Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spectrum of Acute Renal Failure and Factors Predicting Its Outcome in an Intensive Care Unit in India

Identification of factors causing acute renal failure (ARF) and its associated poor prognosis in critically ill patients can help in planning strategies to prevent ARF and to prioritize the utilization of sparse and expensive therapeutic modalities. Most of the studies in such patients have been done in the developed world, and similar data from the developing world is sparse. We analyzed 45 consecutive patients who developed ARF in the intensive care unit (ICU) during a 12-month period. Demographic and detailed biochemical profile, previous chronic illness, precipitating factors, number of failed organs, type of ARF (oliguric/nonoliguric), and need for and type of renal replacement therapy (RRT) received were recorded at the time of admission to ICU and during the course of illness. The mean age of these patients was 43.1 years, with 75.6% being males. Hypotension, sepsis, and use of nephrotoxic drugs were common precipitating factors for ARF in these patients. However, multiple precipitating factors were present in the majority (80%): 81.5% had at least one organ failure prior to development of ARF, 71.1% had oliguria, and 71.1% required RRT. Intermittent hemodialysis was the most common form of RRT given. Patient mortality was 64.4%, with 15 of the 16 surviving patients becoming dialysis independent. We observed an increase in mortality from 0% to 100%, depending on the number of failed organs from one to six. On comparing the predictor outcomes between survivors and nonsurvivors by multivariate analysis, only the number of failed organs at the time of ARF (2.6 ± 0.9 vs. 4.5 ± 0.8) and serum albumin <3.0 g/dL were found to be statistically significant. To conclude, ARF in critically ill patients is multifactorial in origin and carries a high mortality. Mortality in these patients increases with increasing numbers of failed organs and with a serum albumin of <3.0 g/dL.
Forecasting the price of uranium based on the costs of uranium deposits exploitation

The paper presents the concept of forecasting uranium prices on the basis of the uranium deposits exploitation costs. The model for estimating the costs of raw material extraction over time, depending on the supply level sufficient to meet the demand from nuclear power plants, has been developed. The aforementioned costs, given the inelastic demand for uranium, determine the price of this raw material. This allows estimating the future price of uranium on the basis of knowledge of the resource base and the relationships determining changes in parameters characterizing the resources. As these estimates are affected by considerable uncertainty, the study has used a stochastic approach, constructing the precise probability distributions of uncertain parameters. Based on literature analysis, the variables that are correlated with each other have been identified. The model has implemented the identified correlations between variables. A number of assumptions regarding the input data, model limitations, and the relationship between the variables has been adopted. On the basis of the Monte Carlo simulation, the probability distribution of uranium prices in the coming years until 2050 has been obtained. According to the obtained estimation, uranium prices will remain stable at around 90 USD/kg by 2030. The prices are expected to increase in the next years. It can be assumed that this trend will grow in the future. In 2050, the expected uranium price will be about 130 USD/kg.
A pharmacogenetic study of risperidone on histamine H3 receptor gene (HRH3) in Chinese Han schizophrenia patients

Evidence suggests that the human histamine H3 receptor (HRH3) may be involved in the pharmacodynamics of risperidone and influence clinical efficacy. More information on the pharmacogenetics of this receptor may therefore be useful in developing individualized therapy. However, to our knowledge, no study has been reported in this area. The aim of this investigation was to clarify whether H3 receptor polymorphism could affect risperidone efficacy. We genotyped tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the HRH3 gene (rs3787429 and rs3787430) and analyzed their association with the reduction of Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) score in Chinese Han schizophrenia patients (N = 129), following an eight-week period of risperidone monotherapy. The confounding effects of non-genetic factors were estimated, and then the significant one was included as the covariate for adjustment in statistical analysis. Baseline symptom score was the only significant confounding effect and thus the covariate. After adjustment, significant association of HRH3 with antipsychotic efficacy was detected (for rs3787429, p = 0.013, 0.087 after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment, respectively; for rs3787430, p = 0.024, 0.010 after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment, respectively) and stood up to conservative Bonferroni correction. Our results demonstrate that polymorphism of the HRH3 gene may be a potential genetic marker for predicting the therapeutic effect of risperidone, and suggest novel pharmacological links between HRH3 and risperidone. Further studies with larger samples and different ethnic populations are warranted to confirm our results.
Inhibition of Candida albicans Biofilm Formation by Farnesol, a Quorum-Sensing Molecule

ABSTRACT Farnesol is a quorum-sensing molecule that inhibits filamentation in Candida albicans. Both filamentation and quorum sensing are deemed to be important factors in C. albicans biofilm development. Here we examined the effect of farnesol on C. albicans biofilm formation. C. albicans adherent cell populations (after 0, 1, 2, and 4 h of adherence) and preformed biofilms (24 h) were treated with various concentrations of farnesol (0, 3, 30, and 300 μM) and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The extent and characteristics of biofilm formation were then assessed microscopically and with a semiquantitative colorimetric technique based on the use of 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfo-phenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide. The results indicated that the effect of farnesol was dependent on the concentration of this compound and the initial adherence time, and preincubation with 300 μM farnesol completely inhibited biofilm formation. Supernatant media recovered from mature biofilms inhibited the ability of planktonic C. albicans to form filaments, indicating that a morphogenetic autoregulatory compound is produced in situ in biofilms. Northern blot analysis of RNA extracted from cells in biofilms indicated that the levels of expression of HWP1, encoding a hypha-specific wall protein, were decreased in farnesol-treated biofilms compared to the levels in controls. Our results indicate that farnesol acts as a naturally occurring quorum-sensing molecule which inhibits biofilm formation, and we discuss its potential for further development and use as a novel therapeutic agent.
Matching organizational frame of reference and business strategy with contemporary marketing practices

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate diversity of marketing practices of firms operating in the same environment, by identifying how management perception and business strategy (BS) fits with the choice of the marketing practice. Design/methodology/approach A model was developed and tested using survey methodology based on three well-validated research instruments. Data were analyzed using the partial least square approach. Findings The results showed that different marketing practice were coupled with different frame of reference, as well as different BS. These forces were found to be inter related, and internally coherent, resulting in viable configurational profiles. Research limitations/implications The research is unique and exploratory, and was conducted in three Arabic countries with a small sample size. For these reasons, generalizability is somewhat constrained. Practical implications The findings would help managers to carefully examine the internal logic of their marketing-related profiling; it can be used as an assessment tool, where performance should be enhanced if the variables are coherent. Originality/value To author’s knowledge this is the first study that inspect three variables that had been associated with decision making, but not integrated together in a holistic framework to explain marketing diversity. Additionally it identified four viable types of marketing practices with its corresponding frame of reference and BS. Therefore, the paper reports a work in an area not previously researched.
Studying sexuality: LGBTI experiences in institutions of higher education in Southern Africa

Although there are several studies internationally on gender and sexual orientation diversity, these are limited in the Southern African Development Communities’ (SADC). This special issue contains articles written from different Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) in the SADC region on experiences of LGBTI individuals covering sexual health, teaching and training, advocacy and interventions. The aim of publishing this research is to disseminate information for broader advocacy to destabilise hetero- and cis-normativity. The study sites included rural and metropolitan-based institutions and diverse research designs were used. Most of the research findings presented here indicate that the institutions of higher education in SADC are still heteronormative and LGBTI staff and students are marginalized, prejudiced and discriminated against. Some studies report that there are activities in a few institutions harnessed in order to create conducive teaching and learning environments for and about sexual orientation and gender identity in the SADC.
Low Back Pain Patients Demonstrate Increased Hip Extensor Muscle Activity During Standardized Submaximal Rotation Efforts

Study Design. A comparative study of trunk and hip extensor muscle recruitment patterns in 2 subject groups. Objective. To examine for changes in recruitment of the hip and back extensor muscles during low level isometric trunk rotation efforts in chronic low back pain (CLBP) subjects by comparison with matched asymptomatic control subjects. Summary of Background Data. Anatomic and biomechanical models have provided evidence that muscles attaching to the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) are important for providing stabilization to the lumbopelvic region during trunk rotation. This has guided rehabilitation programs. The muscles that link diagonally to the posterior layer of the TLF have not previously been examined individually and compared during low-level trunk rotation efforts in CLBP patients and matched controls. Methods. Thirty CLBP patients and 30 matched controls were assessed using surface electromyography (EMG) as they performed low-level isometric rotation efforts while standing upright. Muscles studied included latissimus dorsi, erector spinae, upper and lower gluteus maximus, and biceps femoris. Subjects performed the rotation exertion with various levels of external trunk support, related to different functional tasks. Results. EMG results demonstrated that subjects with CLBP had significantly higher levels of recruitment for the lower and upper gluteus maximus (P < 0.05), hamstrings (P < 0.05), and erector spinae muscles (P < 0.05) during rotation to the left compared with the control subjects. Conclusion. This study provided evidence of increased muscle recruitment in CLBP patients when performing a standardized trunk rotation task. These results may have implications for the design of therapeutic exercise programs for CLBP patients.
Socially desirable responding: the case of self-reported values in tourism surveys

This study explored associations between socially desirable responding and self-reported values in tourism surveys. Measures of egoistic values, altruistic values, and biospheric values were significantly associated with self-deception/assertion of positives, but neither with self-deception/denial of negatives nor with impression management. Researchers and marketers may take into account that self-reports of personal values could be distorted by tendencies for self-deception to some extent.
ADHD and SCT Symptomatology in Relation to College Students’ Use of Self-Regulated Learning Strategies

Objective: The present study examined the relation between self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies and ADHD and sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) symptomatology. Method: Participants were 303 college students, aged 18 to 25 (M = 20.04, SD = 1.45), from a Midwestern university who completed the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale-IV (BAARS-IV), and a shortened, generalized version of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). Results: Among college students, inattention symptomatology was consistently predictive of deficits in use of value, expectancy, and self-regulation strategies, while SCT symptomatology was only predictive of deficits in the use of self-regulation strategies. Conclusion: This study is the first to examine the relation between SCT symptomatology and SRL strategy use in college students. The findings revealed that SRL strategy use differs between college students exhibiting ADHD or SCT symptomatology. Remediation focusing on these deficits would likely increase academic achievement. Clinical implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.
HER2 overexpression correlates with survival after curative resection of pancreatic cancer

HER2 overexpression has been linked to clinical outcomes in several solid tumors, such as breast cancer. However, the correlation between HER2 overexpression and survival in pancreatic carcinoma remains unclear. The impact of HER2 overexpression on survival in pancreatic ductal cancer was examined. Immunohistochemical staining of 129 pancreatic cancers without hematogenous metastases or peritoneal dissemination treated by macroscopically curative resection were analyzed in association with survival data. To determine HER2 overexpression in this pancreatic cancer series, the polyclonal antibody included in HercepTest, which is used worldwide for clinical examination of HER2 overexpression in breast cancer, was used. Immunoreactivity was classified according to the scale presented in the HercepTest Scoring Guidelines. Twenty‐two cases (17.1%) had a score of 0, 28 cases (21.7%) had of a score of 1+, 41 cases (31.8%) had a score of 2+, and 38 cases (29.4%) had a score of 3+. Therefore, HER2 overexpression (score 2+ or 3+) was observed in 79 cases (61.2%). Patients with HER2 overexpression tumors had significantly shorter survival times than those with HER2 normal expression (score 0 or 1+) tumors (median survival time, 14.7 vs 20.7 months, respectively; P = 0.0078 on the log‐rank test). On multivariate survival analysis, HER2 overexpression remained an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 1.806; P = 0.0258). A significant percentage of pancreatic cancers were demonstrated to have HER2 overexpression, and overexpression of this tyrosine kinase receptor proved to be an independent factor for a worse prognosis. These results should encourage further investigation of treatments using new molecular targeting agents against HER2 protein to improve the survival of pancreatic cancer patients. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1243–1247)
The 2dF Galaxy Redshift Survey: the number and luminosity density of galaxies

We present the bivariate brightness distribution (BBD) for the 2dF Galaxy Redshift Survey (2dFGRS) based on a preliminary subsample of 45 000 galaxies. The BBD is an extension of the galaxy luminosity function, incorporating surface brightness information. It allows the measurement of the local luminosity density, jB, and of the galaxy luminosity and surface brightness distributions, while accounting for surface brightness selection biases. The recovered 2dFGRS BBD shows a strong luminosity–surface brightness relation MB∝(2.4±0.51.5)μe], providing a new constraint for galaxy formation models. In terms of the number density, we find that the peak of the galaxy population lies at MB≥−16.0 mag. Within the well-defined selection limits (−24<MB<−16.0 mag,18.0<μe<24.5 mag arcsec−2) the contribution towards the luminosity density is dominated by conventional giant galaxies (i.e., 90 per cent of the luminosity density is contained within −22.5<M<−17.5,18.0<μe<23.0). The luminosity-density peak lies away from the selection boundaries, implying that the 2dFGRS is complete in terms of sampling the local luminosity density, and that luminous low surface brightness galaxies are rare. The final value we derive for the local luminosity density, inclusive of surface brightness corrections, is jB=2.49±0.20×108 h100 L⊙ Mpc−3. Representative Schechter function parameters are M*=−19.75±0.05,φ*=2.02±0.02×10−2 and α=−1.09±0.03. Finally, we note that extending the conventional methodology to incorporate surface brightness selection effects has resulted in an increase in the luminosity density of ∼37 per cent. Hence surface brightness selection effects would appear to explain much of the discrepancy between previous estimates of the local luminosity density.
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVE SLAB WIDTH OF COMPOSITE CONTINUOUS BEAMS WITH SEMI-RIGID JOINT

The characterization of the structural behavior of composite beams is directly affected by the determination of the effective slab width. Various codes propose their own definitions of the effective width based on the beam span and the slab width parameters. However, the evaluation of the effective width may be influenced by other parameters. The aim of this work is to determine the most important factors affecting effective width for continuous composite beams with semi-rigid joints using numerical simulations. A three-dimensional finite element model of a composite continuous beam using explicit-solver available in ABAQUS is developed. The proposed model is validated through comparisons to available experimental results. A modified model is proposed based on the so-validated model to study the influence of the composite beam-column joint stiffness on the effective width. Then, both numerical models are used to perform an extensive parametric study to investigate the influence of various parameters on the estimation of the effective slab width. The influence of slab width, the shear connection degree, and composite joint stiffness are particularly analyzed to find out the most important parameters influencing the effective width so that simplified equations for the calculation of the effective slab width are proposed.
Contribution of interest rate control to China’s economic development

Abstract China’s economy has grown at an unprecedented pace since 1978, which has resulted in a sustained improvement in the average living standard in China. A theoretical model is developed in the present study to analyze the role of interest rate control in China’s economic growth, where investment is primarily determined by interest rates available to firms and entrepreneurs. When the central bank regulates the interest rates and makes them below the equilibrium rate, high-level investment activities boost economic growth and introduce new technologies into the economy, which in turn promotes growth in labour productivity. As the current marginal product of capital is much higher than the interest rate, the output growth is much faster than consumption growth and exports become an important part of the economy. To maintain competitiveness of exports over a longer period, it is necessary to keep exchange rates low, which results in large foreign exchange reserves. When the export sector is losing its competitiveness edge due to increased labour costs and exports cannot digest the difference between output growth and consumption plus investment growth, interest rate control may lose its positive impact on economic growth.
Essays on two-player games with asymmetric information

This thesis contributes to the economic theory literature in three aspects: price dynamics in financial markets with asymmetric information belief updating and equilibrium refinements in signaling games, and introducing ambiguity in limit pricing theory. In chapter 2, we formulate a zero-sum trading game between a better informed sector and a less 1nformed sector to endogenously determine the underlying price dynamics. In this model, player 1 is informed of the state (L) but is uncertain about player 2's belief about the state, because player 2 is informed through some message (M) related to the state. If L and M are independent, then the price proces s will be a Continuous Martingale of Maximal Variation (CMMV), and player 1 can benefit from his informational advantage. However, if L and M are not independent, player 1 will not reveal his information during the trading process, therefore, he does not benefit from his informational advantage. In chapter 3, I propose a definition of Hypothesis Testing Equilibrium (HTE) for general signaling games with non-Bayesian players nested, by an updating rule according to the Hypothesis Testing model characterized by Ortoleva (2012). An HTE may differ from a sequential Nash equilibrium because of dynamic inconsistency. However, in the case in which player 2 only treats a zero-probability message as an unexpected news, an HTE is a refinement of sequential Nash equilibrium and survives the intuitive Critenon in general signaling games but not vice versa. We provide an existence theorem covering a broad class of signaling games often studied in economics. In chapter 4, I introduce ambiguity in a standard industry organization model, in which the established firm is either informed of the true state of aggregate demand or is under classical measurable uncertainty about the state, while the potential entrant is under Knightian uncertainty (ambiguity) about the state. I characterize the conditions under which limit pricing emerges in equilibria, and thus ambiguity decreases the probability of entry. Welfare analysis shows that limit pricing is more harmful in a market with higher expected demand than in a market with lower expected demand.
Implant-Supported Fixed Prosthesis in a Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia Patient: A Case Report With 3 Years Follow-up and Review of the Literature

Introduction:Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) is a rare inherited disorder that affects structures derived from embryonic ectoderm. Due to associated ridge deficiency, and anodontia found in these patients, multiple surgeries are often indicated before replacement of missing teeth with implants, resulting in increased morbidity and treatment time. Materials and Methods:In this case report, a 31-year-old woman was transitioned from failing tooth-supported fixed restorations to a fully implant-supported fixed prosthesis using immediate implants and narrow diameter implants (NDI). By using some of her existing dentition to support the provisional restorations while osseointegration took place, the patient was able to retain function during treatment. Full-fixed implant-supported prostheses were delivered, providing an esthetic and functional outcome that has been maintained for 3 years. Conclusion:In ED patients, NDI together with immediate implant placement can be used successfully to support a complete fixed restoration and should be considered as an alternative to major reconstruction surgeries. Key factors associated with increased predictability are discussed together with a review of the literature.