Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of previously failed kidney transplantation on peritoneal dialysis outcomes in the Australian and New Zealand patient populations.

BACKGROUND There is limited information about the outcomes of patients commencing peritoneal dialysis (PD) after failed kidney transplantation. The aim of the present study was to compare patient survival, death-censored technique survival and peritonitis-free survival between patients initiating PD after failed renal allografts and those after failed native kidneys. METHODS The study included all patients from the ANZDATA Registry who started PD between April 1, 1991 and March 31, 2004. Times to death, death-censored technique failure and first peritonitis episode were examined by multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. For all outcomes, conditional risk set models were utilized for the multiple failure data, and analyses were stratified by failure order. Standard errors were calculated by using robust variance estimation for the cluster-correlated data. RESULTS In total, 13,947 episodes of PD were recorded in 23,579 person-years. Of these, 309 PD episodes were started after allograft failure. Compared with PD patients who had never undergone kidney transplantation, those with failed renal allografts were more likely to be younger, Caucasian, New Zealand residents and life-long non-smokers with lower body mass index (BMI), poorer initial renal function and a longer period from commencement of the first renal replacement therapy to PD. On multivariate analysis, PD patients with failed kidney transplants had comparable patient mortality [weighted hazards ratio (HR) 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81-1.45, P = 0.582], death-censored technique failure (adjusted HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.75-1.10, P = 0.315) and peritonitis-free survival (adjusted HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.72-1.16, P = 0.444) with those PD patients who had failed native kidneys. Similar findings were observed in a subset of patients (n = 5496) for whom peritoneal transport status was known and included in the models as a covariate. CONCLUSION Patients commencing PD after renal allograft failure experienced outcomes comparable with those with failed native kidneys. PD appears to be a viable option for patients with failed kidney allografts.
Effects of Labeling Students "Learning Disabled": Emergent Themes in the Research Literature 1970 Through 2000

Using an iterative process similar to the constant comparative method, 34 studies addressing the impact of the learning disabled labe l were synthesized. Four overlapping primary themes emerged: expectancies, stereotypes, and attitudes; stigmatization, rejection, and social distance; action versus attit ude toward labeled individuals; and differential influence of the LD label when other s alient information is provided. See: www.nationalforum. com
Early Sentence Productions of 5-Year-Old Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Four 5-year-old children with receptive language within normal limits and who required augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) received instruction in producing six different semantic–syntactic structures (three treatment and three generalization targets). Participants accessed single-meaning graphic symbols using an AAC app on an iPad to create their messages. A single-case, multiple probe across targets design was used to assess the progress of each participant, and supplementary measures including self-corrections and error types were analyzed. Three participants mastered all six targets during baseline, with a fourth mastering four of six targets in baseline. In contrast to prior reports, findings from the current study indicate that some young children who require AAC can learn to produce rule-based messages using single-meaning graphic symbols rapidly and with minimal instruction. Careful attention to participant characteristics and task demands are required in future research to further refine approaches to teaching young participants to produce rule-based graphic symbol messages.
Intracellular signalling crosstalk in the differentiation of F9 cells into extraembryonic endoderm

Mouse F9 cells differentiate into primitive extraembryonic endoderm (PrE) with retinoic acid (RA) treatment, as the result of an up-regulation of Gata6, which when translated directly activates Wnt6. Canonical Wnt signalling is required for PrE differentiation, and this, like most developmental processes, requires input from one or more additional pathways, including hedgehog (Hh). The Hh pathway is regulated by GATA6, and crosstalks positively/negatively with Wnt signalling. Ihh up-regulation in F9 cells accompanies PrE induction, but a role for GATA6 or Hh pathway activation in obligatory Wnt/ß-catenin signalling is not known. To address this, I show that RA induces Ihh and altered expression of Hh targets. Overexpressing Gata6 alone significantly induced Ihh. When Hh signalling was blocked with cyclopamine, RAinduced differentiation, as analyzed by a decrease in TROMA-1 and DAB-2 signal, was significantly reduced, demonstrating requirement of the Hh pathway for PrE differentiation. Interestingly, each of SAG, BIO, and GLI3A overexpression failed to induce markers of PrE differentiation. These results indicate a regulatory role for Hh in PrE differentiation, as the pathway is required, but is not independently sufficient for this event.
A . the Fast Food Nation : Obesity as an Epidemic

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased dramatically in the Unites States. Obesity has become a disease of epidemic proportions. In fact, 1 out of 3 people in the United States are obese. Fast-food accessibility is partly to blame for observed patterns of obesity and overweight. The aim of this project is to study the potential role of peer-pressure in fast-food consumption as well as its effect on an individual’s weight. We explore these effects on the dynamics of obesity at the population level using an epidemiological model. In this framework, we can explore the impact of intervention strategies. Statistical data analysis provides insights on the relation between demographic factors and weight.
Children’s Point of View to Health Related Social Factors

The article rise a problem that we pay not sufficient attention to children’s point of view to health. Children’s health understanding is close related with the absence of disease. Due to the growing age and educational programs children’s percpetion about health is extended to social factors. However, it is constant challenge to to find out meaningfull correlations of social factors with health as it is braod field, influenced by plenty of aspects. The article introduce original results of KIDSCREEN 52 survey which is conducted for the first time in Lithuania. Children’s point of view to health related social factors are conjunct with health status, communication with parents, age and gender. Children without health problems demonstrate positive evaluation to health related social factors. The more children talk with parents about health the more they demonstrate positive evaluation to health related social factors. The boys revealed that they more often than girls are talking to their parents about health in general, they assess their health better and they are very likely to agree with statements describing their physical health and well-being. The age of the children interact with all factors of the questionnaire in a weak but statistically significant correlation. A direct correlation was found between children's age and overall health assessment. All aforementioned statements are based on statistically significant correlations, which are demonstrated later in the article. Our research findings are consistent with already existing; therefore, they compliment meaningfully the social ecological approach to health promotion and education.
A Survey on Human-in-the-Loop Applications Towards an Internet of All

Our tools and appliances are becoming increasingly more intelligent and interconnected, giving birth to an “Internet of Things” that can be used to support new types of cyber-physical systems (CPSs). While many CPSs are human-centric applications where humans are an essential part of the system, unfortunately, most of these systems still consider the human as an external and unpredictable element to the control loop. In order for these systems to better serve human needs, future CPSs will need to bolster a closer tie with the human element, through Human-in-the-Loop controls that take into consideration human intents, psychological states, emotions and actions inferred through sensory data. This area is a natural confluence of multidisciplinary focus but currently lacks a general understanding of the underlying requirements, principles and theory. As far as we know, this survey is the first effort towards extending the field's knowledge through an in-depth research of the state-of-the-art and a critical overview of the current taxonomic efforts in the area of Human-in-the-Loop CPSs. On top of this research, a novel taxonomic exercise focused on the general roles of the human component together with a requirement analysis, are presented.
Khat Chewing Practice and Associated Factors among Adults in Ethiopia: Further Analysis Using the 2011 Demographic and Health Survey

Background Khat chewing has become a highly prevalent practice and a growing public health concern in Ethiopia. Although there have been many small scale studies, very limited national information has been available in the general population. This study aimed to identify factors associated with khat chewing practice among Ethiopian adults. Methods The study used the 2011 Ethiopian demographic and health survey data. The survey was cross-sectional by design and used a multistage cluster sampling procedure. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to quantify the predictors. Results The overall khat chewing prevalence was 15.3% (95% CI: 14.90–15.71). Regional variation was observed with the highest in Harari [(53.2% (95% CI: 43.04–63.28)] and lowest in Tigray regional state [(1.1% (95% CI: 0.72–1.66)]. Multivariable analysis showed that Islam followers were 23.8 times more likely to chew khat as compared to Orthodox followers. Being a resident in Oromiya, South Nation, Nationalities and People (SNNP), Gambella, Harari and Dire Dawa regions had 1.9, 1.6, 3.1, 5.2 and 3.5 times higher odds of chewing khat as compared to Addis Ababa residents, respectively. Adults in the age group 45–49 years were 3.6 times more likely to chew khat as compared to 15–19 years. The middle and richest wealth quintiles were 1.3 and 1.5 times more likely to chew khat, respectively, as compared to the poorest category. Rural residents had 1.3 odds of chewing khat than urban residents. Those individuals who had occupation in sales, agriculture, service sector, skilled and unskilled manual workers were 1.6, 1.3, 2.4, 1.7 and 2.3 times more likely to chew khat, respectively, as compared to those who have no occupation. Females were 77% less likely to chew khat as compared to males. Formerly married and those experienced in child death had 1.4 and 1.2 times higher odds to chew khat as compared with those never married and never had child death, respectively. Those who attended mass media were 1.4 times more likely to chew khat compared with not attended. Conclusion Khat chewing is a public health concern in Ethiopia. The highest wealth quintiles, older age group, rural residence, child death, formerly married, males, regions of Oromiya, SNNP, Gambella, Harari and Dire Dawa and Islamic followers had statistically significant association with khat chewing. Due attention needs to be given for these factors in any intervention procedures.
OVERVIEW: IMPORTANCE OF SORGHUM IN AFRICA

In terms of tonnage, sorghum is Africa’s second most important cereal. The continent produces about 20 million tonnes of sorghum per annum, about one-third of the world crop. However, these figures do not do justice to the importance of sorghum in Africa. It is the only viable food grain for many of the world’s most food insecure people. Much of the African continent is characterized by semi-arid and sub-tropical climatic conditions. Africa is the only continent that straddles both tropics. Sorghum originated in Africa. It is uniquely adapted to Africa’s climate, being both drought resistant and able to withstand periods of water-logging.
Molecular Determinants of Human ether-à-go-go-Related Gene 1 (hERG1) K+ Channel Activation by NS1643

Human ether-à-go-go-related gene 1 (hERG1) channels conduct the rapid delayed rectifier K+ current, IKr, an important determinant of action potential repolarization in mammals, including humans. Reduced IKr function caused by mutations in KCNH2 or drug block of hERG1 channels prolongs the QT interval of the electrocardiogram and increases the risk of ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. Several activators of hERG1 channels have been discovered in recent years. These compounds shorten the duration of cardiac action potentials and have been proposed as a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of acquired or congenital long QT syndrome. We defined previously the mechanism of action of 1,3-bis-(2-hydroxy-5-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-urea (NS1643), a compound that increases hERG1 currents by shifting the voltage-dependence of inactivation to more positive potentials. Here, we use scanning mutagenesis of hERG1 and functional characterization of 56 mutant channels heterologously expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes to define the molecular determinants of the binding site for NS1643. Most point mutations did not alter response to the drug; however, 10 mutant channels had reduced sensitivity, and F619A and I567A exhibited enhanced activation by the drug. Some of these residues form a cluster and, together with molecular modeling, suggest that NS1643 binds to a pocket near the extracellular ends of the S5/S6 segments of two adjacent hERG1 channel subunits. This putative binding site differs from the sites described previously for two other hERG1 activators, (3R,4R)-4-[3-(6-methoxy-quinolin-4-yl)-3-oxo-propyl]-1-[3-(2,3,5-trifluoro-phenyl)-prop-2-ynyl]-piperidine-3-carboxylic acid (RPR260243) and 2-(4-[2-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-ethyl]-phenylamino)-benzoic acid (PD-118057).
Development of a Hierarchical Variable-Number Tandem Repeat Typing Scheme for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in China

Molecular typing based on variable-number tandem repeats (VNTR) analysis is a promising tool for identifying transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, the currently proposed 15- and 24-locus VNTR sets (VNTR-15/24) only have limited resolution and contain too many loci for large-scale typing in high burden countries. To develop an optimal typing scheme in China, we evaluated the resolution and robustness of 25 VNTR loci, using population-based collections of 1362 clinical isolates from six provinces across the country. The resolution of most loci showed considerable variations among regions. By calculating the average resolution of all possible combinations of 20 robust loci, we identified an optimal locus set with a minimum of 9 loci (VNTR-9) that could achieve comparable resolution of the standard VNTR-15. The VNTR-9 had consistently high resolutions in all six regions, and it was highly concordant with VNTR-15 for defining both clustered and unique genotypes. Furthermore, VNTR-9 was phylogenetically informative for classifying lineages/sublineages of M. tuberculosis. Three hypervariable loci (HV-3), VNTR 3232, VNTR 3820 and VNTR 4120, were proved important for further differentiating unrelated clustered strains based on VNTR-9. We propose the optimized VNTR-9 as first-line method and the HV-3 as second-line method for molecular typing of M. tuberculosis in China and surrounding countries. The development of hierarchical VNTR typing methods that can achieve high resolution with a small number of loci could be suitable for molecular epidemiology study in other high burden countries.
Linear MIMO precoding in jointly-correlated fading multiple access channels with finite alphabet signaling

In this paper, we investigate the design of linear precoders for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) multiple access channels (MAC). We assume that statistical channel state information (CSI) is available at the transmitters and consider the problem under the practical finite alphabet input assumption. First, we derive an asymptotic (in the large-system limit) weighted sum rate (WSR) expression for the MIMO MAC with finite alphabet inputs and general jointly-correlated fading. Subsequently, we obtain necessary conditions for linear precoders maximizing the asymptotic WSR and propose an iterative algorithm for determining the precoders of all users. In the proposed algorithm, the search space of each user for designing the precoding matrices is its own modulation set. This significantly reduces the dimension of the search space for finding the precoding matrices of all users compared to the conventional precoding design for the MIMO MAC with finite alphabet inputs, where the search space is the combination of the modulation sets of all users. As a result, the proposed algorithm decreases the computational complexity for MIMO MAC precoding design with finite alphabet inputs by several orders of magnitude. Simulation results for finite alphabet signalling indicate that the proposed iterative algorithm achieves significant performance gains over existing precoder designs, including the precoder design based on the Gaussian input assumption, in terms of both the sum rate and the coded bit error rate.
Experience Effects in Auditing: The Role of Task-Specific Knowledge

Previous studies concerning experience effects in audit judgments have produced mixed results, possibly because they did not consider the knowledge necessary to complete the task and when it would normally be acquired. Further, many studies did not view the global judgment process as consisting of several components, e.g., cue selection. Task-specific knowledge may aid the performance of experienced auditors more in some components than in others. Not considering task-specific knowledge or viewing the judgment process as being comprised of components may have led to certain problems in generalizing the results of these studies to other auditing tasks. Those problems are addressed in the design of this study, which examines experience effects, specifically the role of taskspecific knowledge, in the cue selection and cue weighting components of two audit tasks, analytical risk assessment and control risk assessment. Results indicate that task-specific knowledge aided the performance of experienced auditors in both the cue selection and cue weighting components only in analytical risk assessment. M j ~EASUREMENT of audit judgment performance is often difficult because there are no objective performance criteria for many audit tasks. As a result, the judgments of experienced auditors have been used as a substitute for other performance measures in determining firm policies and auditing standards. To determine the validity of this criterion, more evidence is needed This paper is based on my dissertation at The University of Michigan. I appreciate the assistance of my committee members: Robert Libby, Anant Kshirsagar, Frank Yates, and David Wright. I particularly appreciate the comments and support of my chairman, Robert Libby. I would also like to thank two anonymous referees for comments on this version of the paper, as well as the following persons for comments on earlier versions: Matt Anderson, David Frederick, Ed Joyce, Barry Lewis, Bill Waller, and Mark Young. Financial support was provided by Deloitte Haskins & Sells and The University of Michigan. Manuscript received October 1988. Revisions received March 1989 and July 1989. Accepted August 1989.
Contrasting seasonal fluxes of planktonic foraminifera and impacts on paleothermometry in the Mozambique Channel upstream of the Agulhas Current

[1] We assess d 18 O‐ and Mg/Ca–based paleothermometry in relation to seasonal variations in the shell fluxes of the surface‐dwelling planktonic foraminifera G. ruber and G. trilobus. Using deep‐moored sediment traps in the Mozambique Channel, upstream of the Agulhas Current, we find a distinct antiphase response to the annual cycle in sea surface temperature (SST) in G. ruber and G. trilobus. Maximum fluxes of G. ruber occur in late austral summer (February–March) when SST ranges between 28.7°C and 30.3°C. By contrast, G. trilobus maxima appear in early winter (June–July) at a lower SST between 25.3°C and 27.0°C. Cross‐correlation of the 2.5 year time series data confirmed that the G. ruber/G. trilobus ratio (R/T ratio) closely followed the annual cycle in SST, as did their paired d 18 O and Mg/Ca. In all proxies, G. ruber showed a 3 week phase lag against SST and G. trilobus of 6 weeks consistent with (semi‐) lunar population turnover rates in combination with a 1 week settling time to the 2500 m deep ocean floor. After correcting for these lags, we derived five independent equations for improved paleothermometry in the southwestern Indian Ocean that specify flux‐ weighted annual mean SST. The offset between flux‐weighted SST of G. ruber and G. trilobus and annual mean instrumental SST is about 0.8°C despite their strong seasonality in shell export. This is far less than the mean difference in instrumental SST between summer and winter of 3.2°C. Both species therefore closely reflect annual mean SST in sediments within a margin of +0.5°C for G. ruber and –0.3°C for G. trilobus . W e also find that multiple linear regression of the five proxies (R/T ratio and the d 18 O, Mg/Ca of G. ruber and G. trilobus) strongly reduces the effects of fast rotating eddies and improves the correlation coefficient from an r 2 of 0.4 to an r 2 of 0.8.
Resistance and Susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Disease in Tuberculosis Households in Kampala, Uganda

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains a major public health problem. Household contact studies identify children and adults along the spectrum from Mtb exposure to disease. In the Kawempe Community Health Study (conducted in Kampala, Uganda), 872 culture-confirmed pulmonary TB cases and their 2,585 contacts were enrolled during 2002-2012 and followed for up to 2 years each. Risk factors identified by time-to-event analysis for secondary TB differed among children, women, and men. Younger age (P = 0.0061), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (P = 0.0002), thinness (P = 0.01), absent bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination (P = 0.002), and epidemiologic risk score (P < 0.0001) were risks for children. For women, risks were HIV (P < 0.0001), thinness (World Health Organization criteria; P < 0.0001), and epidemiologic risk score (P = 0.003). For men, HIV (P = 0.0007) and low body mass index (P = 0.008) resulted in faster progression to TB. Tuberculin skin testing (TST) identified contacts with Mtb infection and those with persistently negative TST. Risks for faster time to Mtb infection were identified, and included age (P = 0.0007), baseline TST induration (P < 0.0001), and epidemiologic risk score (P < 0.0001) only in children. Those with persistently negative TST comprised 10% of contacts but had no unique epidemiologic characteristics among adults. The burden of Mtb infection and disease is high in TB households, and risk factors for progression from exposure to infection and disease differ among children, women, and men.