Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hair concentrations of antiretrovirals predict viral suppression in HIV-infected pregnant and breastfeeding Ugandan women

Objective:Hair concentrations are a noninvasive measure of cumulative antiretroviral exposure and the strongest predictor of viral suppression in large cohorts of nonpregnant patients. We examined hair concentrations of antiretrovirals in relation to virologic outcomes in pregnant and breastfeeding women for the first time. Design and methods:The Prevention of Malaria and HIV Disease in Tororo trial (NCT00993031) enrolled HIV-infected pregnant Ugandan women at 12–28 weeks gestation who were randomized to lopinavir or efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy (ART). Small hair samples were collected at 30–34 weeks gestation and 10–25 weeks postpartum. Efavirenz and lopinavir hair concentrations were measured via liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Multivariate logistic regression models examined predictors of viral suppression (HIV-1 RNA ⩽400 copies/ml) at delivery and 24 weeks postpartum. Results:Among 325 women, median CD4+ cell count was 366 cells/&mgr;l (interquartile range 270–488) at ART initiation. Mean self-reported 3-day adherence was greater than 97% in each arm. Viral suppression was achieved by 98.0% (efavirenz) and 87.4% (lopinavir) at delivery. At 24 weeks postpartum, 92.5% (efavirenz) and 90.6% (lopinavir) achieved viral suppression; 88% of women were breastfeeding. In multivariate models including self-reported adherence and pretreatment HIV-1 RNA, antiretroviral hair concentrations were the strongest predictor of viral suppression at delivery [efavirenz: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.86 per doubling in concentration, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–3.1, P = 0.013; lopinavir: aOR 1.90, 95% CI 1.33–2.7, P = 0.0004] and 24 weeks postpartum (efavirenz: aOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.22–2.7, P = 0.003; lopinavir: aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.05–2.2, P = 0.026). Conclusion:Antiretroviral hair concentrations represent an innovative tool that strongly predicts viral suppression among HIV-infected childbearing women during the critical periods of delivery and breastfeeding.
BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON THE PRODUCTION OF MARINE ZOOPLANKTON

1. Phytoplanktonic algae vary in their value as food for zooplankton and no single algal food can meet the full nutritional needs of zooplanktonic animals. Perhaps this is because optimal amounts of essential micronutrients are not all present in any one alga. The dietary requirements of planktonic Crustacea, as far as they are known, bear some resemblance to those of vertebrates.
Uteroplacental hemodynamic disturbances in establishment of fetal growth retardation in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats.

This study examined the relationship between uteroplacental blood flow and fetal hypotrophy in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats (40 mg/kg body wt i.v.). Our results showed that, in diabetic rats, fetal hypotrophy was associated with a significant reduction in arterial blood velocity in the uterine artery (P less than 0.001), placenta (P less than 0.01), umbilical artery (P less than 0.01), and fetal aorta (P less than 0.05). This was not observed when diabetic rats were treated with insulin. Treatment of rats with the alpha 1-blocking vasodilator nicergoline restored fetal growth and arterial blood velocity to control values without affecting the degree of hyperglycemia. Nicergoline in control rats did not change fetal weight and caused only minor hemodynamic changes on presumably already maximally vasodilated arteries. We concluded that the uteroplacental hemodynamic disturbances observed in diabetic rats play a major role in the establishment of fetal growth retardation.
Second-order rotational effects on the r-modes of neutron stars.

Techniques are developed here for evaluating the r-modes of rotating neutron stars through second order in the angular velocity of the star. Second-order corrections to the frequencies and eigenfunctions for these modes are evaluated for neutron star models. The second-order eigenfunctions for these modes are determined here by solving an unusual inhomogeneous hyperbolic boundary-value problem. The numerical techniques developed to solve this unusual problem are somewhat non-standard and may well be of interest beyond the particular application here. The bulk-viscosity coupling to the r-modes, which appears first at second order, is evaluated. The bulk-viscosity time scales are found here to be longer than previous estimates for normal neutron stars, but shorter than previous estimates for strange stars. These new time scales do not substantially affect the current picture of the gravitational radiation driven instability of the r-modes either for neutron stars or for strange stars. @S0556-2821~99! 01518-0#
Predictors of student success in distance education courses

Predictors of Student Success in Distance Education Courses Rhonda Suzanne Shepperd This study investigated the relationship between faculty-student communication, student time management, student expectations, and quality of instruction and the level of student success in distance courses. The population of the study consisted of undergraduate students enrolled in Independent Study courses at Mountain State University (N=1007) during the summer and fall 2001 terms. The sample consisted of 500 students randomly selected from the population. Participants completed the Distance Education Satisfaction Survey developed by the researcher. Data analyses indicated that statistically significant differences existed within faculty-student communication, student time management, student expectations and quality of instruction based on the level of student success. Ancillary findings indicated that statistically significant differences existed within the turnaround time for grades, time management skills, ability to balance multiple roles, pacing ability, beginning course early, amount of work, self-directed nature, quality of work, course quality, and instructor support and guidance based upon the level of student success.
COMMENTARY: A new approach to atherogenic dyslipidemia

In the article "Cholesterol Lowering in Diabetes," (page 17), Dr Rosenson outlines what may be viewed as the state~of~the~art approach to dyslipidemia, which focuses on therapy with statins to decrease low~ density lipoprotein cho~ lesterol (LDL~C) levels. Dr McGovern's article, "Taking Aim at HDL~C" (page 29), previews methods for raising high~ density lipoprotein cho~ lesterol (HDL~C) levels, which I believe will be the next target of lipid treat~ ment. Both articles, writ~ ten by academic cardiolo~ gists, provide important insights for primary care physicians. In this com~ mentary, I add a few thoughts from the perspec~ tive of an endocrinologist.
Influence of the age of chicken on the metabolisable energy values of poultry diets.

Synopsis The present report concerns three experiments conducted to study abilities of birds of various ages to metabolise the energy of a practical type of diet. These abilities, expressed as the metabolisable energy values of the diet, were found to decrease rapidly during the first days after hatching. This trend in lowered ME values came to a standstill between the 7th and 9th day of age approximately and was followed by a progressive and distinct rise in the value until the 14th day. It is suggested that the initial depression may be due mainly to the decreasing of the beneficial effect of the yolk which is completely utilised during this time, while the rise could presumably be explained as due to the development of the chick's ability to digest food. Further improvement of these values to the 10th week of age can be expressed by the equation This function reached its maximum value when the birds were 50 days of age. Analyses of variance showed that both age and the individual bird had a highly sign.
Application of dynamic traffic assignment to advanced managed lane modeling.

In this study, a demand estimation framework is developed for assessing the managed lane (ML) strategies by utilizing dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) modeling, instead of the traditional approaches that are based on the static traffic assignment (STA). The framework includes methods for calibrating the network (supply), demand, and assignment modeling parameters. The methods were extensively tested using real-world data to assure that the DTA modeling of managed lanes reflected real-world conditions and responded reasonably to different congestion management scenarios, such as variable pricing policies and different levels of willingness to pay. This framework is standalone and independent of the utilized DTA modeling tool.
Antihistamines as analgesics

Histamine activates pain‐transmitting nerve fibres, releases pain‐related neuropeptides, and is painful when injected into the skin. Histamine agonists mimic these effects, suggesting that histamine plays a role in mediating the signal transduction of tissue damage or other painful stimulus. Certain ‘antihistamines’ (histamine H1 receptor antagonists) and other antihistaminics are ‘analgesic’ in preclinical or clinical models. Potential sites of action of these agents include the brain and spinal cord and a specific histamine receptor subtype might be involved (three subtypes have been identified). However, it is possible that other mechanisms account for the analgesic effect.
The long-term outcomes of endometrial ablation in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding

Purpose of review Long-term data from the studies of various endometrial ablation techniques are beginning to emerge. This review appraises the current literature on endometrial ablation for heavy menstrual bleeding, with particular emphasis on second-generation techniques, and their effectiveness, rates of repeat and further interventions and adverse events occurring 1 year or more after the procedure. Recent findings Second-generation, nonhysteroscopic techniques are marginally superior to hysteroscopic approaches, in terms of amenorrhoea, refractory menorrhagia and satisfaction rates. Hysterectomy rates are around 20% at 2 years, with a further 3–5% having repeat ablations. Bipolar radiofrequency and microwave ablation give rise to higher amenorrhoea rates than thermal balloon ablation, and are less likely to require repeat or further intervention. Summary Endometrial ablation is a well tolerated and effective procedure for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding. Second-generation techniques provide greater benefit than hysteroscopic techniques, with shorter procedural times and the possibility of outpatient treatment. Chronic pelvic pain frequently resolves after ablation, but can also develop de novo. Pregnancy outcomes are poor and continuing contraception is recommended.
UDP Glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A6 Pharmacogenetics: II. Functional Impact of the Three Most Common Nonsynonymous UGT1A6 Polymorphisms (S7A, T181A, and R184S)

The objective of this study was to use recombinant enzymes and human liver microsomes (HLMs) to comprehensively evaluate the functional impact of the three most common nonsynonymous polymorphisms (S7A, T181A, and R184S) identified in the human UDP glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A6 gene. In addition to the known allozymes, other possible amino acid variants were expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK)293 cells to enable structure-function analysis. Initial studies using different substrates (serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptophol, 4-nitrophenol, acetaminophen, and valproic acid) showed similar results with 2-fold higher glucuronidation by UGT1A6*2 (S7A/T181A/R184S) compared with UGT1A6*1 (reference), and intermediate activities for other variants. Enzyme kinetic analyses with the UGT1A6-specific substrate (serotonin) showed 50% lower Km values for all R184S variants and 2-fold higher Vmax values for both S7A/T181A variants compared with UGT1A6*1. Furthermore, intrinsic clearance (Vmax/Km) values were highest for the UGT1A6*2 allozyme (2.3-fold over UGT1A6*1), resulting from additive effects of higher enzyme affinity and activity. As expected, Km values of *1/*1 genotyped HLMs (5.4 ± 0.2 mM) were similar to recombinant UGT1A6*1 (5.8 ± 0.6 mM). Conversely, *2/*2 HLMs showed higher Km values (7.0 ± 0.3 mM) rather than the lower Km values displayed by recombinant UGT1A6*2 (3.6 ± 0.3 mM), suggesting that this allozyme may display different enzyme kinetic behavior in HLMs compared with HEK293 cells. At best, these polymorphisms were predicted to account for 15 to 20% of the observed 13-fold variability in glucuronidation of UGT1A6 substrates by HLMs, indicating that there are likely other genetic or environmental factors responsible for the majority of this variation.
Company Characteristics and Environmental Disclosure Among Industrial Sector in Jordanian Companies

This study aims to examine the extent of environmental disclosure of industrial sectors in Jordan based on 46 companies listed on Amman Stock Exchange. Specifically, this paper examines the influence of four firm specific characteristics on the level of environmental disclosure. The four variables are firm size, profitability, leverage, and type of audit firm. A content analysis is used to measure the environmental disclosures in words. The results indicate that environmental disclosures in Jordanian companies are incomplete and at a very low level. The results also show that firm size and leverage are significantly related to the environmental disclosure. Other companies' characteristics such as profitability and type of audit firm have no significant relationship with environmental disclosure.
Resource allocation for elastic traffic: architecture and mechanisms

For the last decade, QoS support for the Internet has focused on real-time applications such as audio and video. However, today's Internet is dominated by elastic traffic flows (such as Web traffic) that are more tolerant of delay and jitter. Such traffic flows tend to be short-lived and the end-to-end reservation approach for resource allocation does not work well for them. Some form of flow aggregation is required to do resource allocation in a scalable manner. In this paper, we present user-share differentiation (USD), an architecture for providing long-term, scalable, resource allocation for elastic traffic. The USD scheme has the advantages of per-customer traffic isolation, flexible service models, and scalability. We also summarize simulation results (presented in Basu et al. (1998), in detail) that show the effectiveness of the USD scheme.
Predicting dry weight in patients with ascites and liver cirrhosis using computed tomography imaging.

BACKGROUND/AIMS In cirrhotic patients, ascites may increase weight and adversely impact liver transplant candidacy. METHODOLOGY In this study we used linear and volume measurements from abdominal CT imaging to estimate dry weight of transplant candidates using multivariable linear regressions. We reviewed 200 scans. For males there were 81, 26, and 41 scans with no/small, moderate, and large ascites, respectively, and 41, 6, and 5 scans of females with no/small/moderate, and large ascites respectively. RESULTS In males without ascites, subxiphoid subcutaneous fat volume had the strongest correlation with weight (r = 0.826); the best prediction utilized four variables including height, subcutaneous subxiphoid fat volume, and intraabdominal and subcutaneous umbilicus fat volumes (r = 0.923, r2 = 0.852, SEE = 15.15, p < 0.001). In females, subcutaneous fat volume above the umbilicus had the best correlation (r = 0.815); incorporating height and anterior subxiphoid fat thickness increased predictive accuracy (r = 0.892, r2 = 0.796, SEE = 15.37, p < 0.001). These regressions consistently under-predicted scale weight in patients with moderate and large ascites (5.92 +/- 25.50 pounds and 11.21 +/- 19.34 pounds in males, and 2.29 +/- 23.76 and 8.37 +/- 11.44 in females). CONCLUSIONS Equations to estimate patient weight regardless of ascites may offer a more accurate representation of size than scale weight in transplant candidates with ascites.
Factors influencing hip protector use among community-dwelling older adults

Purpose To obtain a better understanding of the issues that influence hip protector use among community-dwelling older adults. Methods The study used a longitudinal, crossover design. A convenience sample of 32 participants used four different brands of hip protectors, each for a 1-week period. Data were collected by weekly telephone interviews and a mailed questionnaire administered at baseline and follow-up. Participant perceptions regarding hip protectors were assessed using both open-ended questions and Likert-type items. Results The most common concerns about hip protectors mentioned in response to open-ended questions involved: discomfort, poor fit, inconvenience and unfavourable effects on appearance. Participants spontaneously mentioned at least one of these barriers in over 70% of the interviews. In contrast, participants spontaneously mentioned the protective benefits offered by hip protectors in only 16% of the interviews. The intention to continue using a particular hip protector after the study ended was associated with the number of hours the hip protector was worn during the study (p<0.01). After controlling for other variables, beliefs concerning the amount of protection that a hip protector provided was positively associated with the number of hours the hip protector was worn during the study (p<0.05) and the intention to continue using the hip protector after the study (p<0.01). Conclusion Study findings suggest that the use of hip protectors by community-dwelling older adults is influenced by beliefs about both barriers to use and the amount of protection provided.
Variable Activation of the DNA Damage Response Pathways in Patients Undergoing Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

Background—Although single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT MPI) has improved the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with suspected coronary artery disease, it remains a primary source of low-dose radiation exposure for cardiac patients. To determine the biological effects of low-dose radiation from SPECT MPI, we measured the activation of the DNA damage response pathways using quantitative flow cytometry and single-cell gene expression profiling. Methods and Results—Blood samples were collected from patients before and after SPECT MPI (n=63). Overall, analysis of all recruited patients showed no marked differences in the phosphorylation of proteins (H2AX, protein 53, and ataxia telangiectasia mutated) after SPECT. The majority of patients also had either downregulated or unchanged expression in DNA damage response genes at both 24 and 48 hours post-SPECT. Interestingly, a small subset of patients with increased phosphorylation had significant upregulation of genes associated with DNA damage, whereas those with no changes in phosphorylation had significant downregulation or no difference, suggesting that some patients may potentially be more sensitive to low-dose radiation exposure. Conclusions—Our findings showed that SPECT MPI resulted in a variable activation of the DNA damage response pathways. Although only a small subset of patients had increased protein phosphorylation and elevated gene expression postimaging, continued care should be taken to reduce radiation exposure to both the patients and operators.
Bank Lending with Information Asymmetry, Information Sharing and Winner's Curse

Bank customers exhibit differing behavior when repaying credits. Lenders are, therefore, uncertain about borrowers' quality. Having superior knowledge about the behavioral type of a customer might generate a surplus for a bank. Crucial in that profit opportunity is the asymmetrically distributed information between the banks. Since it is not obvious which interest rate is paid in such circumstances, we will first show the equilibrium conditions and outcomes which are driven by winner's curse effects. These will be compared to an information-sharing, symmetric information setting. Banks are indifferent between both settings. A good customer favors a regime which allows banks to share information and for which he has a positive willingness to pay. A bad customer prefers no information sharing.
Regulation of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum-Sensing Regulator VqsR

ABSTRACT Bacteria communicate with each other to regulate cell density-dependent gene expression via a quorum-sensing (QS) cascade. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two known QS systems, las and rhl, control the expression of many factors that relate to virulence, pathogenicity, and biofilm development. Microarray studies of the las and rhl regulons led to our hypothesis that a complicated hierarchy in the QS regulon is composed of multiple transcriptional regulators. Here, we examined a QS-regulated gene, vqsR, which encodes a probable transcriptional regulator with a putative 20-bp operator sequence (las box) upstream. The transcriptional start site for vqsR was determined. The vqsR promoter was identified by examining a series of vqsR promoter-lacZ fusions. In addition, an Escherichia coli system where either LasR or RhlR protein was expressed from a plasmid indicated that the las system was the dominant regulator for vqsR. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) demonstrate that purified LasR protein binds directly to the vqsR promoter in the presence of 3O-C12-HSL. Point mutational analysis of the vqsR las box suggests that positions 3 and 18 in the las box are important for vqsR transcription, as assayed with a series of vqsRp-lacZ fusions. EMSA also shows that positions 3 and 18 are important for binding between the vqsR promoter and LasR. Our results demonstrate that the las system directly regulates vqsR, and certain nucleotides in the las box are crucial for LasR binding and activation of the vqsR promoter.
Bank Capital Adequacy Requirements And Risk-Taking Behavior In Tunisia: A Simultaneous Equations Framework

We extend exiting literature on the efficiency of capital adequacy requirements in reducing risktaking behaviour of Tunisian commercial banks using a new risk measure: the weighted-assets to total assets. Thus, using a simultaneous equations framework, we reach four main results. First, interaction between capitalization and risk level is negative, which means that an increase in capital is followed by a decrease in banking risk-taking. Second, Tunisian banks dispose of a weak institutional and regulatory level. Third, largest banks are the best managers of their risk, since they have more experience in managing risk levels through diversification. Finally, we found a negative relationship between size and bank capitalization, indicating that more bank is large, more its risk level is low.
Using Pattern of Internet and E-resources by the Students and Faculty Members of a Private University in Bangladesh

The main objective of this study is to find out the using pattern of internet and e-resources by the Eastern University (EU) students and faculty members. A printed version of the questionnaire was distributed in the respective students and faculty members of EU. To analyze the influence of demographic information on overall satisfaction on internet and e-resources simple frequency were carried out. The results showed that students and faculty members are generally satisfied with the current level of internet and e-resources. They identified limited number of titles, difficulty in finding information, limited access to computers and slow download speed as major constraints. These constraints do affect internet and e-resources use in a private university. However, these constraints are mainly related to the poor IT infrastructure and limited access to internet and e-resources, which may also lead to other constraints such as an unwillingness to use the internet and e-resources regularly and consequently low satisfaction with such resources.