Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ethnic differences in the metabolism, toxicology and efficacy of three anticancer drugs

Introduction: Large inter-individual and inter-ethnic differences are observed in efficacies and toxicities of medical drugs. To improve the predictability of these differences, pharmacogenetic information has been applied to clinical situations. Expanding pharmacogenetic information would be a valuable tool to the medical community as well as the patient to fulfill the promise of personalized anticancer drug therapy. Areas covered: This review highlights genetic polymorphisms and ethnic differences of genes, UGT1As, CYP3A4, CES1As, ABCB1, ABCC2, ABCG2, SLCO1B1, CDA and CYP2D6, involved in metabolism and disposition of three anticancer drugs: irinotecan, gemcitabine and tamoxifen. Expert opinion: Recent pharmacogenetic studies have successfully identified distinct ethnic differences in genetic polymorphisms that are potentially involved in efficacies and toxicities of anticancer drugs. This achievement has led to personalized irinotecan therapy, reflecting ethnic differences in UGT1A1 genotypes, and possible benefits of genetic testing have also been suggested for gemcitabine and tamoxifen therapy, which still requires further validation. The ultimate goal for patients is a high rate or even perfect prediction of efficacies and toxicities of anticancer drugs in each ethnic population. For this challenge, more clinical studies combined with comprehensive omics approaches are necessary to further advance the field.
Automated Mobile Highway Sign Visibility Measurement System

This paper describes a prototype of a digital video image analysis system that measures the relative luminance of highway signs using nighttime video images taken by a camera mounted in a moving vehicle. The concept is that by using an inexpensive video camera and laptop computer mounted in a vehicle a measurement of the brightness and visibility of the sign can be made. The system uses real time image analysis of night images of signs acquired on a mobile platform moving at highway speeds, illuminated by normal vehicle head lamps. Using video images at night results in measurements that as closely as possible reflect what the human eye sees. This is an improvement over current practice for ensuring that the signs are performing at night as required. Current methods consist of either visual inspection, measurement of retroreflectivity with a hand-held retroreflectometer, or systematic periodic replacement of signs irregardless of whether they are deficient or not. None of these approaches are ideal. Visual inspection is too subjective, hand-held retroreflectometer measurements are tedious, time-consuming, and sometimes dangerous, and systematic replacement is not cost effective. Results of this research have not only demonstrated that this is a viable way to evaluate the effectiveness of the signs at night, but research has also shown that the retroreflectivity of signs as measured by portable retroreflectometers is not well correlated with the visibility of the signs.
Gifted Students’ Academic Performance in Medical School: A Study of Olympiad Winners

Background: The present study examines the performance of academically talented students (i.e., those who received awards in Olympiads, the international competitions for gifted students in science or mathematics) in medical school. Purpose: The goal is to investigate whether students exceptionally talented in science and mathematics excel in medical school. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 13 cohorts of medical students (N = 475) was conducted to compare learning outcomes of academically talented students (ATS) with their peers in terms of their grade point averages (GPAs) and national licensing exam (KMLE) scores. Results: ATS outperformed their peers in total GPAs (p < .001); yet there was a statistical trend of gradually diminishing performance gap between the groups as they progressed into the later years of the program. KMLE scores were comparable between the groups (p = .89). In addition, there was no significant difference in GPAs and KLME scores among ATS regardless of their areas of excellence. Conclusions: Academic merit alone is not a strong predictor of success in medical school, even among those with exceptional talent. Better understanding of nonacademic factors associated with medical school performance is warranted to improve our selection processes and to better help academically talented students succeed in medical school.
Supine systolic blood pressure and 1-year mortality in patients with acute chest pain.

To the Editor: Dr Stenestrand and colleagues analyzed data from 119 151 participants in the Registry of Information and Knowledge About Swedish Heart Intensive Care Admissions (RIKS-HIA) who were treated for chest pain in the intensive care unit from 1997 to 2007. The study reported that absolute 1-year mortality was 40.3% higher in quartile 1 (Q1, supine systolic blood pressure 128 mm Hg) compared with quartile 2 (Q2, supine systolic blood pressure 128-144 mm Hg), adjusted for age; sex; smoking status; diastolic blood pressure; use of antihypertensive medication and nitroglycerin at admission; and use at discharge of antihypertensive, statin, antiplatelet, and anticoagulant drugs and other lipid-lowering medication. As a study limitation, the authors said that “it is possible that factors not present in the RIKS-HIA database, such as malnutrition or anemia, might explain part of the relatively poor prognosis associated with low admission systolic BP. ” However, another possible confounder is sleep apnea, an important pathophysiological and prognostic factor in cardiovascular disease. Sleep apnea may have been more prevalent in Q1 than in Q2: individuals in Q1 were older and had higher heart rate than those in Q2, and sleep apnea is generally more prevalent among older individuals and is associated with higher heart rate. Despite a greater prevalence of -blocker use in Q1 than in Q2, Q1 participants had higher heart rate, possibly due to a more intense sympathetic activation in Q1, consistent with associated sleep apnea. Relative to Q2, Q1 participants had greater prevalence of aspirin and statin use and lower total cholesterol levels and diastolic blood pressure, traditionally associated with better prognosis in chest pain. Consequently, it is possible that a negative prognostic factor in chest pain such as sleep apnea was not evaluated. In previous studies, sleep apnea was present in up to 57% of patients with acute coronary syndrome, being associated with increased coronary restenosis, major adverse cardiac events, and cardiac death. Based on these data, undiagnosed or untreated sleep apnea might explain, at least in part, the poor prognosis associated with low admission supine systolic blood pressure in acute chest pain in the study by Stenestrand et al. However, this hypothesis would have to be addressed by a prospective clinical study.
Secondary school teachers' perceptions of interactive whiteboard training workshops: A case study from Taiwan

The purpose of this study was to explore secondary school teachers' perceptions of interactive whiteboard (IWB) training workshops in Taiwan. This study also sought to identify potential problems associated with the design of IWB training workshops in order to improve their effectiveness. This research employed observations and interviews to collect research data. Observations were made at the training sites, and interviews were conducted with six secondary school teachers from two junior high schools located in central Taiwan. The research data suggest that teachers valued the benefits of using IWBs in classrooms and recognised the necessity of attending training workshops. The teachers also emphasised that knowing practical IWB uses was extremely important and helpful to them to integrate this promising tool meaningfully into their teaching. As a consequence of the research some suggestions have been provided for the purpose of improving the quality of training workshops based on adult learning theories.
A User Simulator for Task-Completion Dialogues

Despite widespread interests in reinforcement-learning for task-oriented dialogue systems, several obstacles can frustrate research and development progress. First, reinforcement learners typically require interaction with the environment, so conventional dialogue corpora cannot be used directly. Second, each task presents specific challenges, requiring separate corpus of task-specific annotated data. Third, collecting and annotating human-machine or human-human conversations for task-oriented dialogues requires extensive domain knowledge. Because building an appropriate dataset can be both financially costly and time-consuming, one popular approach is to build a user simulator based upon a corpus of example dialogues. Then, one can train reinforcement learning agents in an online fashion as they interact with the simulator. Dialogue agents trained on these simulators can serve as an effective starting point. Once agents master the simulator, they may be deployed in a real environment to interact with humans, and continue to be trained online. To ease empirical algorithmic comparisons in dialogues, this paper introduces a new, publicly available simulation framework, where our simulator, designed for the movie-booking domain, leverages both rules and collected data. The simulator supports two tasks: movie ticket booking and movie seeking. Finally, we demonstrate several agents and detail the procedure to add and test your own agent in the proposed framework.
User experience (UX): towards an experiential perspective on product quality

User Experience (UX) is not just "old wine in new bottles". It is a truly extended and distinct perspective on the quality of interactive technology: away from products and problems to humans and the drivers of positive experience. This paper will present my particular perspective on UX and will discuss its implications for the field of Human-Computer Interaction.
BELL'S PALSY AND PREGNANCY

Bell's palsy seems to occur during pregnancy and the puerperium more frequently than expected by chance. In particular there seems to be a distinct group of young primigravidae in whom Bell's palsy appears during the week preceding delivery, and who have a normal glucose tolerance test. These women have a good prognosis, with regression of symptoms during the fortnight following childbirth. It is suggested that in these cases Bell's palsy may result from ischaemia of the nerve, due to fluid retention and extracellular oedema. Diabetic angiopathy does not seem to be important in the aetiology of Bell's palsy appearing shortly before or after delivery, but may play a part in other cases of Bell's palsy during pregnancy.
The Effects of Work-Reinforcer Schedules on Skill Acquisition for Children With Autism

This study evaluated the effects of continuous and discontinuous work-reinforcer schedule arrangements on skill acquisition for three students with autism. Participants were initially exposed to both schedules in an alternating schedules condition where they were taught different but equivalent skills for each schedule. In the discontinuous schedule condition, participants completed work in small increments to gain access to a reinforcer for short periods of time. In the continuous schedule condition, participants completed larger increments of work to gain longer access to a reinforcer. Results showed that two participants mastered the target responses with both schedules and the third participant only met mastery criterion with the continuous schedule. Preference for schedules varied across participants. Session duration was consistently shorter during the continuous work-reinforcer schedule, suggesting that continuous work-reinforcer schedules are more efficient. Participants engaged with the reinforcer less when provided longer access, suggesting that reinforcer access might be reduced with continuous schedules for further efficiency gains.
Nadroparin in acute ischemic stroke.

CMYK 273 was achieved. Dynamic CT scan revealed adequate reduction of the atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation. However, at the end of two weeks, she returned with torticollis despite wearing the cervical collar. She was again treated with Gardner-Well’s traction for two weeks followed by cervical collar for three months. At 42 months follow-up, she was asymptomatic. Rotatory atlantoaxial subluxation is an uncommon and poorly understood clinical entity. Various conditions which can predispose to rotatory subluxation include inflammation, and surgical procedures in and around the throat, neck and cervical spine. The physiological laxity of the ligaments around the CV junction may be the underlying predisposing factor for rotatory subluxation. The presence of a torticollis in a child should arouse suspicion of rotatory atlantoaxial subluxation, particularly when there is a recent history of recent throat infection or trauma. Fielding and Hawkins classified atlantoaxial rotatory fixation into 4 types depending on the degree of atlantodental distance. In Type I, the rotatory subluxation is associated with normal atlantodental interval. In Type II and Type III, the rotatory subluxations are associated with 3 to 5 mm and more than 5 mm of anterior displacement of the atlas respectively. Type IV rotatory subluxation is associated with posterior shift of the atlas due to failure of the dens. The Type I variety is the commonest and the most benign form of rotatory subluxation, probably because the transverse ligament is intact. The diagnosis of atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation requires a high degree of suspicion based on the signs and symptoms. A CT scan of the atlantoaxial complex is most valuable for demonstrating the anatomy and a 3D-CT scan provides more direct visualization of the abnormal anatomy. When diagnosed early, most patients respond well to a conservative treatment with cervical collar and bed-rest. Surgical intervention is advised when conservative treatment fails to achieve reduction or is followed by a recurrence of the deformity.
A review of learning

Abstract Learning is one of the important research fields in artificial intelligence. This paper begins with an outline of the definitions of learning and intelligence, followed by a discussion of the aims of machine learning as an emerging science, and an historical outline of machine learning. The paper then examines the elements and various classifications of learning, and then introduces a new classification of learning based on the levels of representation and learning as knowledge-, symboland device-level learning. Similarity- and explanation-based generalization and conceptual clustering are described as knowledge level learning methods. Learning in classifiers, genetic algorithms and classifier systems are described as symbol level learning, and neural networks are described as device level systems. In accordance with this classification, methods of learning are described in terms of inputs, learning algorithms or devices, and outputs. Then there follows a discussion on the relationships between knowledge representation and learning, and a discussion on the limits of learning in knowledge systems. The paper concludes with a summary of the results drawn from this review.
Earlier sustained virologic response end points for regulatory approval and dose selection of hepatitis C therapies.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Trials of therapies for chronic hepatitis C have used detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) at week 24 of follow-up (sustained virologic response [SVR] 24) as a primary end point. However, there is increasing evidence that most patients who have an SVR at earlier time points (such as SVR12) maintain it until week 24. Use of earlier time points for key regulatory decisions (SVR12) and dose selection (SVR4) could facilitate HCV drug development. METHODS We assessed data from 15 phase II and III trials, 3 pediatric studies, and 5 drug-development programs to determine the concordance between SVR24 and SVR12 or SVR4. Data were analyzed from groups of subjects who received various combinations and regimens with interferon, pegylated-interferon, ribavirin, and direct-acting antivirals. RESULTS The positive predictive value (PPV) of SVR12 was 98% and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 99% for SVR24 among subjects with genotype 1 HCV infection. A similar level of concordance was observed for subjects with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infections, as well as in pediatric studies. About 2% of subjects who achieved an SVR12 subsequently relapsed by week 24 (did not achieve an SVR24). Furthermore, the treatment effect size (difference between treatment and active control arms) was similar for subjects with SVR12 and SVR24. The PPV of SVR4 was 91% and the NPV was 98% for SVR24 in subjects with genotype 1 HCV infection. CONCLUSIONS SVR12 and SVR24 measurements were concordant in a large population of subjects with HCV infection who participated in clinical trials with various treatment regimens and durations. SVR12 is suitable as a primary end point for regulatory approval. SVR4 might be used to guide dose and treatment strategies in trials.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Pleocytosis in Children in the Era of Bacterial Conjugate Vaccines: Distinguishing the Child With Bacterial and Aseptic Meningitis

Although bacterial meningitis remains an important cause of childhood morbidity and mortality, the incidence of bacterial meningitis has greatly decreased with the advent of polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines in the past 2 decades. Most children with cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis have aseptic rather than bacterial meningitis, raising the possibility that some patients may be managed as outpatients. In this article, we review the changing epidemiology of bacterial meningitis as well as the available clinical decision rules that may assist the clinician in distinguishing aseptic from bacterial meningitis in patients with cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis.
Communication Theory On a useful property of the complementary error function

This paper presents a property of the complementary error function that to the best of our knowledge has not been widely recognised. Meanwhile, this property can be useful for solving some practical problems in communications. Some examples where it can be utilised are problems of bit error rate (BER) performance evaluation in multi-hop communication systems and low-complexity adaptive power allocation in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management of secondary pelviureteric junction obstruction

Pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) of the kidney can lead to a number of different clinical manifestations, which often require surgical intervention. Although the success of pyeloplasty and endopyelotomy are good, there are still a number of patients who fail primary treatment and develop secondary PUJO. These treatment failures can be a challenging cohort to manage. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview on the surgical options available to the urologist for managing secondary PUJO as well as providing some guidance on assessing factors that will influence management decisions.
Effect of the interaction between childhood abuse and rs1360780 of the FKBP5 gene on gray matter volume in a general population sample

The FKBP5 gene codes for a co‐chaperone that regulates glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity and thereby impacts the reactivity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA)‐axis. Evidence suggested that subjects exposed to childhood abuse and carrying the TT genotype of the FKBP5 gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1360780 have an increased susceptibility to stress‐related disorders.
Special Topic: Progress and Challenges in Vaccinology Immunopathology of Hepatitis B Virus Infection

The interaction between immune responses and hepatitis B virus (HBV) is coordinated between innate and adaptive immunity. Anti-HBs antibodies protect the host by blocking the binding ability of HBV. Anti-HBc antibodies are detected with persistent HBV infection. The presence of anti-HBe antibodies is often associated with recovery from active diseases and is clinically used as a benchmark to assess response to treatment. Our studies have revealed that the anti-HBV immunoglobulins secreted are different in subclass patterns in different HBV infection status populations. These revelations may help to understand HBV escape and persistent infection and to develop strategies for prevention and therapeutic management of HBV infection.
Effect of FSH Receptor‐Binding Inhibitor‐8 on FSH‐Mediated Granulosa Cell Signaling and Proliferation

Follicle‐stimulating hormone is important for mammalian reproduction. It acts through specific receptors located on the plasma membrane of granulosa cells in ovaries and Sertoli cells in testes. The binding of follicle‐stimulating hormone to its receptor activates intracytoplasmic signaling pathways leading to steroidogenesis. These steroids in turn regulate the follicle‐stimulating hormone action from the anterior pituitary through exerting negative feedback effect. In addition to steroids, non‐steroidal factors secreted by the ovaries are believed to modulate follicle‐stimulating hormone action through autocrine/paracrine mode. One such low molecular weight peptide referred to as follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor‐binding inhibitor‐8 purified from human follicular fluid has been extensively studied. Follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor‐binding inhibitor‐8 has been shown to inhibit binding of follicle‐stimulating hormone to its receptor. The present article describes the effect of follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor‐binding inhibitor‐8 on follicle‐stimulating hormone‐induced signaling in rat granulosa cells. Follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor‐binding inhibitor‐8 inhibited the follicle‐stimulating hormone‐induced cAMP, and the effect was observed to be mediated through the protein kinase A. Further, an inhibitory effect of follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor‐binding inhibitor‐8 on the granulosa cell proliferation was evaluated using COV434 cell line which is derived from the human granulosa cell tumor. The effect of the peptide on the cell cycle analysis showed an increase in apoptotic population and the arrest of G1 phase. These findings suggest that follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor‐binding inhibitor‐8 acts as a follicle‐stimulating hormone antagonist and affects the follicle‐stimulating hormone‐mediated signaling and proliferation in the granulosa cells.
Genetic relationships in the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) analysed by microsatellite DNA markers

Microsatellite DNA markers were developed from a peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and genetic relationships among peregrine falcons in southern Norway were analysed using the markers. The genomic DNA library was screened for the presence of dinucleotide microsatellite repeats. Twelve loci revealed polymorphism through the initial analysis of 24 unrelated peregrine falcons, and Mendelian inheritance was confirmed in two peregrine falcon families bred in captivity. The estimated mean probability of identical genotypes in two unrelated individuals was 3 × 10−8, and the combined exclusion probability for parentage testing was 0.99 and 0.94 for one or both parents unknown, respectively. The markers were used to investigate the parentage of peregrine broods from the same nest site from different breeding seasons, and subsequently the nest‐site fidelity of the breeding peregrines. High nest‐site fidelity was found by studying pairwise comparisons of relatedness (rxy) estimates among chicks at six nest sites from three different breeding seasons. Cross‐species amplifications showed that most loci also appeared to amplify polymorphic products in the gyrfalcon (F. rusticolus), merlin (F. columbarius), hobby (F. subbuteo) and kestrel (F. tinnunculus), demonstrating that the loci will provide powerful genetic markers in these falcons too.