Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Pain and Interference Patterns With Brief Pain Inventory in Patients With Bone Metastases: A Confirmatory Study

Background This study investigates the validity of the psychometric properties of the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) in patients with bone metastases and determines if patients with lower body pain exhibit higher levels of activity interference than those with upper body pain. Methods Three hundred and eighty-six patients treated, between May 2003 and June 2007, for painful bone metastases were included in this analysis, 336 patients with complete data were included in further analyses. Cronbach’s Alpha, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and discriminant validity tests were performed to analyze the psychometric properties of the BPI. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare mean scores of BPI subscales (pain, activity, and affect) in patients with upper or lower bone metastases. Results Internal consistency of two- and three-factor BPI analysis was high. In both cases, consistency was further improved when the sleep item was removed. CFA confirmed these results and showed that three-factor analysis was recommended. Patients with lower body metastases reporting moderate to severe pain exhibited greater levels of functional interference. A single fraction radiotherapy dose of 8 Gy was as effective as multi-fraction therapy where the predominant fractionation was 20 Gy in 5 fractions. Conclusions Our data confirms the psychometric validation of the BPI and the recommendations to use three-factor analysis in patients with bone metastases. Patients exhibiting lower extremity pain should receive prompt pain interventions and functional aid.
Effect of vitrification at the germinal vesicle stage on the global methylation status in mouse oocytes subsequently matured in vitro

Background It is still unclear whether the vitrification procedure itself is associated with the incidence of abnormal DNA methylation during oocytes vitrification. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the epigenetic profile of mouse oocytes, which went through vitrification either at a mature stage or at an immature stage following in vitro maturation (IVM) by analyzing the global DNA methylation. Methods Metaphase II (M II) stage and germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes were collected from adult female mice and were vitrified respectively. The M II oocytes were assessed for cryo‐survival and global DNA methylation. The GV oocytes were assessed for cryo‐survival and only the surviving GV oocytes were cultured in vitro for subsequent assessment of global DNA methylation in mature oocytes. In vivo matured fresh M II oocytes without undergoing vitrification were used as control. The level of global DNA methylation in the M II oocytes was then examined by immunofluorescence using an anti‐5‐methylcytosine (anti‐5‐MeC) monoclonal antibody and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐conjugated goat anti‐mouse IgG under a laser scanning confocal microscope. Results In terms of the effect of vitrification on global DNA methylation status in matured oocytes, in the M II‐v group, all the examined oocytes (90/90) were found with hypermethylation, including 63.3% (57/90) of them displaying DNA methylation of a very high level, 25.6% (23/90) with a high level, and 11.1% (10/90) with an intermediate level, whereas in the GV‐v group, all the matured oocytes (129/129) were also examined with hypermethylation, including 67.4% (87/129) of them displaying DNA methylation of a very high level, 23.3% (30/129) with a high level, and 9.3% (12/129) with an intermediate level. Statistically, it was similar between both groups, which were similar to the control: 68.6% (83/121) of fresh M II oocytes displayed DNA methylation of a very high level, 21.5% (26/121) with a high level, and 9.9%(12/121) with an intermediate level (P >0.05). In terms of the effect of IVM on global DNA methylation status in matured oocytes, in the in vivo matured oocytes group, all oocytes examined (94/94) were found with hypermethylation, including 80.9% (76/94) displaying DNA methylation of a very high level and 19.1% (18/94) with a high level, whereas in the in vitro matured oocytes group, all oocytes examined (69/69) were also found with hypermethylation: 85.2% (56/69) of them displayed with DNA methylation of very high level, 11.9% (11/69) with high level, and 2% (2/69) with intermediate level. This result was similar to that in in vivo matured fresh M II oocytes (P >0.05). Conclusion The vitrification procedure at GV stage does not induce widespread alteration of global DNA methylation status of mouse oocytes subsequently matured in vitro.
Effects of plasma HIV RNA, CD4+ T lymphocytes, and the chemokine receptors CCR5 and CCR2b on HIV disease progression in hemophiliacs. Hemophilia Growth and Development Study.

We have investigated the effects of plasma HIV RNA, CD4+ T lymphocytes and chemokine receptors CCR5 and CCR2b on HIV disease progression in hemophiliacs. We prospectively observed during follow-up 207 HIV-infected hemophiliacs in the Hemophilia Growth and Development Study. Plasma HIV RNA was measured on cryopreserved plasma from enrollment using the Chiron Corporation bDNA (version 2.0) assay. Genoytpe variants CCR2b-641 and CCR5-delta32 were detected using standard molecular techniques. Those with the mutant allele for CCR2b, and to a lesser extent CCR5, had lower plasma HIV RNA, and higher CD4+ T lymphocytes than did those without these genetic variants. After controlling for the effects of plasma HIV RNA and CD4+ T lymphocytes, those with the CCR2b mutant allele compared with those wild-type, had a trend toward a lower risk of progression to AIDS, adjusted relative hazard of 1.94 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9-4.18; p = .092), and AIDS-related death, relative hazard 1.97 (95% CI, 0.98-4.00; p = .059). We conclude that plasma HIV RNA, CD4+ T lymphocytes, and CCR genotypes are correlated, and the protective affect of CCR2b against HIV disease progression is not completely explained by plasma HIV RNA or CD4+ T-lymphocyte number.
HVDC Ground Return Current Modeling in AC Systems Considering Mutual Resistances

Ground return currents (GRCs) in ac systems generated by HVDC monopolar operations can result in half-cycle saturation of transformers. Considering the ground potential rises of substations, which is represented by mutual resistances in this paper, an improved model of GRC flow in aca systems is presented. This model is verified by the IEEE benchmark test case for geomagnetically induced current (GIC) and the measured neutral direct current and voltage on neutral blocking devices (NBDs). Based on this model, how the dc bias current in ac systems is affected by mutual resistance is analyzed using measured earth resistivities and representative ac systems. Furthermore, the impact of mutual resistances on GICs is discussed. In the end, an enhanced model for optimal configuration of GRC mitigation is also proposed. The actual application of the optimal NBD configuration has been proven to be cost-effective in mitigating the GRC flow.
Dissecting protein–protein recognition sites

The recognition sites in 70 pairwise protein–protein complexes of known three‐dimensional structure are dissected in a set of surface patches by clustering atoms at the interface. When the interface buries <2000 Å2 of protein surface, the recognition sites usually form a single patch on the surface of each component protein. In contrast, larger interfaces are generally multipatch, with at least one pair of patches that are equivalent in size to a single‐patch interface. Each recognition site, or patch within a site, contains a core made of buried interface atoms, surrounded by a rim of atoms that remain accessible to solvent in the complex. A simple geometric model reproduces the number and distribution of atoms within a patch. The rim is similar in composition to the rest of the protein surface, but the core has a distinctive amino acid composition, which may help in identifying potential protein recognition sites on single proteins of known structures. Proteins 2002;47:334–343. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Group M Protease in Cameroon: Genetic Diversity and Protease Inhibitor Mutational Features

ABSTRACT To establish a baseline for monitoring resistance to protease inhibitors (PIs) and examining the efficacy of their use among persons in Cameroon infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), we analyzed genetic variability and PI resistance-associated substitutions in PCR-amplified protease (PR) sequences in strains isolated from 110 HIV-1-infected, drug-naïve Cameroonians. Of the 110 strains, 85 were classified into six HIV-1 PR subtypes, A (n = 1), B (n = 1), F (n = 4), G (n = 7), H (n = 1), and J (n = 7), and a circulating recombinant form, CRF02-AG (n = 64). PR genes from the remaining 25 (23%) specimens were unclassifiable, whereas 2% (7 of 301) unclassifiable PR sequences were reported for a global collection. Two major PI resistance-associated mutations, 20M and 24I, were detected in strains from only two specimens, whereas secondary mutations were found in strains from all samples except one strain of subtype B and two strains of CRF02-AG. The secondary mutations showed the typical PI resistance-associated pattern for non-subtype B viruses in both classifiable and unclassifiable PR genes, with 36I being the predominant (99%) mutation, followed by 63P (18%), 20R (15%), 77I (13%), and 10I or 10V (11%). Of these mutations, dual and triple PI resistance-associated substitutions were found in 38% of all the Cameroonian strains. Compared with classifiable PR sequences, unclassifiable sequences had significantly more dual and triple substitutions (64% versus 30%; P = 0.004). Phenotypic and clinical evaluations are needed to estimate whether PI resistance during antiretroviral drug treatment occurs more rapidly in individuals infected with HIV-1 strains harboring multiple PI resistance-associated substitutions. This information may be important for determination of appropriate drug therapies for HIV-1-infected persons in Cameroon, where more than one-third of HIV-1 strains were found to carry dual and triple minor PI resistance-associated mutations.
Valuation and Growth

This paper concerns the terminal value calculation, represented by {numerator/(r-g)} where r and g define, respectively, the discount factor and the growth rate. Expressions of this kind derive from discounting a geometric series of payoffs, the Gordon-Williams model providing the prototype. Textbooks and research, implicitly if not explicitly, suggest g>0 to allow for (positive) growth. The analysis in this paper shows that under mild conditions g can be substantially less than zero, yet the setting permits positive growth in dividends, earnings and book values. To obtain a g<0 and positive growth, the modelling depends on two critical ingredients. First, it requires an unbiased valuation anchor which in the long run coincides with the asymptotic solution. Second, short term and long term growth rates differ. Now g relates directly to the speed at which short term growth rate converges to long term rate. But even when the two growth rates are the same, the forward E/P differs from {r minus long term growth}. None of these conclusions negate the importance of growth: the forward E/P ratio decreases if either long term or short term earnings growth increases, holding other factors constant.
The Transcriptional Response of Yeast to Saline Stress*

Adaptation to changes in extracellular salinity is a critical event for cell survival. Genome-wide DNA chip analysis has been used to analyze the transcriptional response of yeast cells to saline stress. About 7% of the genes encoded in the yeast genome are induced more than 5-fold after a mild and brief saline shock (0.4m NaCl, 10 min). Interestingly, most responsive genes showed a very transient expression pattern, as mRNA levels dramatically declined after 20 min in the presence of stress. A quite similar set of genes increased expression in cells subjected to higher saline concentrations (0.8 m NaCl), although in this case the response was delayed. Therefore, our data show that cells respond to saline stress by inducing the expression of a very large number of genes and suggest that stress adaptation requires regulation of many cellular aspects. The transcriptional induction of most genes that are strongly responsive to salt stress was highly or fully dependent on the presence of the stress-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase Hog1, indicating that the Hog1-mediated signaling pathway plays a key role in global gene regulation under saline stress conditions.
Integration of CMAC technique and weighted regression for efficient learning and output differentiability

Cerebellar model articulation controllers (CMAC) have attractive properties of learning convergence and speed. Many studies have used CMAC in learning control and demonstrated successful results. However, due to the fact that CMAC is a table lookup technique, a model implemented by a CMAC does not provide a derivative of its output. This is an inconvenience when using CMAC in learning structures that require such derivatives. This paper presents a new scheme that integrates the CMAC addressing technique with weighted regression to resolve this problem. Derivatives exist everywhere except on the boundaries of quantized regions. Compared with the conventional CMAC, the new scheme requires the same amount of memory and has similar learning speed, but provides output differentiability and more precise output. Compared with the typical weighted regression technique, the new scheme offers an efficient way to organize and utilize collected information.
Fidelity to a motivational interviewing intervention for those with post-stroke aphasia: a small-scale feasibility study

Abstract Objective: Depression after stroke is common, and talk-based psychological therapies can be a useful intervention. While a third of stroke survivors will experience communication difficulties impeding participation in talk-based therapies, little guidance exists to guide delivery for those with aphasia. We need to understand how to adapt talk-based therapies in the presence of aphasia. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of motivational interviewing (MI) in people with post-stroke aphasia. Methods: In a small-scale feasibility study, consecutive patients admitted to an acute stroke ward were screened for eligibility. People with moderate to severe aphasia were eligible. Those consenting received an intervention consisting of up to eight MI sessions delivered twice per week over four weeks. Sessions were modified using aids and adaptations for aphasia. Session quality was measured using the Motivational Interviewing Skills Code (MISC) to assess MI fidelity. Results: Three consenting patients identified early post-stroke took part; one male and two females ages ranging between 40s and 80s. Participants attended between five and eight MI sessions over four weeks. Aids and adaptations included visual cues, rating scales, and modified reflections incorporating verbal and non-verbal behaviors. Sessions were tailored to individual participant need. Threshold MISC ratings could be achieved for all participants however, ratings were reduced when aids and adaptations were not used. Discussion: This small-scale feasibility study suggests that it is feasible to adapt MI for people with moderate to severe post-stroke aphasia. These findings merit further exploration of adapted MI as an intervention for this patient group.
Estimating Subgroup Effects Using the Propensity Score Method: A Practical Application in Outcomes Research

Objective:Our aim was to demonstrate the feasibility of the univariate and generalized propensity score (PS) method in subgroup analysis of outcomes research. Methods:First, to estimate subgroup effects, we tested the performance of 2 different PS methods, using Monte Carlo simulations: (1) the univariate PS with additional adjustment on the subgroup; and (2) the generalized PS, estimated by crossing the treatment options with a subgroup variable. The subgroup effects were estimated in a linear regression model using the 2 PS adjustments. We further explored whether the subgroup variable should be included in the univariate PS. Second, the 2 methods were compared using data from a large effectiveness study on psychotherapy in personality disorders. Using these data we tested the differences between short-term and long-term treatment, with the severity of patients’ problems defining the subgroups of interest. Results:The Monte Carlo simulations showed minor differences between both PS methods, with the bias and mean squared error overall marginally lower for the generalized PS. When considering the univariate PS, the subgroup variable can be excluded from the PS estimation and only adjusted for in the outcome equation. When applied to the psychotherapy data, the univariate and generalized PS estimations gave similar results. Conclusion:The results support the use of the generalized PS as a feasible method, compared with the univariate PS, to find certain subgroup effects in nonrandomized outcomes research.
Al2O3-Interlayer-Enhanced Performance of All-Inorganic Silicon-Quantum-Dot Near-Infrared Light-Emitting Diodes

Efficient all-inorganic silicon-quantum-dot (Si-QD) near-infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been fabricated by using nickel oxide (NiO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) as the transport layers of holes and electrons, respectively. It is found that the LED performance may be significantly improved by the atomic layer deposition of an Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> interlayer between Si QDs and NiO. The improvement is due to the fact that the Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> interlayer can not only suppress the exciton quenching induced by the traps at the NiO surface and the accumulated holes at the NiO/Si-QD interface, but also reduce the leakage of carriers. The optimum thickness of the Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> interlayer is found to be ~5.7 nm, which leads to the increase of the optical power density by a factor of ~7 (from ~2 to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$14~\mu \text{W}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>/cm<sup>2</sup>) and that of the external quantum efficiency by a factor of ~10 (from ~0.01% to 0.1%) for the all-inorganic Si-QD near-infrared LED on glass. In addition, it is shown that the Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> interlayer may also improve the performance of flexible all-inorganic Si-QD near-infrared LEDs on poly(ethylene terephthalate).
Data Reduction Design Based on Delta-Sigma Modulator in Quantized Scaling-Bilateral Control for Realizing of Haptic Broadcasting

This paper proposes haptic data quantization in communication systems in which all haptic information is transmitted through a network. From an engineering view point, bilateral control with master and slave manipulators has been studied to reproduce kinesthetic sensations. However, in scaled haptic transmission applications, communication constraints are a serious problem especially in a microspace. Moreover, communication delay deteriorates the performance of haptic sensation transmission when a large amount of data flows into a communication line. To reduce the communication delay caused by the amount of information and communication constraints, a data quantization method is discussed. Along with audio and visual information, an encoding technique is often applied to haptic information. In particular, a delta-sigma modulator based on a static quantizer has low computational complexity, and it reduces the quantization error in a low-frequency domain. Therefore, haptic sensation transmission with the modulator is constructed in quantized scaling-bilateral control. According to the analyses of hybrid parameters including the interference of a quantization error and a communication delay, the performance of haptic sensation transmission is evaluated. In experiments with a communication delay, stable operation and improved performance are achieved to reduce all information: current, position, and force.
Using Product Variables of Business- to-Business (B2B) Media to Assess the Impacts of Social Media

An original approach uses the three variables of timeliness, confidentiality, and utility of business-to-business (B2B) media products to study the impacts of social media. Interviews with B2B media practitioners in the UK reveal that social media have partially and weakly influenced the timeliness and confidentiality variables but have no effect on the basic utility of B2B media. Social media formats are therefore not so much in competition with B2B media, more a useful tool. B2B media practitioners attempt to control and adjust these variables to make their products more attractive. A social media optimisation publishing cycle was identified as a response to the impacts of social media in particular. But other adjustments mostly responded to competition forces greater than social media. This is one of the first studies of B2B media to examine their full product ranges. It proposes future directions of research in this under-examined media sector.
Does the user interface make interruptions disruptive?: a study of interface style and form of interruption

This experiment examined the influence of the style of thecomputer user interface on the extent to which performance wasdecreased by task interruption. Performance on data entry of apersonnel database was compared using two different styles ofinterfaces, under three different forms of interruption. Tensubjects were given a graphical user interface with a mouse andscreen buttons; and ten were given a character-based interface withtab and function keys. Interruptions came at unexpected times. Eachsubject was interrupted three times, once with each form ofinterruption: telephone call, visitor, and on-screen message.During each interruption, the subject was asked to answer a simplequestion. The number of fields entered minus the number of fieldsin error, per minute, was measured during the two-minutepost-interruption period. Eye motion data was analyzed in terms ofthe amount of time and the average durations of eye fixations onthe screen. An exit questionnaire solicited the subjects'perceptions of their performance. Compared to the control, the screen interruption was disruptive,the telephone interruption was not, and the walk-in visitorinterruption produced intermediate performance. Performance wasworse in the first minute than in the second minute immediatelyfollowing the interruptions. Lower performance was directly relatedto looking more at the screen. The duration of the interruption wasweakly correlated to the performance. Subjects' perceptions oftheir performance did not correlate with performance measures. The disruptive effect of the screen interruption compared to thelack of disruption after the telephone interruption was a surprise.This result is contrary to the commonly held belief that telephoneinterruptions are a problem to computer users. It may be importantto avoid disruption caused by screen windows popping up in designof multi-window user interfaces. Trends in office automation havethe screen being used for more and more functions, with demands onscreen displays being further aggravated by information availablethrough integrated networks. The disruption of the screen interruption may be due to theabruptness of the on-set of the interruption which prohibited thesubject from completing the current action. The message box lockedout the main task until the subject responded to the question. Thisdiffered from the onset of the walk-in and telephone interruptionswhich did not lock out interaction with the main task. Anotherpossible explanation for the disruption of the screen interruptioncompared to the telephone interruption may be the similarity insense modality. This work is seen as preliminary to furtherstudy.