Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Viral Hepatitis in Solid Organ Transplantation

Abbreviations: FCH, fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis; HAV, hepatitis A virus; HBIG, hepatitis B immunoglobulin; HBV, hepatitis B virus; HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma; HCV, hepatitis C virus; HCV-R, HCV recurrence; HDV, hepatitis D virus; HEV, hepatitis E virus; HVPG, hepatic venous pressure gradient; IgM, immunoglobulin M; LADR, low accelerated dose regimen; LAM, lamivudine; IFNa , interferon alfa; PegIFNa , pegylated interferon alfa; PI, protease inhibitor; RBV, ribavirin; SOT, solid organ transplant; SVR, sustained virologic response.
Branding influence on consumer behaviour regarding olive oil

Olive oil is a traditional agricultural product for Greece and holds a remarkable place in the food industry, as well as a great importance for the economic and social life of the country. However, although Greece produces olive oil of high quality, the small market share of branded products hampers the competitiveness of the olive oil sector. Therefore, branding in the olive oil market is emerging as a key factor in boosting the competitiveness of the industry. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the impact of branding on the behaviour of Greek consumers towards olive oil products. The survey involved 488 consumers in Thessaloniki city. According to the research results, based on correlation test and t-test, it has been established that the preference for an olive oil brand is associated with increased brand awareness and higher levels of loyalty. Finally, it was found that higher consumption of olive oil is associated with a higher degree of brand recognition and stronger perceptions of its superiority to competitors. Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that the enhancement of the competitiveness of the sector, both domestically and internationally, can contribute the adoption of integrated branding strategies aimed at diversifying Greek products from competition, promoting their qualities and attracting long-term loyal customers.
BotCatch: Botnet detection based on coordinated group activities of compromised hosts

Botnets have become one of the major tools used by attackers to perform various malicious activities on the Internet, such as launching distributed denial of service attacks, sending spam, leaking personal information, and so on. In this paper, we present BotCatch, a behavior-based botnet detection system that considers multiple coordinated group activities in the monitored network to identify bot-infected hosts. To achieve this goal, it first identifies suspicious hosts participating in coordinated group activities by an online incremental clustering algorithm and then calculates a negative score for each of the hosts based on several fuzzy membership functions. It then makes an informed decision and identifies a host as bot-infected if its negative score is higher than a threshold. We demonstrate the effectiveness of BotCatch to detect various botnets including HTTP-, IRC-, and P2P-based botnets using a testbed network consisting of some bot-infected hosts. The experimental results show that BotCatch can successfully detect various botnets with a high detection rate while keeping false alarm rate significantly low.
Evidence for the effectiveness of multi-disciplinary rehabilitation following acquired brain injury: a synthesis of two systematic approaches.

OBJECTIVE To assimilate the published evidence for the effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation following acquired brain injury in adults of working age. DESIGN The evidence derived from 2 contrasting approaches to systematic evaluation of the published literature is compared. METHODS A synthesis of best evidence compiled from a Cochrane Review of randomized controlled trials is compared with literature assembled for the UK National Service Framework for long-term neurological conditions, using a new typology based on evaluation of research quality irrespective of study design. RESULTS The trial-based studies provided "strong evidence" that more intensive programmes are associated with more rapid functional gains, and "moderate evidence" that continued outpatient therapy can help to sustain gains made in early post-acute rehabilitation. However, they failed to address the impact of early or late rehabilitation, the effect of specialist programmes (e.g. vocational or neuro-behavioural rehabilitation), or cost-effectiveness. In contrast, the non- nottrial-based studies provided strong evidence in all these areas, as well as evidence for the cost-benefits of rehabilitation. CONCLUSION There is now a substantial body of high-quality research evidence for the effectiveness, and indeed the cost-effectiveness, of rehabilitation. This review highlights the importance of looking beyond the somewhat restrictive set of trial-based evidence.
A neutral amino acid change in segment IIS4 dramatically alters the gating properties of the voltage-dependent sodium channel.

Sodium channels encoded by the rat IIA cDNA clone [Auld, V. J., Goldin, A. L. , Krafte, D. S. , Marshall, J., Dunn, J., Catterall, W. A. , Lester, H. A. , Davidson, N. & Dunn, R. J. (1988) Neuron 1, 449-461] differ at seven amino acid residues from those encoded by the rat II cDNA [Noda, M. , Ikeda, T. , Kayano, T. , Suzuki, H. , Takeshima, H. , Kurasaki, M. , Takahashi, H. & Numa, S. (1986) Nature (London) 320, 188-192]. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, rat IIA channels display a current-voltage relationship that is shifted 20-25 mV in the depolarizing direction relative to channels expressed from rat II cDNA or rat brain poly(A)+ mRNA. By modifying each variant residue in rat IIA to the corresponding residue in rat II, we demonstrate that a single Phe----Leu substitution at position 860 in the S4 segment of domain II is sufficient to shift the current-voltage relationship to that observed for channels expressed from rat brain poly(A)+ RNA or rat II cDNA. Rat genomic DNA encodes leucine but not phenylalanine at position 860, indicating that the phenylalanine at this position in rat IIA cDNA likely results from reverse transcriptase error.
Behavioral Mediators of the Association between Neighborhood Environment and Weight Status in Nigerian Adults

Purpose. Neighborhood built environments are related to obesity and physical activity (PA), but inconsistently to sedentary behaviors. This study investigated the mediating effects of PA and sedentary time on the associations of neighborhood environmental factors and body mass index (BMI) among Nigerian adults. Design. The study design was cross-sectional. Setting. The study setting was metropolitan Maiduguri, Nigeria. Subjects. Nigerian adults (n = 1411) were randomly selected from diverse neighborhoods and had complete data (43.1% women, 33.8% overweight or obese). Measures. PA, sedentary time, and 16 perceived neighborhood environmental factors were measured using Nigerian adaptations of validated international questionnaires. Outcomes were measured BMI and interviewer-led self-reports of moderate to vigorous PA, walking, total PA, and sitting time. Analysis. The product-of-coefficient test using generalized linear models was used to assess the mediating effects of outcomes on the associations between environmental factors and BMI. Results. Walking and total PA significantly mediated the association between BMI and perception of higher residential density (αβ = –.025 and –.037, respectively), absence of garbage (αβ = –.046 and –.076, respectively), and more safety from crime at night (αβ = –.044 and –.083, respectively). In addition, walking, moderate to vigorous PA, and total PA significantly mediated the association between BMI and perception of better aesthetics (αβ = –.035, –.022, and –.071, respectively). Sedentary time was not a significant mediator of any associations between environmental factors and BMI. Conclusion. The association of several neighborhood environmental variables with BMI was partially mediated by PA in Nigerian adults. Including questions on specific types of sedentary behaviors in future prospective studies may improve understanding of the relative influence of sedentary behavior and physical activity on obesity control and prevention among sub-Saharan African adults.
Adrenomedullin gene expression in the rat heart is stimulated by acute pressure overload: blunted effect in experimental hypertension.

The levels of adrenomedullin (ADM), a newly discovered vasodilating and natriuretic peptide, are elevated in plasma and ventricular myocardium in human congestive heart failure suggesting that cardiac synthesis may contribute to the plasma concentrations of ADM. To examine the time course of induction and mechanisms regulating cardiac ADM gene expression, we determined the effect of acute and short-term cardiac overload on ventricular ADM mRNA and immunoreactive ADM (ir-ADM) levels in conscious rats. Acute pressure overload was produced by infusion of arginine8-vasopressin (AVP, 0.05 microg/kg/min, i.v.) for 2 h into 12-week-old hypertensive TGR(mREN-2)27 rats and normotensive Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Hypertension and marked left ventricular hypertrophy were associated with 2.2-times higher ir-ADM levels in the left ventricular epicardial layer (178 +/- 36 vs. 81 +/- 23 fmol/g, P<0.05) and 2.6-times higher ir-ADM levels in the left ventricular endocardial layer (213 +/- 23 vs. 83 +/- 22 fmol/g, P<0.01). The infusion of AVP for 2 h in normotensive rats produced rapid increases in the levels of left ventricular ADM mRNA (epicardial layer: 1.6-fold, P<0.05) and ir-ADM (endocardial layer: from 83 +/- 22 to 140 +/- 12 fmol/g, P<0.05), whereas ventricular ADM mRNA and ir-ADM levels did not change significantly in hypertensive rats. Short-term cardiac overload, induced by administration of angiotensin II (33.3 microg/kg/h, s.c., osmotic minipumps) for two weeks in normotensive SD rats resulted in left ventricular hypertrophy (3.05 +/- 0.17 vs. 2.75 +/- 0.3 mg/g, P<0.05) and a 1.5-fold increase (P<0.05) in ventricular ADM mRNA levels. In conclusion, the present results show that pressure overload acutely stimulated ventricular ADM gene expression in conscious normotensive rats suggesting a potential beneficial role for endogenous ADM production in the heart against cardiac overload. Since pressure overload-induced increase in ADM synthesis was attenuated in hypertensive rats, alterations in the ADM system may contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension in the TGR(mREN-2)27 rat.
Executive Functions and Attachment Relationships in Children With ADHD: Links to Externalizing/Internalizing Problems, Social Skills, and Negative Mood Regulation

Objective: Theoretical models suggest multiple underlying pathways for ADHD and multiple risk factors’ co-occurrence as impairing this population’s affective, interpersonal, and behavioral adjustment. After comparing groups’ executive functioning (EF) difficulties and attachment security with each parent, this study primarily aimed to examine four risk factors (ADHD, child-father attachment, child-mother attachment, EF) as possibly explaining children’s socioemotional/behavioral measures (externalizing/internalizing behavior, social skills, negative mood regulation). Method: Participants were 100 children in Grades 5-6 (ages 11-12 years; M=11.45 years, SD=.50): 50 with formally diagnosed ADHD, and 50 with typical development (TD). Instruments were children’s self-report measures and teachers’ evaluation. Results: Significant group differences emerged on all EF measures and attachment relationships, and most socioemotional/behavioral measures. Findings demonstrated the significant contribution of children’s ADHD, parental attachments, and, partially, EF difficulties in explaining children’s socioemotional/behavioral adjustment. Conclusion: Children with ADHD, compared to children with TD, reported significantly larger EF deficits and a significantly higher incidence of insecure attachment to the father as well as a lower sense of trust and closeness to the mother. Outcomes highlighted the role of children’s four risk factors (ADHD, child-father attachment, child-mother attachment, EF) in explaining their socioemotional/behavioral adjustment. The EF deficits contributed only to intrapersonal maladjustment.
Assemblathon 1: a competitive assessment of de novo short read assembly methods.

Low-cost short read sequencing technology has revolutionized genomics, though it is only just becoming practical for the high-quality de novo assembly of a novel large genome. We describe the Assemblathon 1 competition, which aimed to comprehensively assess the state of the art in de novo assembly methods when applied to current sequencing technologies. In a collaborative effort, teams were asked to assemble a simulated Illumina HiSeq data set of an unknown, simulated diploid genome. A total of 41 assemblies from 17 different groups were received. Novel haplotype aware assessments of coverage, contiguity, structure, base calling, and copy number were made. We establish that within this benchmark: (1) It is possible to assemble the genome to a high level of coverage and accuracy, and that (2) large differences exist between the assemblies, suggesting room for further improvements in current methods. The simulated benchmark, including the correct answer, the assemblies, and the code that was used to evaluate the assemblies is now public and freely available from http://www.assemblathon. org/.
Molecular dynamics simulation of Leishmania major surface metalloprotease GP63 (leishmanolysin)

One of the molecular factors contributing to Leishmania sp. virulence and pathogenesis is the major surface metalloprotease GP63, alternatively called leishmanolysin, MSP, and PSP (EC 3.4.24.36). Here, the molecular dynamics simulation of Leishmania major GP63 in water at pH 7 is reported. Upon solvation, GP63 undergoes a sharp structural relaxation with respect to the crystal structure. The fluctuation pattern occurs essentially in solvent‐exposed nonstructured regions. By contrast, the active site turns out to be rigid. Essential dynamics and dynamic‐domain analyses, both carried out on the equilibrated portion of GP63, show that the fingerprint fluctuations of GP63 are practically characterized by the motion of a large part of the N‐terminal domain. These results appear to be in line with substrate recognition and (pro)enzyme activation played by the N‐terminal domain of GP63. A systematic analysis among a series of 10 homologs of GP63 also shows that the residues involved in the interdomain bending result highly conserved. This finding also suggests possible relationship between the maintainance of proteolytic activity and the similarity of the dynamical properties of the related enzymes. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Self‐Efficacy Beliefs Predict Sustained Long‐Term Sick Absenteeism in Individuals With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Abstract: Recovery beliefs are assumed to predict rehabilitation outcomes and return‐to‐work in various clinical conditions but are less frequently assessed in musculoskeletal disorders. We tested the hypothesis that recovery beliefs constitute a risk factor for sustained long‐term sick absenteeism in men and women suffering from nonspecific chronic musculoskeletal disorders. A total of 233 subjects with a recent or ongoing experience of long‐term sick leave were included in a prospective design. Subjects answered a postal baseline questionnaire and were followed up via register data for 1 year. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that subjects with negative recovery beliefs (OR: 2.41; CI: 1.22–4.77), low sense of mastery (OR: 2.08; CI: 1.27–3.40), perceived high mental demands at work (OR: 1.77; CI: 1.05–2.99), and prior experiences of long‐term sick absenteeism (OR: 1.86; CI: 1.02–3.37) had an increased probability of receiving sickness benefits at follow‐up. We conclude that prolonged sickness absence contributes strongly to increase patients' sense of helplessness, lower self‐efficacy, and hinder future work return. To improve work return, patients' maladaptive beliefs should be clarified and challenged early in the rehabilitation process.
Investigating magnetic field structure at moon distance: A single pass example

Since 2011, ARTEMIS spacecraft 1 and 2 take observations in the solar wind and magnetotail as they orbit around the Moon at +/-60 Re. With the state-of-the-art magnetic field and plasma instruments, they perform the first systematic, two-point observations of the mid-to-distant tail and give an opportunity for the scientist to study the detailed structure of the mid-to-distant tail at -60 Re as well as the tail dynamics since the era of ISEE-3 and Wind in 1970s and mid-1990s. In this study, we use magnetic field observations to perform vector mappings of the magnetotail structure in xy-, xz, and yz-planes. We present our preliminary results based on the investigation of four trajectory passes. The one of the example pass we present here corresponds to the IMF orientation in-y direction. Even it is a single pass, we can see the IMF By effect on the orientation of the magnetic field vectors within the magnetotail. Mapping along the trajectory also shows several unexpected tail magnetic field orientations within the central magnetotail which we attribute to the fact that it is a single pass and thus it may reflect the singular, local short term variations occurred in the central tail as the spacecraft moves. We run MHD model, SWMF-BATSRUS, at CCMC for this single pass to see how much temporally the model and observations agree. The results will be discussed in the frame of understanding the magnetotail behavior in response to the IMF By on a temporal scale.
Bank Competition and its Determinants: Evidence from Indian Banking

Abstract This paper measures the degree of bank competition in India using a sample of 70 commercial banks over the period 1996–2016. To assess the degree of competition, we estimate the market power of each bank in our sample employing three nonstructural measures: the Lerner index, the adjusted Lerner index, and the Boone indicator. Bank-wise and year-wise estimates of the marginal cost required in all these measures are obtained using the semi-parametric method. The paper further attempts to undertake a comprehensive assessment of competition in Indian banking and identifies various bank-specific, macroeconomic, structural, and contestability indicators, which are supposed to explain level and variation of the degree of competition over time. Empirical findings reveal that public-sector banks in India exercise a relatively higher degree of bank competition compared to private and foreign-sector banks. However, aggregate results support that the Indian banking system is competitive in general. Unlike the structure-conduct-performance paradigm, which advocates that a concentrated banking system impairs competitiveness, our findings reveal that concentration measures hardly exert any effect on bank competition. Rather, contestability measures play a significant role in the determination of bank competition.
Treat-to-target for osteoporosis: is now the time?

OBJECTIVES Current clinical practice guidelines identify patients at high risk for fracture who are likely to benefit from pharmacological therapy and suggest ways to monitor for effectiveness of therapy. However, there is no clear guidance on when fracture risk has been reduced to an acceptably low level. As a consequence, some patients at low risk for fracture may be treated for longer than necessary, whereas others at high risk for fracture may have treatment stopped when they might benefit from continuation of the same treatment or a change to a more potent therapeutic agent. The objective of this statement is to describe the potential clinical utility of developing a "treat-to-target" strategy for the management of patients with osteoporosis. PARTICIPANTS We recommend that a task force of clinicians, clinical investigators, and other stakeholders in the care of osteoporosis explore the options, review the evidence, and identify additional areas for investigation to establish osteoporosis treatment targets. EVIDENCE Data from large, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled registration trials for currently available osteoporosis therapies should be analyzed for commonalities of correlations between easily measured endpoints and fracture risk. CONSENSUS PROCESS Osteoporosis experts, professional organizations, and patient care advocates should be involved in the process of developing consensus on easily measurable osteoporosis treatment targets that are supported by the best available evidence and likely to be accepted by clinicians and patients in the care of osteoporosis. CONCLUSIONS A treat-to-target strategy for osteoporosis offers the potential of improving osteoporosis care by reducing the burden of osteoporotic fractures and limiting adverse effects of therapy.
Co-movements in volatility of dependency between US dollar and euro: analysing by conditional heteroscedasticity models

In this study, we use for the first time the conditional heteroscedasticity specifications (GARCH, AGARCH, APARCH, Asymmetry MEM, MEM, EGARCH, GJR GARCH, and GAS-GARCH Student t models) to examine the volatility of exchange rate returns between the US dollar and the euro. So, the conditional heteroscedasticity models are used to capture the time-varying parameter by the function of the likelihood function. Methodologically, we utilise a daily data of the exchange rate between the US dollar and the euro during the period of study from 2 January 2000 to 30 June 2015. From the empirical findings, we remark that the exchange rate returns between the US dollar and the euro show a highly volatility and validate the presence of a greatly time-varying variance in the exchange rate time series obtained after the estimation of the conditional heteroscedasticity models. Besides, we can remark that the conditional heteroscedasticity volatility prediction attains their maximum after the financial crisis of 2008, especially on 2009. Our empirical findings indicate the existence of highly dependency between the US dollar and the euro which prove the economic and financial integration between the USA and the Euro zone.
MPI/OpenMP hybrid parallel inference for Latent Dirichlet Allocation

In recent years, probabilistic topic models have been applied to various kinds of data including text data, and its effectiveness has been demonstrated. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) is one of the well-known topic models. Variational Bayesian inference or collapsed Gibbs sampling is often employed to estimate parameters in LDA; however, these inference methods require high computational cost for large-scale data. Therefore, high efficiency technology is needed for this purpose. In this paper, we make use of parallel computation technology for the sake of efficient collapsed Gibbs sampling inference for LDA. We assume to use a shared memory cluster (SMP cluster), which is widely used in recent years. In prior work of parallel inference for LDA, either MPI or OpenMP has been used alone. On the other hand, for a SMP cluster it is more suitable to adopt hybrid parallelization that uses message passing for communication between SMP nodes and loop directives for parallelization within each SMP node. In this paper, we developed a MPI/OpenMP hybrid parallel inference method for LDA, and achieved remarkable speedup under various settings of a SMP cluster.