Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Initial-fit approach versus verified prescription: comparing self-perceived hearing aid benefit.

BACKGROUND Despite evidence suggesting inaccuracy in the default fittings provided by hearing aid manufacturers, the use of probe-microphone measures for the verification of fitting accuracy is routinely used by fewer than half of practicing audiologists. PURPOSE The present study examined whether self-perception of hearing aid benefit, as measured through the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB; Cox and Alexander, 1995), differed as a function of hearing aid fitting method, specifically, manufacturer's initial-fit approach versus a verified prescription. The prescriptive fit began at NAL-NL1 targets, with adjustments based on participant request. Each of the two fittings included probe-microphone measurement. RESEARCH DESIGN A counterbalanced, cross-over, repeated-measures, single-blinded design was utilized to address the research objectives. STUDY SAMPLE Twenty-two experienced hearing aid users from the general Bay Pines VA Healthcare System audiology clinic population were randomized into one of two intervention groups. INTERVENTION At the first visit, half of the participants were fit with new hearing aids via the manufacturer's initial fit while the second half were fit to a verified prescription using probe-microphone measurement. After a wear period of 4-6 wk, the participants' hearing aids were refit via the alternate method and worn for an additional 4-6 wk. Participants were blinded to the method of fitting by utilizing probe-microphone measures with both approaches. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The APHAB was administered at baseline and at the end of each intervention trial. At the end of the second trial period, the participants were asked to identify which hearing aid fitting was "preferred. " The APHAB data were subjected to a general linear model repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS For the three APHAB communication subscales (i.e., Ease of Communication, Reverberation, and Background Noise) mean scores obtained with the verified prescription were higher than those obtained with the initial-fit approach, indicating greater benefit with the former. The main effect of hearing aid fitting method was statistically significant [F (1, 21) = 4.69, p = 0.042] and accounted for 18% of the variance in the data (partial eta squared = 0.183). Although the mean benefit score for the APHAB Aversiveness subscale was also better (i.e., lower) for the verified prescription than the initial-fit approach, the difference was not statistically significant. Of the 22 participants, 7 preferred their hearing aids programmed to initial-fit settings and 15 preferred their hearing aids programmed to the verified prescription. CONCLUSIONS The data support the conclusion that hearing aids fit to experienced hearing aid wearers using a verified prescription are more likely to yield better self-perceived benefit as measured by the APHAB than if fit using the manufacturer's initial-fit approach.
Aspirin and the risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma in a population-based case-control study.

BACKGROUND Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with decreased risk of several malignancies. NSAIDs may prevent cancer development by blocking the cyclooxygenase-catalyzed synthesis of proinflammatory prostaglandins. Aspirin may also protect against Hodgkin's lymphoma by inhibiting transcription factor nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), which is necessary for immune function and the survival of Hodgkin's lymphoma cells. We examined the association between regular analgesic use and the risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma. METHODS A population-based case-control study of 565 case patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma and 679 control subjects was conducted in the metropolitan area of Boston, Massachusetts, and in the state of Connecticut. Participants reported their average use of aspirin, non-aspirin NSAIDs, and acetaminophen over the previous 5 years. Regular analgesic use was defined as consumption of at least two tablets per week on average over the preceding 5 years; non-regular use was defined as consumption of fewer than two tablets per week. RESULTS The risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma associated with regular aspirin use was statistically significantly lower (odds ratio [OR] = 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.42 to 0.85) than that associated with non-regular aspirin use. The risk was not associated with use of other non-aspirin NSAIDs (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.73 to 1.30). However, the risk associated with regular acetaminophen use was statistically significantly higher (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.29 to 2.31) than that associated with non-regular use. CONCLUSION The inverse association between aspirin, but not other NSAIDs, and Hodgkin's lymphoma suggests that NF-kappaB signaling may play a key role in Hodgkin's lymphoma pathogenesis.
Optimization of Fuel Consumption in Compressor Stations

Summary Natural gas passing through pipelines is transported by means of compressor stations that are installed in pipeline-network systems. These stations are usually installed at intervals greater than 60 miles to overcome pressure loss, and typically, they consume approximately 3 to 5% of the transported gas, making the problem of how to optimally operate the compressors driving the gas in a pipeline network important. The objective function of the optimization model is a nonlinear mathematical relationship. The model has been studied to minimize the fuel consumption in the compressor stations and to obtain suitable decision-making variables. Genetic algorithms are used as the optimization methodology, and the software program Lingo (Thompson 2011) is used to compare the optimization results. Two cases of centrifugal compressor stations with different performances are studied. The optimization model aims to improve the fuel consumption of the compressor stations in the pipeline network according to the conditions of the transmissions.
Combinational profiles of sequential benchmark circuits

A set of 31 digital sequential circuits described at the gate level is presented. These circuits extend the size and complexity of the ISCAS'85 set of combinational circuits and can serve as benchmarks for researchers interested in sequential test generation, scan-based test generation, and mixed sequential/scan-based test generation using partial scan techniques. Although all the benchmark circuits are sequential, synchronous, and use only D-type flip-flops, additional interior faults and asynchronous behavior can be introduced by substituting for some or all of the flip-flops their appropriate functional models. The standard functional model of the D flip-flop provides a reference point that is independent of the faults particular to the flip-flop implementation. A testability profile of the benchmarks in the full-scan-mode configuration is discussed. <<ETX>>
Effects of Various Sources and Levels of Chromium on Performance of Broilers

Three hundred and twenty four one day old mixed sex broiler chicks were assigned at random into 9 treatment groups. The experimental design was a 3×3 factorial arrangement. During the starter period (week 1-3), chicks were fed ad libitum. A corn- soybean meal based diet contained 23% crude protein, 3,200 kcal/kg metabolizable energy (NRC, 1994), and supplemented with organic or inorganic forms of chromium. Two organic chromium products, chromium yeast (Cr-Yeast from Alltech Biotechnology Corporation Limited) and chromium picolinate (Cr-Pic) were supplemented at the rate of 200, 400 and 800 ppb. One inorganic product, chromium chloride, was supplemented at the rate of 200, 400 and 800 ppb. During the finishing period (week 4-7), the corn-soybean meal based diet contained 20% crude protein, 3,200 kcal/kg metabolizable energy (NRC, 1994), and the same levels of chromium as in the starter period were added. No significant difference was observed among treatment groups in average daily gain, feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and mortality. The carcass percentage of broilers receiving 200 and 400 ppb organic chromium (Cr-Yeast or Cr- Pic) was significantly increased (p<0.01). In addition, the supplementation of organic chromium reduced (p<0.05) breast meat fat content but increased breast meat protein content. The addition of chromium in the diet had no effect on boneless breast, skinless boneless breast, boneless leg, skinless boneless leg but reduced percentage of sirloin muscle. Total cholesterol and triglycerides were reduced by organic Cr supplementation. Supplementation with 200 and 400 ppb of both Cr-Yeast and Cr-Pic showed the lowest total cholesterol. The effects of type of Cr on HDL and LDL were variable, however, LDL increased with increasing level of Cr supplementation. This trial indicates that organic chromium tended to improve growth performances and carcass composition, reduced total cholesterol and triglycerides. The optimum level of organic chromium supplementation was at 200 ppb. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2005. Vol 18, No. 11 : 1628-1633)
Pulmonary cytomegalovirus reactivation causes pathology in immunocompetent mice*

Objective:Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a ubiquitous herpes virus that persists in the host in a latent state following primary infection. We have recently observed that CMV reactivates in lungs of critically ill surgical patients and that this reactivation can be triggered by bacterial sepsis. Although CMV is a known pathogen in immunosuppressed transplant patients, it is unknown whether reactivated CMV is a pathogen in immunocompetent hosts. Using an animal model of latency/reactivation, we studied the pathobiology of CMV reactivation in the immunocompetent host. Design:Laboratory study. Setting:University laboratory. Subjects:Cohorts of immunocompetent BALB/c mice with or without latent murine CMV (MCMV+/MCMV−). Interventions:Mice underwent cecal ligation and puncture. Lung tissue homogenates were evaluated after cecal ligation and puncture for tumor necrosis factor-&agr;, interleukin-1&bgr;, neutrophil chemokine KC, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 messenger RNA by polymerase chain reaction and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Because pulmonary tumor necrosis factor-&agr; expression is known to cause pulmonary fibrosis, trichrome-stained sections of lung tissues were analyzed using image analysis to quantitate pulmonary fibrosis. In a second experiment, a cohort of MCMV+ mice received ganciclovir (10 mg/kg/day subcutaneously) following cecal ligation and puncture. Tumor necrosis factor-&agr; messenger RNA and pulmonary fibrosis were evaluated as described previously. Measurements and Main Results:All MCMV+ mice had CMV reactivation beginning 2 wks after cecal ligation and puncture. Following reactivation, these mice had abnormal tumor necrosis factor-&agr;, interleukin-1&bgr;, neutrophil chemokine KC, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 messenger RNA expression compared with controls. Image analysis showed that MCMV+ mice had significantly increased pulmonary fibrosis compared with MCMV− mice 3 wks after cecal ligation and puncture. Ganciclovir treatment following cecal ligation and puncture prevented MCMV reactivation. Furthermore, ganciclovir-treated mice did not demonstrate abnormal pulmonary expression of tumor necrosis factor-&agr; messenger RNA. Finally, ganciclovir treatment prevented pulmonary fibrosis following MCMV reactivation. Conclusions:This study shows that CMV reactivation causes abnormal tumor necrosis factor-&agr; expression, and that following CMV reactivation, immunocompetent mice have abnormal pulmonary fibrosis. Ganciclovir blocks MCMV reactivation, thus preventing abnormal tumor necrosis factor-&agr; expression and pulmonary fibrosis. These data may explain a mechanism by which critically ill surgical patients develop fibroproliferative acute respiratory distress syndrome. These data suggest that human studies using antiviral agents during critical illness are warranted.
Optical coherence tomography at follow-up after percutaneous coronary intervention: relationship between procedural dissections, stent strut malapposition and stent healing.

AIMS To analyse the relationship between strut apposition as visualised with optical coherence tomography (OCT) at follow-up and clinical and procedural characteristics at stent implantation, and to examine the relationship between strut apposition and stent healing. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty-eight coronary lesions were evaluated. The lesion morphology before stent implantation was described from the baseline angiogram. Strut apposition at follow-up was divided into: (I) apposed struts, (II) struts overlying side branch ostia, (III) malapposed and (IV) protruding struts. Since malapposed and protruding struts often occurred in the same lesions, these were divided into two groups: lesions without (n=20) and lesions with (n=8) the presence of these struts. The thickness of strut coverage was used as a surrogate for stent healing. We analysed 5,159 struts. Sixteen were malapposed and 216 were protruding. Lesions with malapposed and/or protruding struts at OCT follow-up were more frequently associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and procedure related dissections at stent implantation than lesions without. There was a tendency towards a less pronounced strut coverage over malapposed and protruding struts, as compared to apposed struts. CONCLUSIONS ACS and procedural dissections at stent implantation may be related to strut malapposition/protrusion at follow-up, which may influence the degree of strut coverage.
Costs , demand , and producer price changes 1

We estimate an ordered probit model in order to exp lain the occurrence and magnitude of producer price changes in the French manufacturing sector. We use data consisting essentially of the Banque de France monthly business surveys, pooled o v r the years 1998-2005. Our results show that changes in the price of intermediate inputs are the main driver of producer price changes. Firms also appear to react significantly to changes in the pro ducer price index of their industry. Variations in labor costs as well as in the production level also ppear to increase the likelihood of a price chang e but their influence seems to be of a lesser importa nce. We also show that estimating an unconstrained dynamic model allows improving the estimation resul ts as compared to those associated with a standard state-dependent model. Finally, our result s point to an asymmetry in price adjustments. When they face a change in their costs, firms adjust the ir prices upward more often and more rapidly than they do it downward.
Integrating phylogenetic and ecological distances reveals new insights into parasite host specificity

The range of hosts a pathogen infects (host specificity) is a key element of disease risk that may be influenced by both shared phylogenetic history and shared ecological attributes of prospective hosts. Phylospecificity indices quantify host specificity in terms of host relatedness, but can fail to capture ecological attributes that increase susceptibility. For instance, similarity in habitat niche may expose phylogenetically unrelated host species to similar pathogen assemblages. Using a recently proposed method that integrates multiple distances, we assess the relative contributions of host phylogenetic and functional distances to pathogen host specificity (functional–phylogenetic host specificity). We apply this index to a data set of avian malaria parasite (Plasmodium and Haemoproteus spp.) infections from Melanesian birds to show that multihost parasites generally use hosts that are closely related, not hosts with similar habitat niches. We also show that host community phylogenetic ß‐diversity (Pßd) predicts parasite Pßd and that individual host species carry phylogenetically clustered Haemoproteus parasite assemblages. Our findings were robust to phylogenetic uncertainty, and suggest that phylogenetic ancestry of both hosts and parasites plays important roles in driving avian malaria host specificity and community assembly. However, restricting host specificity analyses to either recent or historical timescales identified notable exceptions, including a ‘habitat specialist’ parasite that infects a diversity of unrelated host species with similar habitat niches. This work highlights that integrating ecological and phylogenetic distances provides a powerful approach to better understand drivers of pathogen host specificity and community assembly.
Analysis of (CAG)n size heterogeneity in somatic and sperm cell DNA from intermediate and expanded Huntington disease gene carriers

The length of the CAG repeat responsible for Huntington disease has been analysed by two PCR methods in blood and sperm DNA of 13 expansion carriers, two carriers of intermediate alleles, and four normal subjects. The two methods consistently confirmed size heterogeneity, more pronounced in sperm and confined to the CAG stretch. Based on densitometric scanning of films, four indexes addressed to different features of the PCR pattern were used to quantitate mosaicism. These revealed strong correlations with CAG size and intergenerational instability. However, mosaicism did not show a greater similarity in sibs who shared the same HD chromosome, nor was correlated with instability in the proband's pedigree. Our data do not support the hypothesis that cis‐acting factors play a major role in the instability and leave the CAG size per se as the major determinant of sperm cell CAG instability. Hum Mutat 10:458–464, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Journal of Nutrition Supplement : Soy Summit — Exploration of the Nutrition and Health Effects of Whole Soy Soy Protein Reduces Serum Cholesterol by Both Intrinsic and Food Displacement Mechanisms 1 – 3

The apparently smaller LDL cholesterol (LDL-C)–lowering effect of soy in recent studies has prompted the U.S. FDA to reexamine the heart health claim previously allowed for soy products. We therefore attempted to estimate the intrinsic and extrinsic (displacement) potential of soy in reducing LDL-C to determine whether the heart health claim for soy continues to be justified. The intrinsic effect of soywas derived from ameta-analysis using soy studies (20–133 g/d soy protein) included in the recent AHA Soy Advisory. The extrinsic effect of soy in displacing foods higher in saturated fat and cholesterol was estimated using predictive equations for LDL-C and NHANES III population survey data with the substitution of 13–58 g/d soy protein for animal protein foods. The meta-analysis of the AHA Soy Advisory data gave a mean LDL-C reduction of 0.17 mmol/L (n = 22; P , 0.0001) or 4.3% for soy, which was confirmed in 11 studies reporting balanced macronutrient profiles. The estimated displacement value of soy (13–58 g/d) using NHANES III population survey data was a 3.6–6.0% reduction in LDL-C due to displacement of saturated fats and cholesterol from animal foods. The LDL-C reduction attributable to the combined intrinsic and extrinsic effects of soy protein foods ranged from 7.9 to 10.3%. Thus, soy remains one of a few food components that reduces serum cholesterol (.4%) when added to the diet. J. Nutr. doi: 10.3945/jn.110. 124958.
Suppression of testicular function using two dose rates of a reversible water soluble gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine in colts.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of two dose rates (200 and 400 ng) of a gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine on testicular function. DESIGN A vaccination dose rate experiment. PROCEDURE Two injections were administered 4 weeks apart to six colts in each treatment group. To maintain immunosuppression until the end of the breeding season, a third injection was given if antibody titres fell below 1000. RESULTS Effective antibody titres were present for 12 to 27 weeks. Testosterone concentrations decreased from 2.22 to 0.31 nmol/L 6 weeks after primary vaccination. Androstenedione concentrations decreased from 1.78 to 0.28 nmol/L 5 weeks after vaccination. Testosterone and androstenedione concentrations above 0.69 and 0.87 nmol/L were attained 31 to 43 weeks after vaccination. Mean scrotal widths and lengths decreased over 29 weeks from 9.2 cm and 9.7 cm to 6.7 cm and 7.6 cm. At surgical castration these dimensions were 10.1 cm and 11.0 cm. Mean semen characteristics before vaccination and after recovery were: gel-free volume 16.5 and 13.5 mL, sperm concentration 295.5 x 10(6) and 315.6 x 10(6)/mL, total sperm per ejaculate 4041 x 10(6) and 4657 x 10(6) and live normal spermatozoa 32% and 60%. Histologically, the testes showed active spermatogenesis. The mean testicular parenchyma weights for the 200 and 400 mg groups were 129.0 g and 109.8 g. Daily sperm production per testis and per gram of testis for the 200 and 400 mg groups were 3.7 x 10(8) and 2.8 x 10(6), and 2.3 x 10(8) and 2.0 x 10(6). CONCLUSIONS Both dose rates suppressed testicular function. Data showed that the vaccine effects were reversible. Individual immune response was less varied in the 200 mg group. Further work is necessary to achieve a less variable response in the immunosuppression of testicular function.
Increased blood levels of persistent organic pollutants (POP) in obese individuals after weight loss—A review

ABSTRACT Lipophilic persistent organic pollutants (POP) are stored in adipose tissue. Following rapid weight loss such as when induced by bariatric surgery, an increased release of potential harmful lipophilic compounds into the blood circulation may occur. Weight reduction is recommended for overweight and obese individuals in order to decrease risk of weight-related health problems. However, in cases of significant weight reduction POP become mobilized chemicals and consequently may adversely affect health, including endocrine disruption. The objective of the present investigation was to estimate quantitatively the level of mobilization of POP following weight loss over time. According to literature search criteria, 17 studies were identified with 2061 participants. Data from 5 of the studies with 270 participants were used to assess the change in blood levels of POP in percent per kilogram weight loss. Weight loss in the included studies varied from 4.4 to 64.8 kg. In all studies, the majority of POP concentrations in blood were found to rise following weight reduction. Blood concentrations following weight reduction were elevated by 2–4% per kilogram weight loss for most POP examined. The increased POP levels were still elevated 12 mo after intervention. Most research in this field, including animal studies, is carried out on a single compound or group of selected compounds, not taking the “cocktail effect” into consideration. This does not reflect the true range of POP to which humans are actually exposed. Few chronic investigations have been published and, in particular, few studies were available that compared the increase in POP concentrations with clinical consequences as individuals lost weight. These limitations call for caution in interpreting results. The benefits of losing weight still far outweigh the potential adverse health risks. However, further studies are recommended to determine the clinical significance of increased blood levels of POPs following rapid and excessive weight loss, particularly for women attending weight reduction treatment before pregnancy.