Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Age and racial/ethnic differences in drinking and drinking-related problems in a community sample of lesbians.

OBJECTIVE Although research on alcohol use among women has increased dramatically during the past several decades, relatively few studies have focused on lesbians, and almost none have included sufficient numbers of older lesbians or lesbians of color to permit comparative analyses. Using data from the Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women Study (CHLEW), we examined drinking patterns and problems in a large and diverse sample of lesbians. METHOD Structured interviews were conducted with 447 community-residing adult women (ages 18-83) who self-identified as lesbians (48% non-Hispanic white, 28% non-Hispanic black, and 20% Hispanic/Latina; the remainder were in the "other" category). We used multivariate logistic regressions to examine and compare the prevalence of lifetime and 12-month problem-drinking indicators across four age and three racial/ethnic groups. RESULTS Unlike findings from general population surveys, in which women's rates of drinking tend to decrease with age, we found relatively few differences across the four age groups of CHLEW respondents. We also found no significant differences between Hispanic and white lesbians on any of the lifetime or 12-month problem-drinking indicators and only a few significant differences between white and black lesbians. CONCLUSIONS As with heterosexual women, patterns of drinking and drinking-related problems among lesbians vary by age and race/ ethnicity. However, given our findings of substantially smaller variations among lesbians than among women in the general population, research is needed that examines in greater depth the intersections between age, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and drinking. Understanding how these sociocultural factors interact with each other and with other known risk factors is important for identifying population groups at greatest risk for developing alcohol-related problems.
The Stroke Impact Scale: Validation in a UK Setting and Development of a SIS Short Form and SIS Index

Background and Purpose— The Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) covers 8 dimensions and a composite disability score. This study evaluates the SIS in the UK context, and develops a single index and an 8-item short form. Methods— Patients with a diagnosis of stroke were recruited through general practices in London and the North-West of England. Patients completed the SIS and the EQ-5D. Results— Internal consistency of the SIS dimensions and the disability score ranged from &agr; 0.86 to 0.95. Complete data were available on 73 questionnaires (48.34%). Factor analysis suggested the 8 domains could be aggregated into a single index. A short-form SIS (SF-SIS) index was created by summing 1 item per dimension. Selected items were those that most highly correlated with their respective domain score (&rgr; ranged from 0.77–0.94, P<0.001). The SF-SIS index scores were highly correlated with those gained from the parent form (&rgr;=0.98; P<0.001). The correlation of the SIS index and SF-SIS index with the EQ-5D was identical (&rgr;=0.83; P<0.001). The disability score, whether scored from the dimensions of the SIS, or relevant items on the SF-SIS, were highly correlated (&rgr;=0.97; P<0.001). Conclusions— The SIS covers aspects of health, which are of importance to stroke patients, and the dimensions were found to have high levels of internal consistency in the UK context. The amount of incomplete data suggests that the length of the questionnaire may present a substantial patient burden. In comparison to the parent form the SF-SIS can accurately provide the disability score and overall index score with considerable brevity.
Does acute synovitis (pseudogout) occur in patients with chronic pyrophosphate arthropathy (pseudo-osteoarthritis)?

OBJECTIVES Pyrophosphate arthropathy has been linked to diverse clinical subtypes. The two most common are: acute synovitis (pseudogout) and chronic pyrophosphate arthropathy ("pseudo-osteoarthritis"). We have conducted a study to examine whether these are overlapping syndromes. METHODS We reviewed all synovial fluid (SF) analyses performed in our laboratory from January 1988 to May 1997 to determine if patterns of SF leukocyte counts and Alizarin red stains in patients with repeated samples suggest that some patients were prone to acute attacks and some to chronic pyrophosphate arthropathy and whether acute attacks superimposed on chronic symptoms were common. Joint x-rays were screened for osteoarthritis (OA) and chondrocalcinosis. RESULTS We identified 67 patients who had Calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate (CPPD) in their SF and had more than one SF examined (185 SF). We divided the patients into 2 groups. Group A (n=25) had at least one SF leukocyte count > than 2000 per mm(3) and group B (n=42) had SF leukocyte counts always < than 2000 per mm(3). Chondrocalcinosis detected on x-ray was more common in group A versus group B, 48% versus 19% (p<0.05, Fisher's exact test). OA was mild (grades 0-1) in 39% of group A versus 12.5% of group B patients, but the difference between groups was not significant. CPPD crystals were not detected in 13.5% SFs previously having CPPD crystals. Alizarin red staining for suspected hydroxyapatite was more often 2+ to 3+ in group B (31.6%) compared to group A (15.5%; p<0.05, Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSION Acute synovitis and chronic pyrophosphate arthropathy are often two distinctive syndromes with some patients never having inflammatory attacks. Acute synovitis is more common in patients with chondrocalcinosis while chronic pyrophosphate arthropathy is associated with increased alizarin red staining and a trend suggestive of increased severity of OA.
On implementation of Open Standards in software : To what extent can ISO standards be implemented in open source software?

Several European countries, as well as the European Commission, have acknowledged the importance of open standards (under various definitions of that term) and have taken steps accordingly. Formal (e.g. ISO) standards are often referred to in software development and procurement, but may not necessarily also be open standards. The authors consider the application of formal standards where national policy promotes their use, and, since much contemporary software development involves open source software, they further consider the interaction between the requirement to comply with open standards, and the implementation of open and formal standards in open source software, with particular reference to patent licensing. It is shown that not all formal standards are open standards. SSO policies and procedures regarding the notification of standards-essential patents (SEPs) present challenges for organisations wishing to implement standards in software since such policies and procedures need to be compliant with procurement requirements, patent licences and open source software licences. This paper draws out some implications for those organisations (differentiating where appropriate between small companies and other organisations) and suggests a number of ways of addressing the challenges identified. Use of formal standards may create barriers for implementation in open source software and inhibit an open and inclusive business-friendly ecosystem, and to avoid such barriers is of particular importance for small companies that are essential players in an innovative and international society.
APOA1 polymorphism influences risk for early‐onset nonfamiliar AD

Alterations in cholesterol homeostasis influence the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Apolipoprotein A1 is the major apolipoprotein of the high‐density lipoprotein and is involved in reverse cholesterol transport. Variation in the apolipoprotein A1 gene (APOA1) might influence the function of the protein, and thus brain cholesterol metabolism, leading to an increased risk for AD. Two polymorphisms of APOA1, a G/A substitution at position −75bp and a C/T and G/A base substitution at position +83bp or +84bp, or both, in the APOA1 promoter, have been described. We investigated the effect of these polymorphisms on the risk for AD in 427 AD patients and 500 healthy control subjects of German and English descent. The A allele of the APOA1 −75bp G/A polymorphism was associated with an increased risk for AD in subjects with an age at onset of 66 years or younger. Further data analysis indicated that AD patients homozygous for the A allele at position −75bp presented with disease onset 8 years earlier than carriers of at least one G allele. No influence of the +83/84bp polymorphism on the risk for AD was observed. These results suggest that variants of APOA1 might influence the onset and the risk for AD. Ann Neurol 2005;58:436–441
Evaluating CERES angular distribution models for snow using surface reflectance observations from the East Antarctic Plateau

[1] Clouds and the Earth's radiant energy system (CERES) is a satellite-based remote sensing system designed to monitor the Earth's radiation budget. In this paper we examine uncertainties in the angular distribution models (ADMs) used by CERES over permanently snow covered surfaces with clear skies. These ADMs are a key part of the CERES data processing algorithms, used to convert the observed upwelling radiance to an estimate of the upwelling hemispheric flux. We model top-of-atmosphere anisotropic reflectance factors using an atmospheric radiative transfer model with a lower boundary condition based on extensive reflectance observations made at Dome C, Antarctica. The model results and subsequent analysis show that the CERES operational clear-sky permanent-snow ADMs are appropriate for use over Dome C, with differences of less than 5% between the model results and the ADMs at most geometries used by CERES operationally. We show that the uncertainty introduced into the flux estimates through the use of the modeled radiances used in the ADM development is small when the fluxes are averaged over time and space. Finally, we show that variations in the angular distribution of radiance at the top of the atmosphere due to atmospheric variability over permanently snow covered regions are in most cases unlikely to mask the real variations in flux caused by these atmospheric variations.
The Unstable Plaque

Ischaemic strokes and transient ischaemic attacks are commonly caused by cerebral embolism originating from formation of a platelet-rich thrombus superimposed on an atherosclerotic plaque or by atherothrombotic plaque rupture in a carotid or intracranial artery. Despite advances made through ultrasound imaging in our understanding of atherosclerotic plaque progression and regression, the issue of whether differences in plaque structure alone can distinguish between lesions that become symptomatic and others that remain clinically silent continues to be debated. Recent biochemical and imaging studies have identified characteristics that may reflect a high risk of vulnerability, such as outward, abluminal plaque remodelling, the presence of intra-plaque haemorrhage, inflammation, severe flow disturbances around the encroaching lesion, plaque cap thinning and ulceration, and abnormal plaque motion. Plaque stability may be improved through management of traditional cardiovascular risk factors or with biological or pharmacological agents that target pathways involved in plaque pathophysiology. Unstable plaques place patients at risk of unpredictable ischaemic events and in patients with such lesions, specific preventive treatment beyond long-term antiplatelet therapy can be used to prevent new or recurrent events.
Herpes zoster in children with cancer.

Of 1,132 children treated for malignant neoplasias at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 101 developed herpes zoster. This population was studied retrospectively to determine frequency of infection, relationship to cancer therapy, clinical course, complications, and results of treatment. The incidence of infection was highest (22%) in patients with Hodgkin disease and lowest (0.7%) in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia. The overall incidence was 9%. Mortality was low in these children—3% for those with infection and 0.3% for the total population. Complications included pneumonitis, meningoencephalitis, chronic thrombocytopenia, iritis, keratitis, and progressive and prolonged cutaneous zoster. Cobalt-60 irradiation produced no significant changes in zoster incidence, and no specific chemotherapeutic drugs could be implicated as instigating factors in infection. Rates of survival and recurrence of malignant neoplasm were not affected by the presence of herpes zoster infection.
Lymphocytotoxicity of anti-Klebsiella antisera in ankylosing spondylitis and related arthropathies: patient and family studies.

Antisera to certain isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae have a specific lymphocytotoxic effect on the HLA–B27 bearing lymphocytes in 83% of B27 positive patients with ankylosing spondylitis and about 60% of patients with HLA–B27 positive Reiter's syndrome and asymmetrical peripheral arthritis. These findings indicate cross-reactivity between a Klebsiella antigen and a “modified” HLA–B27 or a closely associated structure in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and related arthropathies. Family studies indicate that the alteration in HLA–B27 is not a direct genetic effect.
A phase 2 study of concurrent fludarabine and rituximab for the treatment of marginal zone lymphomas

The marginal zone lymphomas (MZLs) are a recently defined group of related diseases that probably arise from a common cell of origin, the marginal zone B cell. Data on therapy for subtypes other than gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma has been largely limited to retrospective case series. This prospective phase 2 study of fludarabine and rituximab for the treatment of marginal zone lymphomas enrolled 26 patients, 14 with nodal MZL, eight with MALT lymphomas and four with splenic MZL; 81% were receiving initial systemic therapy. Only 58% [95% confidence interval (CI) 37–77%] of patients completed the planned six cycles, due to significant haematological, infectious and allergic toxicity. Four late toxic deaths occurred due to infections [15% (95% CI 4·3–35%)], two related to delayed bone marrow aplasia and two related to myelodysplastic syndrome. Nonetheless, the overall response rate was 85% (95% CI 65–96%), with 54% complete responses. The progression‐free survival at 3·1 years of follow‐up is 79·5% (95% CI 63–96%). We conclude that, although concurrent fludarabine and rituximab given at this dose and schedule is a highly effective regimen in the treatment of MZLs, the significant haematological and infectious toxicity observed both during and after therapy is prohibitive in this patient population, emphasizing the need to study MZLs as a separate entity.
Protection by endoscopy against death from colorectal cancer. A case-control study among veterans.

BACKGROUND Although several clinical and epidemiologic studies suggest that timely diagnostic procedures of the large bowel may reduce mortality from colorectal cancer, the evidence for this relationship is primarily circumstantial. METHODS A case-control study was conducted among hospitalized US military veterans to investigate whether diagnostic procedures of the large bowel were performed in the period preceding the diagnosis of colorectal cancer less frequently in patients dying of colorectal cancer than in control patients. Data files of a total of 4411 veterans dying of colorectal cancer between 1988 and 1992 were extracted from the records of the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC. Data of four living control patients and four dead control patients without colorectal cancer were matched by age, sex, and race to each case patient. The case and the two control populations were compared by conditional logistic regression, calculating odds ratios, and their 95% confidence interval. RESULTS Diagnostic procedures of the large bowel reduced mortality from colorectal cancer, the odds ratio being 0.41 (range, 0.33 to 0.50) for the comparison with living control patients. The protective effects of proctosigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and polypectomy lasted for 5 years. The procedures were protective against death from cancer of the colon, as well as cancer of the rectum. The most protective influence was associated with removal of tissue through biopsy, fulguration, and polypectomy. Similar influences were found comparing case patients with dead control patients. CONCLUSION Removal of tissue represents the most effective means to reduce mortality from cancers of the large bowel. It retains its efficacy over a time period of 5 years.
Fanconi syndrome and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus associated with didanosine therapy in HIV infection: a case report and literature review.

HIV-infected patients are now treated with combined antiretroviral therapy (CART). Many drugs and/or metabolites are excreted by the kidneys. Furthermore, HIV-infected patients have a high prevalence of preexisting nephropathies, which may or may not be related to HIV [1]. The nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor tenofovir induces tubulopathies and renal insufficiency [2–4]. Nucleoside analogs essentially have mitochondrial toxicity. Nephrotoxicity of these nucleoside analogs is rare. Indeed, didanosine has a good kidney safety profile and only two cases of severe tubular toxicity have been reported [5,6]. Various authors have raised questions about the cumulative nephrotoxicity of didanosine and tenofovir and their respective roles, as their association leads to unexpected side effects in the kidney [7]. Here, we report a case of Fanconi syndrome and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in an HIV-infected patient receiving a CART regimen including didanosine. We also review the cases that have been published previously, including patients treated with didanosine alone or in combination with tenofovir. We highlight the toxic role of didanosine in this association.
Early restriction of peripheral and proximal cell lineages during formation of the lung

To establish the timing of lineage restriction among endodermal derivatives, we developed a method to label permanently subsets of lung precursor cells at defined times during development by using Cre recombinase to activate floxed alkaline phosphatase or green fluorescent protein genes under control of doxycycline-dependent surfactant protein C promoter. Extensive or complete labeling of peripheral lung, thyroid, and thymic epithelia, but not trachea, bronchi, or gastrointestinal tract occurred when mice were exposed to doxycycline from embryonic day (E) 4.5 to E6.5. Nonoverlapping cell lineages of conducting airways (trachea and bronchi), as distinct from those of peripheral airways (bronchioles, acini, and alveoli), were established well before formation of the definitive lung buds at E9–9.5. At E11.5, the labeled precursors of peripheral lung were restricted to relatively few cells along the bronchial tubes and clusters in bronchial tips and lateral buds. Thereafter, these cells underwent marked expansion to form the entire gas-exchange region in the lung. This study demonstrates early restriction of endodermal progenitor cells forming peripheral as compared with proximal airways, identifies distinct cell lineages in conducting airways, and distinguishes neuroepithelial and tracheal–bronchial gland cell lineages from those lining peripheral regions of the lung. This system for conditional gene addition or deletion is useful for the study of lung morphogenesis and gene function in vivo, and identifies progenitor cells that may serve as useful targets for cell or gene replacement for pulmonary disorders.
Acetone as an Anticonvulsant

Recent interest in the anticonvulsant effects of acetone has stemmed from studies related to the ketogenic diet (KD). The KD, a high‐fat diet used to treat drug‐resistant seizures, raises blood and brain levels of three ketones: beta‐hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, and acetone. An obvious question is whether these ketones have anticonvulsant properties. We found that neither beta‐hydroxybutyrate nor acetoacetate has proven to be anticonvulsant. Acetone, however, is clearly anticonvulsant at physiological, and near‐physiological, nontoxic concentrations. Despite knowledge of acetone's anticonvulsant properties since the 1930's, acetone had never been characterized using the standard animal seizure tests. In our recent experiments, acetone was found to be active in animal models of tonic–clonic seizures, typical absence seizures, complex partial seizures, and atypical absence seizures associated with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. Therapeutic indices are either comparable or better than that of valproate, a standard broad‐spectrum anticonvulsant. A number of acetone‐like molecules have also been tested, and these also show good potency up to a “cutoff” point of nine carbons contained in the side chain. Above this number, potency disappears, suggesting the possibility of a receptor for acetone and its analogs.
An Empirical Investigation Into the Use of Heuristics and Information Cues by Bidders in Online Auctions

Bidders in online auctions can choose from among thousands of listed products that vary in quality, quantity and condition. Each listing varies in the amount and quality of information provided by the seller. Prior research suggests that when faced with complex and uncertain situations, individuals tend to use simple heuristics and cues in a bounded rational decision‐making process. The current study explores the differences in listings, and the choice and impact of varying information cues on bidding behaviour. Empirical evidence is presented of bidders using the sellers' minimum (initial) price as a prescreening signal, and being attracted to auctions with low initial prices while avoiding auctions that have a higher initial price. The research also explores the impact of auction attractiveness on final values, and finds a significant impact of vivid information signals on the number of bidders and the final values of competing auctions.
Classical conditioning of the eyeblink response in the delay paradigm in adults aged 18-83 years.

To determine if age differences in classical conditioning of the eyelid response begin to appear in middle age in humans as they do in animals, adult subjects aged 18-83 years were trained in the delay conditioning paradigm. Large age effects occurred. Statistically significant differences first appeared in the decade of the 40s. Within-age-group variability was large. To reduce variability, subjects were classified by the magnitude of their unconditioned response (UR). Regardless of age, subjects with low amplitude URs conditioned poorly. In the normal UR amplitude group, the correlation between age and total percentage conditioned responses (CRs) was -. 58. Eyeblink rate and voluntary responding did not account for age differences in conditioning, and it was unlikely that hearing acuity or corneal sensitivity caused the differences. Parallels between human and animal eyelid conditioning are considered, and it is suggested that age changes in the cerebellum may affect conditioning in aging mammals, including humans.
A learning approach to precision speed control of servomotors and its application to a VCR

This paper describes a learning control method that gives a low-cost solution to the high-precision speed regulation problem for servomotors in the presence of unknown and unstructured disturbance torque. The highlight of the learning control method is a "functional" update strategy based on steady-state oscillations of speed error. To show the generality of our work, we mathematically characterize the steady-state properties of the proposed learning system and then give a rigorous analysis for the convergence of the proposed update scheme. Furthermore, our experimental results using a commercial home-use VCR show that the proposed learning control method can be implemented at a low cost but can remarkably reduce the speed error.