Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding the continuous vaccination of the COVID-19 vaccine: an empirical study from China

ABSTRACT Vaccination for the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) provides an effective approach for the general improvement of social safety and individual health. However, given that the current COVID-19 vaccine can only work for a period of time, the continuous vaccination of the vaccine will be particularly important. Using the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) Model, Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM) and vaccine hesitancy (VH) theory, this research evaluates the continuous vaccination for COVID-19. This research selected Chinese survey platform to recruit respondents and conducted online surveys. A total of 768 Chinese individuals who were vaccinated participated in the survey, and 561 responses were effective after screening. Six valuable and novel findings are identified through this research. First, perceived efficacy has a positive significant impact on vaccination intention, but the positive effects of outcome expectancy and risk perception on vaccination intention are not significant. Second, social positive cues play a significant role in promoting vaccination intention. Third, VH has a negative significant influence on vaccination intention. Fourth, vaccination behavior produces a positive significant effect on perceived usefulness and satisfaction, respectively. Fifth, perceived usefulness exerted a positive significant impact on satisfaction and continuous vaccination, respectively. Sixth, satisfaction has no positive significant influence on continuous vaccination. Our theoretical model, which is the main contribution of this research, indicates that individual continuous vaccination is a process from motivation to intention, and from intention to behavior, and then from behavior to continuous vaccination.
Reinforcement bond capacity

Jewell et al. (1984) derived an analysis to describe the interaction mechanisms between reinforcement and soil so that the bond capacity could be calculated, as an adjunct to pollout testing, from the fundamental properties of the reinforcement geometry and the soil angle of friction. The support and additional insight into the interaction mechanisms provided by the new research confirms this analysis of bond capacity to be a powerful and practical tool. The research also indicates two improvements to the theory which are described below
Combined intermittent and sustained hypoxia is a novel and deleterious cardio-metabolic phenotype.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnea overlap syndrome is associated with excess mortality, and outcomes are related to the degree of hypoxemia. People at high altitude are susceptible to periodic breathing, and hypoxia at altitude is associated with cardio-metabolic dysfunction. Hypoxemia in these scenarios may be described as superimposed sustained plus intermittent hypoxia, or overlap hypoxia (OH), the effects of which have not been investigated. We aimed to characterize the cardio-metabolic consequences of OH in mice. METHODS C57BL/6J mice were subjected to either sustained hypoxia (SH, FiO2=0.10), intermittent hypoxia (IH, FiO2=0.21 for 12 hours, and FiO2 oscillating between 0.21 and 0.06, 60 times/hour, for 12 hours), OH (FiO2=0.13 for 12 hours, and FiO2 oscillating between 0.13 and 0.06, 60 times/hour, for 12 hours), or room air (RA), n=8/group. Blood pressure and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test were measured serially, and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was assessed. RESULTS Systolic blood pressure transiently increased in IH and OH relative to SH and RA. RVSP did not increase in IH, but increased in SH and OH by 52% (p<0.001) and 20% (p=0.001). Glucose disposal worsened in IH and improved in SH, with no change in OH. Serum LDL and VLDL increased in OH and SH, but not in IH. Hepatic oxidative stress increased in all hypoxic groups, with the highest increase in OH. CONCLUSIONS Overlap hypoxia may represent a unique and deleterious cardio-metabolic stimulus, causing systemic and pulmonary hypertension, and without protective metabolic effects characteristic of sustained hypoxia.
Third-line chemotherapy in advanced biliary cancers (ABC): pattern of care, treatment outcome and prognostic factors from a multicenter study

ABSTRACT Objectives Here, we aim at describing the pattern of care, survival outcome and prognostic factors of ABC patients (pts) receiving third-line chemotherapy. Methods Institutional registries across three academic medical centers were retrospectively reviewed. Kaplan–Meier estimators were used to calculate survival, the log-rank test to make comparisons, and the Cox proportional hazard models to assess the progostic impact of variables. Results Among 101 pts included in the analysis. 68 (67.3%), 19 (18.8%) and 14 (13.8%) had intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer, respectively. Atotal of 63 (62.3%) pts received monochemotherapy, while 38 (37.6%) were treated with adoublet. The median OS and PFS were 5 and 3 months, respectively. Disease control rate was achieved in 23 (22.7%) pts, with 2 (2%) partial responses. Grade 3–4 treatment-related adverse events were reported in 22 (21.7%) pts. At multivariate analysis, ECOG PS (p < 0.001), tumor burden (p = 0.01) and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (p =0.02) were independent predictors of survival. Conclusions Third-line chemotherapy displayed limited activity in this real-world cohort, although prognostic factors have been identified that may assist in treatment decision. The results of this multicenter experience, highlight the need for more effective therapies and provide a benchmark for future trials in this setting.
Plotting Vector Fields with a Personal Computer (Short Paper)

A combination of a personal computer and an x-y plotter is utilized for generating high-quality graphical displays of vector fields. The input data file must specify values of the vector field at a number of equidistant points. Starting points of field lines are determined so that the partial fluxes between any two adjacent field lines are made equal to each other. The construction of the field lines proceeds in a two-step method, utilizing the interpolated values of the field data.
Do norms unintentionally increase stereotypical expressions? A randomised controlled trial

Implicit biases of health professionals could cause biased judgements. Many anti‐bias interventions seem to be ineffective, and some even counterproductive. People tend to be compliant to standards describing what the majority of people finds or does, and this could cause people to think in a stereotype‐consistent manner. This study examines whether descriptive social norms such as ‘the majority of people have stereotypes’ (majority message), as often stated in interventions, actually increase people's stereotypes. To examine the effect of descriptive social norms (Hypothesis 1) and the effect of individual perceptions and preferences (Hypothesis 2a and 2b) on stereotypical expressions towards medical students.
Sunitinib-Induced Hypothyroidism and Survival in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Abstract Sunitinib has been approved for the treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, renal-cell carcinoma, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. The elevation of thyroid-stimulating hormone serum levels is a common side effect. Studies suggest a correlation between sunitinib-induced hypothyroidism and treatment outcome in patients with renal-cell carcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. This study assessed whether sunitinib-induced hypothyroidism is a predictive marker of the objective response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor patients. Twenty-nine patients treated with sunitinib for advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors were included. The incidence of sunitinib-induced hypothyroidism was 33%. The median progression-free survival of patients who developed hypothyroidism was 16 months (95% confidence interval: 6.2–25.8 months) as compared with six months among euthyroid patients (95% confidence interval: 0.1–12.2 months) (p=0.02). The median overall survival was 77 months (95% confidence interval: 31.4–122.6 months) in hypothyroid patients but 12 months (95% confidence interval: 5.9–18.1 months) in subjects with euthyroidism (p=0.001). The median overall survival from the time of initial diagnosis ranged from 247 months in patients with hypothyroidism to 65 months in euthyroid subjects (p=0.015). Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone levels are a prognostic biomarker of improved outcomes of sunitinib therapy in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor patients.
Intracranial atherosclerotic disease and acute ischaemic stroke: A review of diagnosis and management

Intracranial atherosclerotic disease is highly prevalent and a common cause of ischaemic stroke globally. With the increasing use of endovascular treatment for acute stroke management, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have become an essential part of patient selection. In this review, we present the typical imaging findings of intracranial atherosclerosis and an overview of management as relevant to diagnostic and interventional radiologists.
The behavioral effects of gestational and lactational benzo[a]pyrene exposure vary by sex and genotype in mice with differences at the Ahr and Cyp1a2 loci

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and known carcinogen in the Top 10 on the United States’ list of priority pollutants. Humans are exposed through a variety of sources including tobacco smoke, grilled foods and fossil fuel combustion. Recent studies of children exposed to higher levels of PAHs during pregnancy and early life have identified numerous adverse effects on the brain and behavior that persist into school age and adolescence. Our studies were designed to look for genotype and sex differences in susceptibility to gestational and lactational exposure to BaP using a mouse model with allelic differences in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and the xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme CYP1A2. Pregnant dams were exposed to 10 mg/kg/day of BaP in corn oil-soaked cereal or the corn oil vehicle alone from gestational day 10 until weaning at postnatal day 25. Neurobehavioral testing began at P60 using one male and one female per litter. We found main effects of sex, genotype and treatment as well as significant gene x treatment and sex x treatment interactions. BaP-treated female mice had shorter latencies to fall in the Rotarod test. High-affinity AhrbCyp1a2(−/−) mice had greater impairments in Morris water maze. Interestingly, poor-affinity AhrdCyp1a2(−/−) mice also had deficits in spatial learning and memory regardless of treatment. We believe our findings provide future directions in identifying human populations at highest risk of early life BaP exposure, because our model mimics known human variation in our genes of interest. Our studies also highlight the value of testing both males and females in all neurobehavioral studies. Highlights Gestational and lactational benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) exposure has sex and genotype-specific neurobehavioral effects in mice. Female mice were more susceptible to motor deficits following developmental BaP exposure. Males were more susceptible to deficits in reversal learning and memory. AhrbCyp1a2(−/−) knockout mice were more susceptible to spatial learning and memory deficits following developmental BaP exposure. Poor-affinity AhrdCyp1a2(−/−) mice had deficits in spatial learning and memory regardless of treatment.
Incidence and duration of pharyngeal chlamydia among a cohort of men who have sex with men.

BACKGROUND The prevalence of pharyngeal chlamydia is low but its incidence and duration are unknown. A high incidence or duration may support the role of pharyngeal chlamydia in sustaining chlamydia transmission. METHODS From March 2016 to December 2018 we enrolled men who have sex with men (MSM) in a 48-week natural history cohort study in Seattle, Washington. Participants self-collected pharyngeal specimens weekly. We tested specimens using nucleic acid amplification testing (Aptima Combo-2) at the conclusion of the study. In primary analyses, we defined incident pharyngeal chlamydia as >2 consecutive weeks of a positive pharyngeal specimen. In sensitivity analyses, we defined incident pharyngeal chlamydia as >1 week of a positive specimen. We estimated duration of pharyngeal chlamydia, censoring at loss to follow-up, receipt of antibiotics, or end of study. RESULTS 140 participants contributed 70.5 person-years (PY) of follow-up; two (1.4%) had pharyngeal chlamydia at enrollment. In primary analyses, there were 8 pharyngeal chlamydia cases among 6 MSM (incidence=11.4 per 100 PY; 95% confidence interval [CI]=6.0-21.9). In sensitivity analysis, there were 19 cases among 16 MSM (incidence=27.1 per 100 PY; 95% CI=18.5-39.8). The median duration of pharyngeal CT was 6.0 weeks (95% CI=2.0-undefined) in primary analyses and 2.0 weeks (95% CI=1.1-6.0) in sensitivity analysis. Duration was shorter for those with a history of CT compared to those without (3.6 weeks versus 8.7 weeks; P=0.02). CONCLUSION Pharyngeal chlamydia has a low incidence and duration relative to other extragenital sexually transmitted infections. Its contribution to sustained population-level transmission of chlamydia remains unclear.
Knowledge and attitude of Saudi Arabian citizens towards telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of Saudi Arabian citizens towards telemedicine during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional survey was designed to carry out this study. The electronic survey, prepared using Google Forms, was distributed to 1500 randomly selected citizens of Saudi Arabia. A total of 330 participants completed and returned the questionnaire. Basic statistics were used to describe the data. Results The majority of the respondents (73.9%) were female. More than half of them (54.8%) were >35 y of age and had graduate or postgraduate degrees (65.5%). A total of 96.7% of the respondents were Saudis. Most of the participants (70.0%) were familiar with the term ‘telemedicine’ and thought that telemedicine (92.1%) could reduce transportation costs. Of the respondents, 58.8% had not seen a telemedicine system before and 67.0% indicated that they had not previously used telemedicine services. A total of 87.3% of the participants agreed or strongly agreed that telemedicine was a useful tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, more than half of the participants agreed or strongly agreed that telemedicine facilitates the diagnosis of people (58.8%), increases communication (58.2%), reduces clinic visits (85.9%) and performs tasks quickly (70.3%). Also, 51.5% of the respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that telemedicine affects patient privacy. Conclusions The outcomes indicated that most of the participants had a positive attitude towards the use of telemedicine as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. They believed that telemedicine saves time, labour and costs and is an effective tool to treat coronavirus patients at a safe distance. However, the government should develop programs to raise awareness in the population about the use of telemedicine for the treatment of various diseases that afflict the Saudi Arabian people. Likewise, a legal framework must be implemented to protect the privacy of patients and healthcare providers.
Small signal analysis of hydro-turbine governors in large interconnected power plants

The paper describes a transient stability program (TSP) based approach to identify numerically, a state-space, small-signal model of the open-loop system seen by the hydro-turbine governor during its normal operation. This single-input multiple-output model is validated successfully by comparing actual closed-loop responses computed in the TSP with those simulated in Matlab using the linearized model. For illustration, three governing systems found in the Hydro-Quebec's grid are studied: (1) a mechanical hydraulic; (2) a Woodward PID; and (3) a classical Neyrpic's governor. System performance with respect to the speed of response, interarea modes sensitivity and closed-loop gain and phase margins is assessed, evidencing the somewhat detrimental impact of the derivative control term for interconnected operation. Overall, the small-signal analysis approach devised appears well-suited for determining and/or assessing unit-connected settings of hydro-turbine speed governing systems.
Betibeglogene Autotemcel Gene Therapy for Non-β0/β0 Genotype β-Thalassemia.

BACKGROUND Betibeglogene autotemcel (beti-cel) gene therapy for transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia contains autologous CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells transduced with the BB305 lentiviral vector encoding the β-globin (βA-T87Q) gene. METHODS In this open-label, phase 3 study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of beti-cel in adult and pediatric patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia and a non-β0/β0 genotype. Patients underwent myeloablation with busulfan (with doses adjusted on the basis of pharmacokinetic analysis) and received beti-cel intravenously. The primary end point was transfusion independence (i.e., a weighted average hemoglobin level of ≥9 g per deciliter without red-cell transfusions for ≥12 months). RESULTS A total of 23 patients were enrolled and received treatment, with a median follow-up of 29.5 months (range, 13.0 to 48.2). Transfusion independence occurred in 20 of 22 patients who could be evaluated (91%), including 6 of 7 patients (86%) who were younger than 12 years of age. The average hemoglobin level during transfusion independence was 11.7 g per deciliter (range, 9.5 to 12.8). Twelve months after beti-cel infusion, the median level of gene therapy-derived adult hemoglobin (HbA) with a T87Q amino acid substitution (HbAT87Q) was 8.7 g per deciliter (range, 5.2 to 10.6) in patients who had transfusion independence. The safety profile of beti-cel was consistent with that of busulfan-based myeloablation. Four patients had at least one adverse event that was considered by the investigators to be related or possibly related to beti-cel; all events were nonserious except for thrombocytopenia (in 1 patient). No cases of cancer were observed. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with beti-cel resulted in a sustained HbAT87Q level and a total hemoglobin level that was high enough to enable transfusion independence in most patients with a non-β0/β0 genotype, including those younger than 12 years of age. (Funded by Bluebird Bio; HGB-207 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02906202.).
Response Rate, Event-Free Survival, and Overall Survival in Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia: US Food and Drug Administration Trial-Level and Patient-Level Analyses

PURPOSE To explore trial-level and patient-level associations between response (complete remission [CR] and CR + CR with incomplete hematologic [CRi] or platelet [CRp] recovery), event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) trials of intensive chemotherapy. METHODS We identified data from eight randomized, active-controlled trials of intensive chemotherapy submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of newly diagnosed AML (N = 4,482). Associations between trial-level odds ratios (ORs) for CR and CR + CRi or CRp, and hazard ratios (HRs) for EFS and OS were analyzed using weighted linear regression models. We performed patient-level responder analyses to compare OS by response using pooled data from all studies. RESULTS In trial-level analyses, association between HR for OS and OR for CR was moderate (R2 = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.86), as was the association with OR for CR + CRi or CRp (R2 = 0.48; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.99). For OS versus EFS, a strong association was observed (R2 = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.98) when EFS definitions were harmonized across trials using raw data. In the patient-level responder analyses, patients who achieved CR had better OS compared with CRi or CRp responders (0.73; 95% CI, 0.64 to 0.84) and nonresponders (HR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.37). CONCLUSION On a trial level, there is a moderate association between OS and CR rate. A strong association between EFS and OS was observed. However, CIs were wide, and results became moderate using alternative definitions for EFS. Patient-level analyses showed CR responders have better OS compared with CRi or CRp responders and nonresponders. A therapy in newly diagnosed AML with benefit in EFS or substantial benefit in CR rate would be likely to have an OS effect. Meta-analysis shows strong association between event-free survival and overall survival in newly-diagnosed AML.
Low Complexity Gradient Computation Techniques to Accelerate Deep Neural Network Training

Deep neural network (DNN) training is an iterative process of updating network weights, called gradient computation, where (mini-batch) stochastic gradient descent (SGD) algorithm is generally used. Since SGD inherently allows gradient computations with noise, the proper approximation of computing weight gradients within SGD noise can be a promising technique to save energy/time consumptions during DNN training. This article proposes two novel techniques to reduce the computational complexity of the gradient computations for the acceleration of SGD-based DNN training. First, considering that the output predictions of a network (confidence) change with training inputs, the relation between the confidence and the magnitude of the weight gradient can be exploited to skip the gradient computations without seriously sacrificing the accuracy, especially for high confidence inputs. Second, the angle diversity-based approximations of intermediate activations for weight gradient calculation are also presented. Based on the fact that the angle diversity of gradients is small (highly uncorrelated) in the early training epoch, the bit precision of activations can be reduced to 2-/4-/8-bit depending on the resulting angle error between the original gradient and quantized gradient. The simulations show that the proposed approach can skip up to 75.83% of gradient computations with negligible accuracy degradation for CIFAR-10 dataset using ResNet-20. Hardware implementation results using 65-nm CMOS technology also show that the proposed training accelerator achieves up to $1.69\times $ energy efficiency compared with other training accelerators.