonstrate the hallmarks of goal pursuit, and discuss novel implications for understanding these behaviors.
EVALUATION OF APICAL EXTRUSION OF DEBRIS AND IRRIGANT USING TWO ROTARY INSTRUMENTATION SYSTEMS

INTRODUCTION Apical extrusion of debris and irrigants during cleaning and shaping of the root canal is one of the main causes of peri-apical inflammation and postoperative flare-ups. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to quantitatively measure the amount of debris and irrigants extruded apically using rotary single file system and a multiple file rotary system. METHODOLOGY: Thirty extracted upper six molars were selected. In all teeth the distal roots were sectioned and shortened to a length of 15 mm. The specimens were randomly divided into two groups (n= 15) according to the instrumentation system used. Group A: One shape file (single file system), Group B: Revo-S (multiple-file rotary system). Bi-distilled water was used as the irrigant with traditional needle irrigation delivery system. The apically extruded debris and irrigant were collected into pre-weighed glass vials. The amount of extruded debris and irrigant were assessed with a precision electronic balance. The liquid inside the tubes was dried and the mean weight of debris was assessed. The data were statistically analysed using SPSSS IBM version 22. All statistical analysis was done using two tailed tests and alpha error of 0.05. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The One shape file system produced significantly less amount of debris and irrigant compared with Revo-S file system. CONCLUSION: Although all systems caused apical extrusion of debris and irrigant, the single file system was associated with less extrusion as compared with the use of the multiple-file system. KEYWORDS: Debris, Instruments, Irrigant, Rotary.
Fast contouring of solutions to partial differential equations

The application of Differential Equation Interpolants (DEIs) to the visualization of the solutions to Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) is investigated. In particular, we describe how a DEI can be used to generate a fine mesh approximation from a coarse mesh approximation; this fine mesh approximation can then be used by a standard contouring function to render an accurate contour plot of the surface. However, the standard approach has a time complexity equivalent to that of rendering a surface plot, O(fm2) for each element of the coarse mesh, (where fm is the ratio of the width of the coarse mesh to the fine mesh). To address this concern three fast contouring algorithms are proposed that compute accurate contour lines directly from the DEI, and have time complexity at most O(fm) for each coarse mesh element.
Diet Modification and Metformin Have a Beneficial Effect in a Fly Model of Obesity and Mucormycosis

In an experimental model of obesity and hyperglycemia in Drosophila melanogaster we studied the effect of diet modification and administration of metformin on systemic infection with Rhizopus, a common cause of mucormycosis in diabetic patients. Female Wt-type Drosophila flies were fed regular (RF) or high-fat diet (HFD; 30% coconut oil) food with or without metformin for 48 h and then injected with R. oryzae. Survival rates, glucose and triglyceride levels were compared between 1) normal-weight flies (RF), 2) obese flies (HFD), 3) obese flies fed with RF, 4) flies continuously on HFD + metformin, 5) flies fed on HFD + metformin, then transferred to RF, and 6) obese flies administered metformin after infection. Glucose levels were compared across groups of non-infected flies and across groups of infected flies. Survival was significantly decreased (P = 0.003) in obese flies, while post-infection glucose levels were significantly increased (P = 0.0001), compared to normal-weight flies. Diet and administration of metformin led to weight loss, normalized glucose levels during infection, and were associated with decreased mortality and tissue fungal burden. In conclusion, diet and metformin help control infection-associated hyperglycemia and improve survival in Drosophila flies with mucormycosis. Fly models of obesity bear intriguing similarities to the pathophysiology of insulin resistance and diabetes in humans, and can provide new insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of infections in obese and diabetic patients.
Grievances and the Genesis of Rebellion

Rebellious collective action is rare, but it can occur when subordinates are severely discontented and other circumstances are favorable. The possibility of rebellion is a check—sometimes the only check—on authoritarian rule. Although mutinies in which crews seized control of their vessels were rare events, they occurred throughout the Age of Sail. To explain the occurrence of this form of high-risk collective action, this article holds that shipboard grievances were the principal cause of mutiny. However, not all grievances are equal in this respect. We distinguish between structural grievances that flow from incumbency in a subordinate social position and incidental grievances that incumbents have no expectation of suffering. Based on a case-control analysis of incidents of mutiny compared with controls drawn from a unique database of Royal Navy voyages from 1740 to 1820, in addition to a wealth of qualitative evidence, we find that mutiny was most likely to occur when structural grievances were combined with incidental ones. This finding has implications for understanding the causes of rebellion and the attainment of legitimate social order more generally.
Coordinated Online Learning With Applications to Learning User Preferences

We study an online multi-task learning setting, in which instances of related tasks arrive sequentially, and are handled by task-specific online learners. We consider an algorithmic framework to model the relationship of these tasks via a set of convex constraints. To exploit this relationship, we design a novel algorithm -- COOL -- for coordinating the individual online learners: Our key idea is to coordinate their parameters via weighted projections onto a convex set. By adjusting the rate and accuracy of the projection, the COOL algorithm allows for a trade-off between the benefit of coordination and the required computation/communication. We derive regret bounds for our approach and analyze how they are influenced by these trade-off factors. We apply our results on the application of learning users' preferences on the Airbnb marketplace with the goal of incentivizing users to explore under-reviewed apartments.