Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Complexity of Morality: Checking Markov Blanket Consistency with DAGs via Morality

A family of Markov blankets in a faithful Bayesian network satisfies the symmetry and consistency properties. In this paper, we draw a bijection between families of consistent Markov blankets and moral graphs. We define the new concepts of weak recursive simpliciality and perfect elimination kits. We prove that they are equivalent to graph morality. In addition, we prove that morality can be decided in polynomial time for graphs with maximum degree less than $5$, but the problem is NP-complete for graphs with higher maximum degrees.
A Two-Stage Design for Drug Screening Trials Based on Continuous Endpoints

Pharmaceutical development is a risky, complex, costly, and time-consuming endeavor. More than half of development duration is spent in clinical trials. Despite the large number of potential candidates available and the lengthy process of clinical development, the success rate is disappointing. Hence, there is an urgent need for new strategies and methodology for efficient and cost-effective designs to screen potential candidates based on the idea of the proof of the concept for efficacy in a rapid and reliable manner to minimize the total sample size and hence to shorten the duration of the trials. In this article, a two-stage screening design based on continuous efficacy endpoints is proposed. The proposed two-stage screening designs minimize the expected sample size if the new candidate has low efficacy activity subject to the constraint upon the type I and type II error rates. In addition, two-stage screening designs that minimize the maximum sample size (minimax) are presented. Tables of two-stage and minimax designs for various combinations of design parameters are also provided. Applications to the phase 1 and 2 stages of clinical development are illustrated.
Different Clinical Profile of Patients Undergoing Coronary Arteriography after Stress SPECT or Stress Echocardiography

Purpose: Stress SPECT and stress echocardiography show similar diagnostic accuracy in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. The choice of which imaging modality is the most suitable may depend on several factors, including local facilities and expertise, cost containment, biological risk related to the use of radiations, and the feasibility of stress echocardiography. We hypothesized that some of the above factors could shape the characteristics of patients undergoing one or the other imaging modality. Thus, we sought to investigate whether patients referred to coronary arteriography after stress SPECT or stress echocardiography differ in terms of clinical and risk profile. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 1712 patients who had undergone stress SPECT (821 patients, 48%) or stress echocardiography (891 patients, 52%), followed by coronary arteriography (median, three days). Results: Patients studied by stress SPECT did not differ from stress echo patients as to age and extent of coronary stenoses, but were less frequently female (P=0.0021), more frequently had severe obesity (P= 0.0102), a previous myocardial infarction (P=0.0009), or severe left ventricular dysfunction (P<0.0001). During follow-up (median, 7 years), stress SPECT patients had a worst survival rate free from cardiac death and non-fatal infarction (81.4%) than stress-echo patients (85.6%, P=0.015). Conclusion: In our centre, stress SPECT is more commonly performed in higher risk patients than stress echocardiography.
Involvement of Low‐Income Single Caregivers in Child‐Focused Early Intervention Services: Implications for Caregiver‐Child Interaction*

Involving caregivers in their children's services often is assumed to make the delivery of child-focused services more effective. We examined the relation of caregiver involvement in children's early intervention programs (EIPs) with caregiver-child interaction. Participants were 99 low-income single caregivers whose children (≤ 40 months old) were enrolled in EIPs that provided opportunities for caregiver involvement. The results confirmed that caregivers who were more engaged with the programs (as rated by program staff) were more likely to demonstrate more responsiveness in interactions with their children. However, the frequency of participation or number of different types of activities at the EIPs in which they engaged were not significantly related to caregiver-child interaction. Implications are discussed for enhancing supportive and collaborative relationships between caregivers and providers.
Campus Reactions to Mass Notification

Andrea M. Butler Kathryn D. LafreniereOn April 16, 2007, a gunman opened fire at Virginia Tech University, killing 32 people before taking his own life (Blake, 2007). In the aftermath of such a violent campus incident, many universities are looking for ways to improve policies and programs that promote campus safety and allow them to effectively handle emergency situations. Many universities are considering the imple­mentation of a mass notification system, which in the event of a campus emergency would allow local crime prevention agencies, such as Campus Police, to transmit critical information to classrooms, offices, laboratories, and residence buildings. A variety of technological devices (e.g., cell phones, PDAs, BlackBerrys, and computers) and communication media (e.g., e­mail, text messages, internet banners, and PA systems) would be used to transfer these messages across campus. However, before a university commits to the purchase of a particular system, administrators should first determine how students, faculty, and staff will feel about the use of a particular technology for emergency mass notification procedures. For example, how effective would an e­mail message be that is sent out as part of an emergency warning considering that many individuals may not check their e­mail frequently? The Campus Police at the University of Windsor were interested in considering such issues before implementing such a system. Thus, the purpose of the current research was to (a) determine how campus community members felt about the use of mass notification technologies, (b) address any issues with those technologies, and (c) recommend how Campus Police could best encourage students, faculty, and staff to accept and utilize such a system with the goal of creating a safer campus for all.
Breaking Out of the Bank in Europe - Exploring Collective Emergent Institutional Entrepreneurship Through Bitcoin

In recent years, the Bitcoin community has collectively developed an open source platform that allows for the mining of the Bitcoin currency as well as instant global peer-to-peer payments and financial transactions using Bitcoins - without any central authority. With its theoretical roots in the Austrian School of Economics, the community can be seen as a potential threat to the mega financial institutions and governments in Europe and across the globe as the Bitcoin currency and its underlying principles challenge the long-standing fiat money system. Designed and implemented in only 2009, Bitcoin has rapidly grown from being an idea in the head of a “Japanese programmer” to becoming a legitimate currency as Bitcoin-Central was awarded an International Bank ID number and became a Payment Services Provider equal to organizations such as PayPal. However, perhaps due to its rapid growth during the past four years and the fact that the currency is primarily a virtual one, the Bitcoin community has been subject to external threats such as fraud, hacker attacks, and a lawsuit. Despite this, the community has shown significant resilience and has even shown continued exponential growth in recent months. As such, our research purpose is to investigate the process through which the Bitcoin community acts as an institutional entrepreneur. As a first step in fulfilling our research purpose, we conduct an exploratory analysis in this research-in-progress paper of the formal and informal “organizations” of Bitcoin as well as of the topical network structure of the Bitcoin community using secondary sources and the complete archive of 1.15 million English posts written by 21,903 members between 2009 and 2013. Some preliminary results and findings as well as future steps are discussed.
Intracoronary transplantation of bone marrow stem cells: background, techniques, and limitations

Experimental data on myocardial regeneration with the use of bone marrow stem cells in recent years promoted first pilot clinical trials. Currently used methodology in these pilot clinical trials is based on the aspiration of autologous bone blood, separation of cell fraction thought to contain multipotent stem cells and reinjection of this autologous cellular blood material to the patient's coronary artery during balloon occlusion of this artery. Our experience obtained during almost 3 years led us to stop prematurely one trial and to continue under strict rules another one. This new promising method could bring a true revolution in future prevention or treatment of ischaemic heart failure. However, it is today unclear, whether this is a fascinating new hope for heart failure patients or a dead end route.
Authors' reply to: No increased incidence for GB‐virus C infection in a cohort of HIV‐positive lymphoma patients

Dear Editor, Ernst et al. report that in a small cohort of 33 HIV-infected lymphoma patients [seven Hodgkin and 26 non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)] 10 of 33 (30.3%) were GB virus C (GBVC) RNA positive compared to 138 of 584 (23.6%) HIVinfected controls. They were unable to show a statistically significant association between GBV-C RNA detection and lymphoma and expressed concern that the association we demonstrated between GBV-C RNA detection in 25 of 553 (4.5%) patients with NHL and 8 of 438 (1.8%) population controls might represent confounding related to the transmission of other potentially oncogenic viruses in a population not known to be immunosuppressed. For our study, known HIV infection was an exclusion criterion for cases. Although our data have limitations, including the fact that GBV-C RNA was sampled at only one time point, the strength of our study was in the size of the case group and the population-based nature of the study. There is clear evidence from our and other studies that environmental factors and infectious agents contribute to the risk of NHL and that causality is likely heterogeneous. Our case–control study confirms that detection of GBV-C RNA and hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody is statistically, but not necessarily causally associated with an increased risk of NHL. Of note, although the observed odds ratios were fairly large, given the low prevalence of GBV-C and HCV in the general population, only a small percentage of NHL cases would be expected to be associated with these infectious agents. Risk behaviors that result in HIV acquisition also increase the risk of infection with GBV-C and other agents. Before adoption of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), HIV infected patients would typically succumb to opportunistic infections as a result of HIV-induced immunosuppression before an environmental or infectious agent could contribute to the development of an opportunistic disease such as NHL. To detect an association between GBV-C RNA detection and lymphoma in HIV-infected patients, the sample size would likely need to be larger. The publication by Tillmann et al. suggests a protective effect of GBV-C coinfection on survival among HIV-infected individuals, and this could further confound detection of an association between GBV-C infection and lymphoma. Of interest, patients in their study were recruited between 1993 and 1994 before widespread adoption of HAART. Clearly, a well designed and statistically powered case control study of HIV patients receiving HAART would be necessary to assess the association between GBV-C, HCV, or other agents/cofactors on lymphomagenesis. Yours sincerely, Mel Krajden Darrel Cook John J. Spinelli
Effects of concomitant amiodarone and haloperidol on Q-Tc interval prolongation.

PURPOSE The effects of concomitant amiodarone and haloperidol on Q-Tc interval prolongation were studied. METHODS All adult patients admitted to a 618-bed tertiary referral teaching hospital between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2006, who received amiodarone and haloperidol concomitantly were included in this retrospective descriptive analysis. Data collected to assess patients' risk of developing Q-T interval prolongation included age, sex, past medical history, and number of days of concomitant exposure. Data relevant for the assessment of cardiac effects were collected for the time period between 24 hours before and after the administration of haloperidol and included laboratory test values, use of other Q-T interval-prolonging drugs, heart rate, Q-Tc intervals, and clinical documentation of arrhythmia. To determine change in the Q-Tc interval, Q-T and R-R values were recorded using cardiac rhythm strips or electrocardiogram. Nurses' and physicians' records were reviewed to determine if an arrhythmia occurred. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze baseline patient information and Q-Tc interval data. RESULTS A total of 49 patients met inclusion criteria, yielding 381 distinct amiodarone-haloperidol exposures. During 138 (36.2%) of 381 haloperidol-amiodarone exposures, patients received at least one additional Q-T interval-prolonging drug. When amiodarone-haloperidol exposures were grouped by the number of concomitant Q-T prolonging drugs, no apparent association was detected between longer Q-Tc intervals and an increased number of concomitant Q-T interval-prolonging drugs. CONCLUSION A small, potentially significant Q-Tc interval prolongation, but not ventricular arrhythmia, was observed in adult patients who received a concomitant administration of amiodarone and haloperidol at a tertiary referral teaching hospital.
Epidemiologic Mapping using the “Kriging” Method: Application to an Influenza-like Epidemic in France

This paper presents the application of a technique from the earth sciences, the "kriging" method, to the field of geographic epidemiology. Both the principles of the method and the basic equations are given. A key advantage of the method is that it relies on an analysis of the spatial variability of the data and allows the representation of the variable under study as a continuous process throughout a country. Application of the kriging method to the geographic distribution of an epidemic of influenza-like illness in France is discussed.
Patient Satisfaction with Outpatient Detoxification from Alcohol

&NA; Outpatient medical detoxification has become an increasingly common form of treatment for mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal, yet few studies have examined this phenomenon from the patient’s perspective. Therefore, we reviewed Patient Satisfaction Survey (PSS) results from each of 57 alcohol‐dependent patients who successfully completed a course of outpatient detoxification from among 64 who initiated such treatment in conjunction with an intensive day treatment program (89%). Those who completed detoxification were asked to evaluate specific aspects of clinical care. On a 5‐point Likert scale, subjects responded to statements related to safety, comfort, information and instructions about medications, availability of the nurse, and participation in the day treatment program. Additional qualitative feedback was sought through two open‐ended questions to determine what was viewed as most helpful, and suggestions for program improvement. High rates of completion and patient satisfaction were realized with outpatient detoxification from alcohol when administered in an intensive day treatment program.
Effects of ovariectomy and estradiol valerate or progesterone on serum insulin level in rats

Experimental data from in vitro studies suggest that insulin and sex hormones interact. The main purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of progesterone and estradiol on serum insulin in female rats. Seven week old female albino (Wistar) rats were used in our study. Progesterone (20 mg/kg/day) or estradiol valerate (200 µg/kg/day) were injected subcutaneously in ovariectomised and non-ovariectomised rats. After 4 weeks, serum insulin level was measured indicating decreased serum insulin level in ovariectomised rats compared with control group (P<0.01). In contrast to progesterone replacement, decreasing of serum insulin in ovariectomised rats was prevented by estradiol replacement (P<0.05). Serum insulin level was also increased in estradiol receiving and decreased in progesterone receiving non-ovariectomised rats (P<0.001). Conclusively, our findings indicated that estradiol was serum insulin enhancer hormone and progesterone was serum insulin reducer hormone in rats. Key words: Insulin, ovariectomy, progesterone, estradiol, rat.
Adhoc Analysis of Site By Treatment Interaction

In order to enroll patients more quickly, and to help establish efficacy in a new drug, the sponsor of the drug may have multiple investigators conducting a clinical trial. Each investigator enrolls and treats patients at a particular center or site. Such a clinical trial is considered a multicenter study. In the analysis of results from such a trial, it is expected that sites will contribute a small effect so that including site as a covariate in the analysis of treatment effects is a common means of increasing the power of a multi-center clinical trial. Controlling for Site and Site by Treatment effects in a linear model increases the power of analysis when those factors are found to contribute significantly to reducing the residual error of the model. There may be factors associated with site, such as patient demographics and medical history, as well as site characteristics which may not have been otherwise accounted for, which increase or decrease a response variable for all treatments or specific treatments. ICH Guideline E9 1 recommends that if treatment effects vary by site, this should be explained, requiring further analyses of an ad-hoc nature. These can follow two possible strategies: looking for sites which are outliers, and looking for sites which have commonalities with other sites. By starting with residuals of the site and treatment-only linear model, we assume that simple treatment effects are removed. The residuals are then averaged by site and treatment and displayed graphically to look for sites which are similar.
Progesterone versus magnesium sulfate in the management of preterm labour

1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran. 2 Researcher of Clinical Research Development Center, Ali-Ebne-Abitaleb Hospital, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran. 3 Genius and Talented Student Organization, Student Research Committee (SRC), Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran. 4 Health Promotion Research Center, Zahdan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
Commentary. The routine use of ultrasound

Dear Sir, In December 1984 the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists published a 74-page report entitled Routine Ultrasound Examthation in Pregnancy. The text was prepared by a Working Party and considered on two occasions by the Scientific Advisory Committee. The final version was approved by Council. The contents included a survey of current practice, and a review of the literature on the reported benefits and potential hazards of the technique. Ten specific recommendations were proposed for the future development of obstetric ultrasound in the United Kingdom. The Commentary by Professors Lilford & Chard [BrJ Obstet Gynaecol(1985) 92,4344361 contained a number of specific criticisms of the College Report which were mainly concerned with aspects of the subject reviewed in three pages of Appendix I . Nevertheless, the authors concluded that the scientific analysis of the whole Report did not show the rigour which would normally be expected of the Scientific Committee and therefore the publication did not provide a clear and authoritative lead to the profession and decision makers. We have considered the issues and believe that most of the criticism in the commentary by Lilford & Chard is unreasonable, particularly with regard to the extent that statistical analyses should be applied to the limited amount of available data. For example, at the time the Report was written, the authors and advisers did not consider that a discussion of the statistical concept and implications of test power was justified in a retrospective analysis of the published studies. The text, however, did draw attention to the fact that the numbers of patients reported in the two randomized prospective studies on routine ultrasound scanning in pregnancy were insufficient to derive conclusions on the ability of the procedure to detect not only perinatal mortality and handicap, but also intrauterine growth retardation. Future studies will undoubtedly
Diffuse reflectance of oceanic waters. III. Implication of bidirectionality for the remote-sensing problem.

The upwelling radiance field beneath the ocean surface and the emerging radiance field are not generally isotropic. Their bidirectional structure depends on the illumination conditions (the Sun's position in particular) and on the optical properties of the water body. In oceanic case 1 waters, these properties can be related, for each wavelength λ, to the chlorophyll (Chl) concentration. We aim to quantify systematically the variations of spectral radiances that emerge from an ocean with varying Chl when we change the geometric conditions, namely, the zenith-Sun angle, the viewing angle, and the azimuth difference between the solar and observational vertical planes. The consequences of these important variations on the interpretation of marine signals, as detected by a satelliteborne ocean color sensor, are analyzed. In particular, the derivation of radiometric quantities, such as R (λ), the spectral reflectance, or [ L(w)(λ)](N), the normalized water-leaving radiance that is free from directional effects, is examined, as well as the retrieval of Chl. We propose a practical method that is based on the use of precomputed lookup tables to provide values of the f/Q ratio in all the necessary conditions[ f relates (R(λ) to the backscattering and absorption coefficients, whereas Q is the ratio of upwelling irradiance to any upwelling radiance]. The f/Q ratio, besides being dependent on the geometric configuration (the three angles mentioned above), also varies with λ and with the bio-optical state, conveniently depicted by Chl. Because Chl is one of the entries for the lookup table, it has to be derived at the beginning of the process, before the radiometric quantities R(λ) or [L(W)(λ)](N) can be produced. The determination of Chl can be made through an iterative process, computationally fast, using the information at two wavelengths. In this attempt to remove the bidirectional effect, the commonly accepted view relative to the data-processing strategy is somewhat modified, i.e., reversed, as the Chl index becomes a prerequisite parameter that must be identified prior to the derivation of the fundamental radiometric quantities at all wavelengths.