Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sources of variability in repeated T-helper lymphocyte counts from human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected patients: total lymphocyte count fluctuations and diurnal cycle are important.

The study objective was to determine the causes and magnitude of absolute CD4 (T4) count variation in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected (+) adult males. We conducted a prospective, blinded, and controlled study of 22 adult military male outpatients, including 16 HIV(+) [12 in Walter Reed stage (WR-) 1 through 5, 4 in WR-6 (AIDS)], and 6 HIV seronegative (-) healthy controls. Ten CD4+ cell counts were drawn within a 3-day interval from each patient at the following times: 0800, 1200, 1600, and 2200 h on day 1; and 0800, 1200, and 1600 h on days 2 and 3. A significant CD4+ cell count diurnal increase of 59 cells/mm3 was detected between 0800 h and 2200 h from the WR-1-5 patients (p = 0.018), although this diurnal change was significantly blunted (p = 0.028) as compared with the 506 cells/mm3 CD4+ cell count diurnal increase observed from the HIV(-) healthy controls. The coefficients of variation [CV = (standard deviation/average) x 100] of the three daily 0800 h CD4 cell counts from each patient were 15 (median) and 19 (average) for the WR-1-5 patient group. Blood leukocyte counts, differential fractions of lymphocytes, and total lymphocyte counts contributed more to the observed CD4+ cell count variability than did the CD4% measurements [CV = 7.5 (median), 11 (average)] obtained from flow cytometry. We conclude that the large fluctuations that we observed in repeated CD4+ cell counts in HIV(+) patients can be explained in part by CD4+ cell count diurnal cycle and in part by high variability in total lymphocyte counts. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Mentoring Young Statisticians: Facilitating the Acquisition of Important Career Skills

�2� Summary Statistics plays a very important role in science and research. The future of statistics as a field depends heavily on the training and mentoring of young statisticians by mature, experienced statisticians. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of mentoring in the development of future statisticians. We describe the importance of mentoring young statisticians and strategies that young statisticians can use to select a mentor. Mentoring of young statisticians is a model that can facilitate knowledge transfer and experience sharing for the betterment of statistics and human development. We offer suggestions for ways in which the mentor can and help their mentee acquire important career skills including suggestions for other things that young statisticians can do on their own to enhance career development. We share our experiences on mentoring and offer suggestions that people can use in their mentoring relationships.
Micro-Finance, Women’s Empowerment and Fertility Decline in Bangladesh: How Important Was Women’s Agency?

Abstract As Nobel Prize winner Amartya Sen has argued “[Bangladesh’s development achievements have] important lessons for other countries across the globe, [in particular a focus on] reducing gender inequality”. A major avenue through which this emphasis has been manifest lies, according to this narrative, in enhancements to women’s agency for instrumental and intrinsic reasons particularly through innovations in family planning and microfinance. The “Bangladesh paradox” of improved wellbeing despite low economic growth over the last four decades is claimed as a paradigmatic case of the spread of both modern family planning programmes and microfinance leading to women’s empowerment and fertility reduction. In this paper we show that the links between microfinance, empowerment and fertility reduction, are fraught with problems, and far from robust; hence the claimed causal links between microfinance and family planning via women’s empowerment needs to be further reconsidered.
Dexmedetomidine Improves Postoperative Patient-Controlled Analgesia following Radical Mastectomy

Acute postoperative pain following radical mastectomy is a high risk for prolonged convalescence and potential persistent pain in patients with breast cancer. The present study was designed to observe the effect of intraoperative use of dexmedetomidine on acute postoperative pain following radical mastectomy under general anesthesia. Forty-five patients were enrolled into the study and divided into two groups that were maintained with propofol/remifentanil/Ringer's solution or propofol/remifentanil/Dexmedetomidine followed by morphine-based patient-controlled analgesia. During the first 24 h following surgery, patients receiving dexmedetomine had lower NRS pain scores, decreased morphine consumption, longer time to first morphine request as well as a trending decreased incidence of adverse effects when compared to those received Ringer's solution. In conclusion, the present study finds that intraoperative use of dexmedetomidine could promote analgesic property of postoperative morphine.
Emetic Potentials of Newly Identified Staphylococcal Enterotoxin-Like Toxins

ABSTRACT Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) are a common causative agent of food poisoning. Recently, many new SE-like (SEl) toxins have been reported, although the role of SEls in food poisoning remains unclear. In this study, the emetic potentials of SElK, SElL, SElM, SElN, SElO, SElP, and SElQ were assessed using a monkey-feeding assay. All the SEls that were tested induced emetic reactions in monkeys at a dose of 100 μg/kg, although the numbers of affected monkeys were significantly smaller than the numbers that were affected after consuming SEA or SEB. This result suggests that these new SEs may play some role in staphylococcal food poisoning.
A predictive model of rats’ calorie intake as a function of diet energy density

Easy access to high-energy food has been linked to high rates of obesity in the world. Understanding the way that access to palatable (high fat or high calorie) food can lead to overconsumption is essential for both preventing and treating obesity. Although the body of studies focused on the effects of high energy diets is growing, our understanding of how different factors contribute to food choices is not complete. In this study, we present a mathematical model that is able to predict rats’ calorie intake to a high-energy diet based on their ingestive behavior to a standard chow diet. Specifically, we propose an equation that describes the relation between the body weight (W), energy density (E), time elapsed from the start of diet (T), and daily calorie intake (C). We tested our model on two independent data sets. Our results show that the suggested model is able to predict the calorie intake patterns with high accuracy. Additionally, the only free parameter of our proposed equation (ρ), which is unique to each animal, has a strong correlation with their calorie intake and weight gain. Additionally, we discuss the relevance of our derived parameter in the context of measuring reward sensitivity in reinforcement learning based studies.
A Viterbi-type algorithm for efficient estimation of M-PSK sequences over the Gaussian channel with unknown carrier phase

A Viterbi-type algorithm for the efficient estimation of a convolutionally/trellis coded, or uncoded M-PSK sequence over the Gaussian channel with unknown carrier phase is presented. It performs coherent detection of M-PSK sequences with no explicit recovery of coherent references. The metric computations involve only linear operations. Theoretical and simulated performance results are presented for various carrier phase processes. The algorithm is called the suboptimum ML estimator (SMLE). Its BER in the presence of a time invariant carrier phase is obtained analytically. The simulation results for the BER with time-invariant as well as time-varying carrier phase processes allow a comparison of the performance of the SMLE with other sequence estimation algorithms, and enable the applicability of the SMLE to burst mode TDMA communications to be ascertained. >
Transcription of a human neurotropic virus promoter in glial cells: effect of YB-1 on expression of the JC virus late gene

We have isolated a partial recombinant cDNA clone from a HeLa expression library which encodes a protein capable of binding to the central region of the human neurotropic JC virus (JCV) enhancer/promoter, termed the B region. Sequence analysis revealed a complete homology of the partial cDNA clone to the N-terminal region, of a previously described DNA-binding protein, termed YB-1. Band shift analyses have indicated that the bacterially produced YB-1 interacts specifically with the double-stranded B oligonucleotide as well as the corresponding single-stranded DNA fragment representing the early promoter sequence. Further analysis indicated that the YB-1 protein binds specifically to the C/T-rich sequence of the B domain, which is located in close proximity to the TATA box within the virus enhancer/promoter. Results from cotransfection experiments demonstrated that the full-length (YB-1) but not the partial cDNA enhances expression of the JCV late (JCVL) promoter in glial cells. Cointroduction into glial cells of a recombinant expressing the YB-1 and JCVL deletion mutants indicated that removal of the C/T-rich sequence of the B domain reduces the level of activation of the virus promoter by YB-1. Further cotransfection experiments revealed that the virus transactivating protein T antigen appears to diminish the ability of YB-1 to activate JCVL gene expression. RNA studies indicated that YB-1 is expressed in several cell types and tissues. Examination of YB-1 RNA from mouse brain at various stages of development revealed high levels of YB-1 RNA at early stages of development and lower levels at all subsequent developmental stages.
The role of attachment style in interpersonal psychotherapy for depressed adolescents

Abstract Objective(s): This study examined changes in depressed adolescents' reports of attachment anxiety and avoidance with interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT-A), and the relationship between attachment style and change in depression with IPT-A. Method: Forty adolescents (aged 12–17) participated in a 16-week randomized clinical trial of 4 adaptive treatment strategies for adolescent depression that began with IPT-A and augmented treatment for insufficient responders (n = 22) by adding additional IPT-A sessions (n = 11) or the antidepressant medication, fluoxetine (n = 11). Adolescents were 77.5% female and 22.5% male (mean age = 14.8, SD = 1.8). Ten percent of adolescents were Latino. Racial composition was 7.5% Asian, 7.5% American Indian/Alaska Native, 80.0% white, and 5.0% biracial. Measures of attachment style (Experience in Close Relationships Scale—Revised [ECR-R]) and depression (Children's Depression Rating Scale—Revised [CDRS-R]) were administered at baseline and Weeks 8 and 16. Results: Attachment Anxiety and Avoidance (ECR-R) decreased significantly from baseline to Week 16. Baseline Avoidance positively predicted greater reductions in depression (CDRS-R), controlling for fluoxetine. Reductions in Anxiety and Avoidance were also significantly associated with reductions in CDRS-R, controlling for fluoxetine. Conclusions: Adolescents' reports of attachment anxiety and avoidance are amenable to intervention with IPT-A. IPT-A may be particularly beneficial for adolescents who report a high level of avoidant attachment. Clinical or methodological significance of this article Our findings suggest that attachment anxiety and avoidance are constructs that are amenable to intervention during adolescence, and therefore viable targets of treatment. IPT-A was found to be an effective intervention for addressing problems in attachment style, and decreases in attachment anxiety and avoidance were associated with reductions in depression. This provides support for selecting IPT-A as a treatment option for adolescents who are depressed and describe difficulty with attachment security. IPT-A appears to be particularly effective for adolescents with an avoidant attachment style, who experience discomfort with and have a tendency to avoid intimacy.
Forty years of Fanger's model of thermal comfort: comfort for all?

UNLABELLED The predicted mean vote (PMV) model of thermal comfort, created by Fanger in the late 1960s, is used worldwide to assess thermal comfort. Fanger based his model on college-aged students for use in invariant environmental conditions in air-conditioned buildings in moderate thermal climate zones. Environmental engineering practice calls for a predictive method that is applicable to all types of people in any kind of building in every climate zone. In this publication, existing support and criticism, as well as modifications to the PMV model are discussed in light of the requirements by environmental engineering practice in the 21st century in order to move from a predicted mean vote to comfort for all. Improved prediction of thermal comfort can be achieved through improving the validity of the PMV model, better specification of the model's input parameters, and accounting for outdoor thermal conditions and special groups. The application range of the PMV model can be enlarged, for instance, by using the model to assess the effects of the thermal environment on productivity and behavior, and interactions with other indoor environmental parameters, and the use of information and communication technologies. Even with such modifications to thermal comfort evaluation, thermal comfort for all can only be achieved when occupants have effective control over their own thermal environment. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS The paper treats the assessment of thermal comfort using the PMV model of Fanger, and deals with the strengths and limitations of this model. Readers are made familiar to some opportunities for use in the 21st-century information society.
Towards understanding the distribution and tumor targeting of sericin regulated spherical calcium phosphate nanoparticles

The study of calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles in vivo is still incomplete, which has limited their applications for biomedical delivery. Herein, we synthesized amorphous spherical calcium phosphate (S‐CaP) nanoparticles with an average size of 80 nm via a co‐precipitation method in the presence of silk sericin as the regulation template. S‐CaP was labeled by the near‐infrared dye reagent DiR, and then, the labeled nanoparticles (S‐CaP@DiR) were used to investigate the distribution and degradation in healthy mice by IVIS and TEM. The results showed that the S‐CaP nanoparticles were mainly distributed in the liver, and ∼90% of them (500 μg) could be degraded by the liver within 2 weeks. Tumor‐bearing mice were then prepared, and the S‐CaP was injected intravenously. Strikingly, the nanoparticles can effectively target solid tumors in cancer cell‐bearing mice, indicating that the solid tumor was a foundation for the enrichment of the nanoparticles by the EPR effect, which showed the important potential of biodegradable inorganic nanoparticles in clinical drugs for tumor therapy.
Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) abuse: hallucinogenic experiences with a proprietary antihistamine.

Individuals have recently abused antihistamines in order to obtain hallucinogenic-like effects. While toxic reactions may result from such abuse, the authors cite two cases in which they did not. The authors conclude that dosage may be a critical factor related to toxic side effects; they also discuss treatment of toxic reactions to the antihistamines.
“He Said They’d Deport Me”

Significant developments have been made in research on domestic violence experienced by women as well as on the practical front of the services women seek and receive when living with partner abuse. Yet, most of the studies that explore the experiences of victims of partner abuse in the United States have focused on nonimmigrant White women. The current study aims to contribute to the literature by exploring Latina immigrant victims’ experiences with domestic violence service outreach in the Midwest. This exploratory study used one-on-one interviews and a focus group to identify the challenges faced by 10 Latina victims of partner abuse who had previously contacted an antiviolence organization in Iowa and had used its services. Findings demonstrate that immigration status and the inability to understand domestic violence within given cultural norms are major barriers keeping Latina victims from seeking help from formal advocacy agencies. Other impediments include feeling shame, isolation, along with the lack of bilingual service providers in mainstream institutions and, the lack of knowledge about resources among newcomers. We end with recommendations for research and practice.
Molecular Characterization of a Shiga ToxigenicEscherichia coli O113:H21 Strain Lacking eaeResponsible for a Cluster of Cases of Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome

ABSTRACT Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) strains are a diverse group of organisms capable of causing severe gastrointestinal disease in humans. Within the STEC family, certain strains appear to have greater virulence for humans. STEC strains carryingeae and belonging to serogroup O157 or O111 have been responsible for the vast majority of outbreaks of STEC disease reported to date. Here we describe a STEC O113:H21 strain lackingeae that was responsible for a cluster of three cases of hemolytic-uremic syndrome. This strain produces a single Stx2-related toxin and adheres efficiently to Henle 407 cells.
The Influence of Collaborative IT Tools on NPD

OVERVIEW: Information technology (IT) is the cornerstone of the modern new product development (NPD) process. A new generation of communication and collaboration tools has propagated into nearly all aspects of NPD. To better understand how these collaborative tools, such as wikis, cloud-based file sharing, social networking, blogs, and microblogging platforms like Twitter, are being used in NPD and what influence they have on NPD outcomes, we undertook a global study of collaborative IT tool use in 443 firms. We found that the usage frequency of these collaborative tools is currently low, but it is positively correlated with project performance. Our results also show that the best-performing projects use all of these tools more intensively than poorer-performing projects. In addition, the usage frequency of these tools differentiated the best from the rest in smaller and medium-sized firms but not in larger firms. Our findings suggest that NPD managers should encourage the use of new forms of communication and collaboration and should embolden and empower the migration toward these collaborative tools. Author Tucker J. Marion will host an IRI-sponsored webinar on this subject on April 1, 2016 at 12 pm EDT. Register to attend at https://attendee.gotowebinar. com/register/6567583436205158658.
Evoked facial emotional expression and emotional experience in people with anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE To use an experimental paradigm to assess facial expression, subjective experience of emotion and the relationship between them in people with anorexia nervosa (AN). METHOD Film clips are used to elicit emotion and participants' facial expression and subjective experience are recorded. Thirty inpatients with AN and 34 healthy control (HC) women are included in the study. RESULTS People with AN are less facially expressive than HC while watching positive and negative film clips and report feeling less positive emotion than HC but not less negative emotion. People with AN look away significantly more than HC during the negative film clip. Duration of illness and depression relate to attenuated positive facial expression and eating pathology to attenuated negative facial expression. DISCUSSION This experimental study supports self report studies showing people with AN attenuate emotional expression and avoid negative affect. Such behavior may affect social interaction and contribute to the maintenance of the disorder.
Prognostic value of a treadmill exercise score in outpatients with suspected coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND The treadmill exercise test identifies patients with different degrees of risk of death from cardiovascular events. We devised a prognostic score, based on the results of treadmill exercise testing, that accurately predicts outcome among inpatients referred for cardiac catheterization. This study was designed to determine whether this score could also accurately predict prognosis in unselected outpatients. METHODS We prospectively studied 613 consecutive outpatients with suspected coronary disease who were referred for exercise testing between 1983 and 1985. Follow-up was 98 percent complete at four years. The treadmill score was calculated as follows: duration of exercise in minutes--(5 x the maximal ST-segment deviation during or after exercise, in millimeters)--(4 x the treadmill angina index). The numerical treadmill angina index was 0 for no angina, 1 for nonlimiting angina, and 2 for exercise-limiting angina. Treadmill scores ranged from -25 (indicating the highest risk) to +15 (indicating the lowest risk). RESULTS Predicted outcomes for the outpatients, based on their treadmill scores, agreed closely with the observed outcomes. The score accurately separated patients who subsequently died from those who lived for four years (area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve = 0.849). The treadmill score was a better discriminator than the clinical data and was even more useful for outpatients than it had been for inpatients. Approximately two thirds of the outpatients had treadmill scores indicating low risk (greater than or equal to +5), reflecting longer exercise times and little or no ST-segment deviation, and their four-year survival rate was 99 percent (average annual mortality rate, 0.25 percent). Four percent of the outpatients had scores indicating high risk (less than -10), reflecting shorter exercise times and more severe ST-segment deviation; their four-year survival rate was 79 percent (average annual mortality rate, 5 percent). CONCLUSIONS The treadmill score is a useful and valid tool that can help clinicians determine prognosis and decide whether to refer outpatients with suspected coronary disease for cardiac catheterization. In this study, it was a better predictor of outcome than the clinical assessment.