Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sleep-disordered breathing and chronic opioid therapy.

OBJECTIVE To assess the relation between medications prescribed for chronic pain and sleep apnea. DESIGN An observational study of chronic pain patients on opioid therapy who received overnight polysomnographies. Generalized linear models determined whether a dose relation exists between methadone, nonmethadone opioids, and benzodiazepines and the indices measuring sleep apnea. SETTING A private clinic specializing in the treatment of chronic pain. PATIENTS Polysomnography was sought for all consecutive (392) patients on around-the-clock opioid therapy for at least 6 months with a stable dose for at least 4 weeks. Of these, 147 polysomnographies were completed (189 patients declined, 56 were directed to other sleep laboratories by insurance companies, and data were incomplete for seven patients). Available data were analyzed on 140 patients. OUTCOME MEASURES The apnea-hypopnea index to assess overall severity of sleep apnea and the central apnea index to assess central sleep apnea. RESULTS The apnea-hypopnea index was abnormal (> or =5 per hour) in 75% of patients (39% had obstructive sleep apnea, 4% had sleep apnea of indeterminate type, 24% had central sleep apnea, and 8% had both central and obstructive sleep apnea); 25% had no sleep apnea. We found a direct relation between the apnea-hypopnea index and the daily dosage of methadone (P = 0.002) but not to other around-the-clock opioids. We found a direct relation between the central apnea index and the daily dosage of methadone (P = 0.008) and also with benzodiazepines (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Sleep-disordered breathing was common in chronic pain patients on opioids. The dose-response relation of sleep apnea to methadone and benzodiazepines calls for increased vigilance.
Another look at interrater agreement.

Most currently used measures of inter-rater agreement for the nominal case incorporate a correction for "chance agreement. " The definition of chance agreement is not the same for all coefficients, hcwever. Three chance-corrected coefficients are Cohen's K, Scott's II, and the S index of Bennett, Goldstein and Alpert, which has reappeared in many guises. For all three measures, chance is defined to include independence between raters. Scott's II involves a further assumption of homogeneous rater marginals under chance. For the S coefficient, uniform marginals for both raters under chance are assumed. Because of these disparate formulations, K, II, and S can lead to different conclusions about rater agreement. Consideration of the properties of these measures leads to the recommendation that a test of marginal homogeneity be conducted as a first step in the assessment of rater agreemcnt, Rejection of the hypothesis of homogeneity is sufficient to conclude that agreemel:t is poor. If the homogeneity hypothesis is retained, II can be used as an index of agreement.
Stimulation of colonic motility by oral PEG electrolyte bowel preparation assessed by MRI: comparison of split vs single dose

Most methods of assessing colonic motility are poorly acceptable to patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can monitor gastrointestinal motility and fluid distributions. We predicted that a dose of oral polyethylene glycol (PEG) and electrolyte solution would increase ileo‐colonic inflow and stimulate colonic motility. We aimed to investigate the colonic response to distension by oral PEG electrolyte in healthy volunteers (HVs) and to evaluate the effect of single 2 L vs split (2 × 1 L) dosing.
MATERNAL SENSITIVITY AND PERFORMANCE AND VERBAL INTELLIGENCE IN LATE CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE

Summary The aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal sensitivity and offspring intelligence in late childhood and adolescence. Secondary data (N=117) from the Block and Block (2006a, b) 30-year longitudinal study of Californian children, which began in the late 1960s, was used to test the hypothesis that maternal sensitivity in childhood would be predictive of late childhood and adolescent intelligence. Correlational analyses revealed that maternal sensitivity, as judged by raters viewing mother’s interactions with their children in a set of four joint structured cognitive tasks when the child was 5 years of age, was associated with verbal and performance IQ test scores when the children were ages 11 and 18. Using hierarchical regression to control for child sex, socioeconomic status, child temperament, child baseline IQ (as measured at age 4), mother’s level of education and mother’s emotional nurturance, it was found that the maternal sensitivity and child and adolescent IQ association held for verbal, but not performance IQ. Furthermore, a pattern emerged in which the association between maternal sensitivity and verbal IQ was stronger for adolescents with a lower baseline IQ. The results suggest that maternal sensitivity is associated with offspring verbal intelligence and that this association holds when numerous variables are accounted for. Additionally, this association may be stronger for children with lower IQs.
Tight approximation algorithms for maximum general assignment problems

A separable assignment problem (SAP) is defined by a set of bins and a set of items to pack in each bin; a value, fij, for assigning item j to bin i; and a separate packing constraint for each bin - i.e. for bin i, a family Li of subsets of items that fit in bin i. The goal is to pack items into bins to maximize the aggregate value. This class of problems includes the maximum generalized assignment problem (GAP)1) and a distributed caching problem (DCP) described in this paper.Given a β-approximation algorithm for finding the highest value packing of a single bin, we give1. A polynomial-time LP-rounding based ((1 − 1/e)β)-approximation algorithm.2. A simple polynomial-time local search (β/β+1 - ε) - approximation algorithm, for any ε > 0.Therefore, for all examples of SAP that admit an approximation scheme for the single-bin problem, we obtain an LP-based algorithm with (1 - 1/e - ε)-approximation and a local search algorithm with (1/2-ε)-approximation guarantee. Furthermore, for cases in which the subproblem admits a fully polynomial approximation scheme (such as for GAP), the LP-based algorithm analysis can be strengthened to give a guarantee of 1 - 1/e. The best previously known approximation algorithm for GAP is a 1/2-approximation by Shmoys and Tardos; and Chekuri and Khanna. Our LP algorithm is based on rounding a new linear programming relaxation, with a provably better integrality gap.To complement these results, we show that SAP and DCP cannot be approximated within a factor better than 1 -1/e unless NP⊆ DTIME(nO(log log n)), even if there exists a polynomial-time exact algorithm for the single-bin problem.We extend the (1 - 1/e)-approximation algorithm to a nonseparable assignment problem with applications in maximizing revenue for budget-constrained combinatorial auctions and the AdWords assignment problem. We generalize the local search algorithm to yield a 1/2-ε approximation algorithm for the k-median problem with hard capacities. Finally, we study naturally defined game-theoretic versions of these problems, and show that they have price of anarchy of 2. We also prove the existence of cycles of best response moves, and exponentially long best-response paths to (pure or sink) equilibria.
NLP-based extraction of modificatory provisions semantics

In this paper we illustrare a research based on NLP techniques aimed at automatically annotate modificatory provisions. We propose an approach which pairs deep syntactic parsing with rule-based shallow semantic analysis relying on a fine-grained taxonomy of modificatory provisions. The implemented system is evaluated on a large dataset hand-crafted by legal experts; the results are discussed and future directions of the research outlined.
Functional Dissection of a Neuronal Network Required for Cuticle Tanning and Wing Expansion in Drosophila

A subset of Drosophila neurons that expresses crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) has been shown previously to make the hormone bursicon, which is required for cuticle tanning and wing expansion after eclosion. Here we present evidence that CCAP-expressing neurons (NCCAP) consist of two functionally distinct groups, one of which releases bursicon into the hemolymph and the other of which regulates its release. The first group, which we call NCCAP-c929, includes 14 bursicon-expressing neurons of the abdominal ganglion that lie within the expression pattern of the enhancer-trap line c929-Gal4. We show that suppression of activity within this group blocks bursicon release into the hemolymph together with tanning and wing expansion. The second group, which we call NCCAP-R, consists of NCCAP neurons outside the c929-Gal4 pattern. Because suppression of synaptic transmission and protein kinase A (PKA) activity throughout NCCAP, but not in NCCAP-c929, also blocks tanning and wing expansion, we conclude that neurotransmission and PKA are required in NCCAP-R to regulate bursicon secretion from NCCAP-c929. Enhancement of electrical activity in NCCAP-R by expression of the bacterial sodium channel NaChBac also blocks tanning and wing expansion and leads to depletion of bursicon from central processes. NaChBac expression in NCCAP-c929 is without effect, suggesting that the abdominal bursicon-secreting neurons are likely to be silent until stimulated to release the hormone. Our results suggest that NCCAP form an interacting neuronal network responsible for the regulation and release of bursicon and suggest a model in which PKA-mediated stimulation of inputs to normally quiescent bursicon-expressing neurons activates release of the hormone.
In Vitro Anti-oxidant Effect of Vitamin E on Oxidative Stress Induced due to Pesticides in Rat Erythrocytes

An attempt was made to study the antioxidant property of vitamin E in endosulfan and chlorpyrifos toxicity. Erythrocytes were collected from healthy rats and exposed to 1 ppm endosulfan and chlorpyrifos pesticides individually and also along with vitamin E treatment. Results showed that endosulfan was more toxic in comparison of chlorpyrifos. Activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly decreased, while lipid peroxidation and glutathione-S-transfarase were increased in comparison to the control values. The results of the present study suggest that vitamin E acts as an effective antioxidant for endosulfan and chlorpyrifos pesticide toxicity, in reducing oxidative stress burden.
Evaluation of travel websites: A fuzzy analytical hierarchy process approach

The increased usage of internet for day-to-day activities starting from scheduling a meeting to online buying has expanded the scope for planning travels online. In the current era, customers prefer e-ticketing but finding the best travel website as well as the factors determining it are of utmost importance as the travel industry offers numerous services through multiple websites and their promotions. This article explores the factors that determine the quality of a travel website in Indian context and the method for evaluating it for end users. Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP) has been used in the current study with Fuzzy Extent Theory and CFCS (Converting Fuzzy Data into Crisp Scores) method for ranking the selected travel websites.
IgM, IgG, and IgA rheumatoid factors in pigeon hypersensitivity pneumonitis

The association of rheumatoid factor (RF) and lung disease in several immunologically mediated conditions has suggested that it may be physiopathologically relevant. Since previous reports in hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) have dealt mainly with the immunoglobulin M (IgM) RF measurement, we studied such antibody activity in other immunoglobulins, to determine the IgG and IgA RF levels in pigeon‐HP, and in asymptomatic breeders (AB) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as controls. RFs were measured in 35 HP patients, 41 AB, 31 RA controls, and 55 healthy donors by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using human or rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG), anti‐IgM, F(ab′)2 of IgG, and IgA F(ab′)2 conjugates. An affinity chromatography, fragment crystallizable (Fc) preparations of IgG, pepsin digestion, and Western blots were used to confirm RF specificity. We also evaluated anti‐avian antibodies (AA) and cross‐reacting antibodies. The HP group revealed positive IgM (51.4%), IgG (31.4%), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) (34.2%) RF tests, and these antibody values exceeded the AB reference levels (P<0.02). HP and RA showed a similar frequency and distribution of RFs. Possible immunoassay interferences were excluded. As in other immunologically mediated diseases, IgG and IgA RFs may play a pathogenic role in HP, amplifying the inflammatory reaction, immune‐complex formation, and complement activation. IgM‐RF producing cells that have been implicated in the presentation of self and foreign antigens, and T‐cell activation might induce the isotype switching of RFs. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:315–321, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mitochondrial dysfunction in psychiatric morbidity: current evidence and therapeutic prospects

Cumulating evidence for the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in psychiatric disorders leaves little to no doubt regarding the involvement of this pathology in mood disorders. However, mitochondrial abnormalities are also observed in a wide range of disorders spanning from cancer and diabetes to various neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, autism, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The apparent lack of specificity questions the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in psychiatric disorders, in general, and in mood disorders, in particular. Is mitochondrial dysfunction a general phenomenon, simplistically rendering brain cells to be more vulnerable to a variety of disease-specific perturbations? Or is it an epiphenomenon induced by various disease-specific factors? Or possibly, the severity and the anatomical region of the dysfunction are the ones responsible for the distinct features of the disorders. Whichever of the aforementioned ones, if any, is correct, “mitochondrial dysfunction” became more of a cliché than a therapeutic target. In this review, we summarize current studies supporting the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in different psychiatric disorders. We address the question of specificity and causality of the different findings and provide an alternative explanation for some of the aforementioned questions.
Genetic characterization of norovirus strains in hospitalized children from Pakistan

Norovirus is one of the most common causes of acute gastroenteritis among children in developing countries. No data on the prevalence and genetic variability of norovirus are available for Pakistan, where early childhood mortality due to acute gastroenteritis is common. We tested 255 fecal specimens from children under 5 years of age hospitalized between April 2006 and March 2008 with severe acute gastroenteritis in five hospitals in the four largest cities in Pakistan for norovirus by real‐time RT‐PCR. Positive samples were further genotyped by conventional RT‐PCR targeting the 5′‐end of the capsid gene followed by sequencing of the positive PCR products. Overall, 41 (16.1%) samples tested positive for norovirus with an equal frequency in rotavirus‐positive and rotavirus‐negative samples. Nine (22%) samples were genogroup (G)I positive, 30 (73%) GII positive and two (5%) samples contained a mixture of GI and GII viruses. Sequence analyses demonstrated co‐circulation of 14 norovirus genotypes including four GI genotypes (GI.3, GI.5, GI.7, GI.8) and 10 GII genotypes (GII.2, GII.3, GII.4, GII.5, GII.6, GII.7, GII.9, GII.13, GII.16, and GII.21). The most prevalent genotypes were GI.7 and GII.4 both causing 12.2% of the infections. This report confirms the presence of multiple norovirus genotypes in hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis in Pakistan and a lack of clear predominance of GII.4 viruses. J. Med. Virol. 88:216–223, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emphatic segments and emphasis spread in Lebanese Arabic: a Real-time Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Production of emphatic consonants by a speaker of Lebanese Arabic was examined using real-time magnetic resonance imaging (rtMRI). Emphatic consonants were found to be articulated with a lowered, more retracted tongue body than their nonempatic counterparts, with the narrowest emphatic constriction observed in the upper pharynx. Both progressive and regressive emphasis spread was observed; spreading was not blocked by an intervening palatal approximant [j]. Emphaticized segments exhibit similar retraction and depression, with magnitudes that vary depending on the direction of spreading. These data suggest that emphasis spread may operate in a phoneticallycomplex way, not currently accounted for by phonological theory, and in addition, illustrate the advantage of real-time MRI as a method for studying emphasis in Semitic phonology.
Study of Best Practices for Pre-Overlay Repair and Asphalt Overlay

Asphalt overlay on existing asphalt and concrete pavements is one of common pavement rehabilitation methods. The performance of asphalt overlay is affected by many factors and varies significantly. This paper investigated the factors influencing the performance of overlay. Performance of overlays on existing asphaltic and concrete pavements was reviewed and analyzed. For asphalt overlay of existing concrete pavements, it was found that overlays using doweled concrete to patch the existing concrete pavement performed best, followed by those using non-doweled concrete patching and then asphaltic patching. The transverse cracking development rate in asphalt decreases with the increase of overlay thickness. The current international roughness index (IRI) of overlay is highly correlated with initial IRI of the overlay right after placement. The roughness prediction model in NCHRP 1-37A design guide was calibrated using data collected in Wisconsin. For asphalt overlay on existing asphalt pavements, the longitudinal cracking development rate decreases when the ratio of overlay thickness to milling depth increases.
School-Based Juvenile Boot Camps: Evaluating Specialized Treatment and Rehabilitation (STAR)

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Sociology & Criminal Justice at ODU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Sociology & Criminal Justice Faculty Publications by an authorized administrator of ODU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact digitalcommons@odu.edu. Repository Citation Trulson, Chad R. and Triplett, Ruth, "School-Based Juvenile Boot Camps: Evaluating Specialized Treatment and Rehabilitation (STAR)" (1999). Sociology & Criminal Justice Faculty Publications. Paper 7. http://digitalcommons.odu.edu/sociology_criminaljustice_fac_pubs/7
The cochlear implant programme in Crete: A nine year experience

Abstract The aim of this study was to present data of the cochlear implant programme in Crete. Our series consists of 51 patients, 35 adults and 16 children, in a nine year period. The average age of our patients was 31 years (range from three to 68). The average duration of deafness among our patients was seven years (range from two to 22). Our series included 32 postlingual patients and 19 prelingual patients. The cause of deafness in our series was unknown in approximately 40 per cent of cases. Standard selection criteria and operative techniques were used for all cases. Postoperative programming and rehabilitation were performed according to the individual needs of each patient. Implantation was successful in all patients except one who had to undergo a second operation with good results. No major postoperative complications were noted, while minor complications included temporary facial weakness and undesired stimulation of the facial nerve during implant function in two and three patients, respectively. All patients showed significant improvement in perception and discrimination of sound and speech. Better results have been noted in prelingual patients under the age of six, as well as in postlingual adults with a recent history of deafness. As cochlear implant technology evolves and surgical techniques continue to improve, our department will continue its efforts to provide effective hearing rehabilitation of deaf children and adults in Crete. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Specific transcriptional requirements for positive regulation of the anaerobically inducible pfl operon by ArcA and FNR

Expression of the pfl operon of Escherichia coli Is induced 12‐ to 15‐fold by anaerobiosis and transcription is mediated by seven co‐ordinately regulated promoters. The 5′ non‐translated regulatory region of the operon is approximately 450 bp in length and contains two of the seven promoters, termed promoter 6 and promoter 7. Site‐directed mutagenesis was used to aid the identification of DNA sequences important in directing transcription from the two promoters and to examine the effects such mutations had on the regulation of anaerobic pfl operon expression. Introduction of chromosomal mutations either in the FNR‐binding site or ‐10 region of promoter 6 blocked transcription from this promoter, as determined by primer extension. Similarly, mutation of the ‐10 region or the putative FNR half‐site located at ‐50 relative to the transcription start site of promoter 7 severely reduced transcription from that promoter. Prevention of transcription from promoter 6 by the ‐10 box mutation had no influence on promoter 7 transcription. Surprisingly, however, alteration of the FNR‐binding site at promoter 6 did reduce transcription from promoter 7. Thus, a cis mutation located 280bp downstream on the DNA had a profound effect on promoter 7 transcription. This effect would be commensurate with this mutation disrupting an important interaction between proteins bound at promoter 7 with those bound at promoter 6. Primer extension demonstrated that the promoter 7 mutations had no apparent influence on promoter 6 transcription. By using pfl–lacZ gene fusions it could be shown that the FNR‐binding site and ‐10 region mutations at promoter 6 abolished FNR‐dependent anaerobic regulation of pfl operon expression. The equivalent mutations at promoter 7 caused a 25% reduction in anaerobic expression. The residual anaerobic expression in such constructs was FNR‐, but no longer ArcA‐dependent. A construct in which the ‐10 region of both promoters 6 and 7 was mutated showed no anaerobic induction of pfl operon expression. This indicates that transcription from both promoters is required for maximal anaerobic regulation by ArcA and FNR.