Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the Value of Perfect Information in Emergency Vaccination Campaigns

Foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in non-endemic countries can lead to large economic costs and livestock losses but the use of vaccination has been contentious, partly due to uncertainty about emergency FMD vaccination. Value of information methods can be applied to disease outbreak problems such as FMD in order to investigate the performance improvement from resolving uncertainties. Here we calculate the expected value of resolving uncertainty about vaccine efficacy, time delay to immunity after vaccination and daily vaccination capacity for a hypothetical FMD outbreak in the UK. If it were possible to resolve all uncertainty prior to the introduction of control, we could expect savings of £55 million in outbreak cost, 221,900 livestock culled and 4.3 days of outbreak duration. All vaccination strategies were found to be preferable to a culling only strategy. However, the optimal vaccination radius was found to be highly dependent upon vaccination capacity for all management objectives. We calculate that by resolving the uncertainty surrounding vaccination capacity we would expect to return over 85% of the above savings, regardless of management objective. It may be possible to resolve uncertainty about daily vaccination capacity before an outbreak, and this would enable decision makers to select the optimal control action via careful contingency planning.
Drug survival of tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis in Korea

Background/Aims To evaluate drug survival of the tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors (TNFi) and risk factors for the drug discontinuation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods We retrospectively evaluated 487 AS patients at a single tertiary hospital. Among the TNFi users, drug survival and risk factors of TNFi discontinuation were investigated. Results Among 487 patients, 128 AS patients were treated with at least one TNFi. Patients who were treated with TNFi were younger at disease onset, had more peripheral manifestations, and had higher level of acute phase reactants and body mass index than those of TNFi non-users at baseline. Of 128 patients, 28 patients (21.9%) discontinued first TNFi therapy during the follow-up period of 65.1 ± 27.9 months. In the multivariable analysis, female (hazard ratio [HR], 6.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.27 to 16.27; p = 0.003), hip involvement (HR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.08 to 5.87; p = 0.033) and a high C-reactive protein (CRP; HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.21; p = 0.044) were risk factors for drug discontinuation. Etanercept showed better survival rate than infliximab. The main reason for discontinuation of TNFi was inefficacy. Conclusions TNFi discontinuation rate of Korean patients with AS seems to be similar to those with the European patients. Female sex, hip involvement, CRP, and the type of TNFi were associated with TNFi discontinuation.
Epidemiology and trends of cryptococcosis in the United States from 2000 to 2007: A population-based study

Cryptococcal disease, caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality but limited data exist on its incidence and impact. A study utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2000 to 2007 to examine the epidemiology and impact of cryptococcal disease in the United States was undertaken. The International Classification of Diseases 9th Version code was used to identify hospital discharges with diagnosis of Cryptococcus (117.5). Our primary outcome was the incidence rate of cryptococcal admissions. The impact of AIDS, age, and sex on hospitalization rates, mortality, and costs was assessed. The results showed that a total of 10,077 hospitalizations for cryptococcosis occurred corresponding to a weighted estimate of 49,010 cases. The median age was 43 years (interquartile range 34–54), and 26% were female. Approximately 64% of cases occurred in persons with AIDS. Although rates declined overall, age-adjusted rates were significantly higher in males with AIDS than in uninfected persons (p < 0.001). The mortality rate decreased but was greater in HIV-uninfected versus infected cohorts (12% versus 10%, p < 0.001). Conversely, hospital costs were greater in persons with AIDS ($40,671 versus $40,096, p=0.02). Although cryptococcal disease rates are decreasing over time, the associated mortality and costs remain concerning.
The effects of different autumn-seeded cover crops on subsequent irrigated corn response to nitrogen fertilizer

A common crop rotation in the west Iran is wheat-fallow-corn. The fallow period after wheat harvest (during fall and winter) can lead to soil erosion, nutrient losses (e.g. nitrate leaching) and offsite movement of pesticides. This period is an ideal time to establish a cover crop. In order to investigate the effects of different autumn-seeded cover crops on subsequent irrigated corn response to nitrogen fertilizer, field studies were carried out during the 2007-2008 growing season at the Agricultural Research Farm, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran. The experiment was conducted in a split plot arrangement based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plots consisted of four cover crops including alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) and winter rye (Secale cereale L.) and a control (no cover crop). The sub plots consisted of two fertilizer N rates (0 and 250 kg ha-1). Cover crops were grown for nearly 5 months and then were incorporated into the soil as green manures. The results indicated that corn plant traits including seed yield, the number of seeds per ear and leaf chlorophyll content were significantly influenced by cover crops. Whereas, the cover crops had no signif-icant effects on the number of ears per plant, 100-seed weight and harvest index of corn. Among the cover crop species, common vetch produced higher dry weight and showed the highest positive effects on the corn plant traits. Dry weight produced by this cover crop was 56.41, 120.16 and 124.19% higher than those of winter rye, berseem clover and alfalfa, respectively. Common vetch enhanced seed yield, the number of seeds per ear and leaf chlorophyll content of corn by 46.30, 21.95 and 8.52%, respectively, compared to control. All of the corn traits under study, except the number of ears per plant and harvest index were significantly improved by nitrogen fertilizer. In general, this study revealed that the autumn-seeded cover crops, especially common vetch can be used to improve corn yield. However, the cover crops should be supplemented with nitrogen fertilizer to obtain optimal results.
Toward a parameterization of global‐scale organic carbon mineralization kinetics in surface marine sediments

An empirical function is derived for predicting the rate‐depth profile of particulate organic carbon (POC) degradation in surface marine sediments including the bioturbated layer. The rate takes the form of a power law analogous to the Middelburg function. The functional parameters were optimized by simulating measured benthic O2 and NO3− fluxes at 185 stations worldwide using a diagenetic model. The novelty of this work rests with the finding that the vertically resolved POC degradation rate in the bioturbated zone can be determined using a simple function where the POC rain rate is the governing variable. Although imperfect, the model is able to fit 71% of paired O2 and NO3− fluxes to within 50% of measured values. It further provides realistic geochemical concentration‐depth profiles, NO3− penetration depths, and apparent first‐order POC mineralization rate constants. The model performs less well on the continental shelf due to the high sediment heterogeneity there. When applied to globally resolved maps of rain rate, the model predicts a global denitrification rate of 182 ± 88 Tg yr−1 of N and a POC burial rate of 107 ± 52 Tg yr−1 of C with a mean carbon burial efficiency of 6.1%. These results are in very good agreement with published values. Our proposed function is conceptually simple, requires less parameterization than multi‐G‐type models, and is suitable for nonsteady state applications. It provides a basis for more accurately simulating benthic nutrient fluxes and carbonate dissolution rates in Earth system models.
Dead or Alive? A Formal Decision Model for Deciding on Customer Recovery Investments

As digitization makes customer migration easier and more attractive, managing customer recovery becomes increasingly important for organizations. In this context, the challenge is to avoid two error types that can occur with customer relation recovery. First, mistakenly investing in customer relations that are active (“alive”), and, second, mistakenly not investing in migrated customer relations (“dead”). Consequently, considering the probability that a customer relation is “alive” or “dead” is necessary. Based on this probability, an economically reasonable decision has to be made whether to invest in individual customer relation recovery or not. However, existing literature often neglects the above mentioned probability. Accordingly, based on a comprehensive discussion of related work, we propose a formal decision model on whether to invest in customer relation recovery, considering the probability that the customer relation is still “alive” or “dead. ” To demonstrate the decision model’s applicability, an illustrative case with a sample calculation is presented.
[Investigation of the Necrophagous Flies in Beijing].

OBJECTIVES To explore the number of necrophagous flies and seasonal distribution of common necrophagous flies at present in Beijing. METHODS The specimens of necrophagous flies were collected by the methods of animal carcass, trapping and feeding. And the specimens were observed and counted after the classification and preservation. RESULTS The necrophagous flies in Beijing belonged to 4 families, 9 subfamilies, 21 genera and 46 species, and 12 species of them were the first records in Beijing. The necrophagous flies had the characteristics of regional and seasonal distribution. CONCLUSIONS The data of seasonal distribution of necrophagous flies and common necrophagous flies in Beijing can provide reference for related research.
Attitudes to Gun Control in an American Twin Sample: Sex Differences in the Causes of Variation

The genetic and social causes of individual differences in attitudes to gun control are estimated in a sample of senior male and female twin pairs in the United States. Genetic and environmental parameters were estimated by weighted least squares applied to polychoric correlations for monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins of both sexes. The analysis suggests twin similarity for attitudes to gun control in men is entirely genetic while that in women is purely social. Although the volunteer sample is small, the analysis illustrates how the well-tested concepts and methods of genetic epidemiology may be a fertile resource for deepening our scientific understanding of biological and social pathways that affect individual risk to gun violence.
Effectiveness of self-management program on arthritis symptoms among older women: A randomized controlled trial study

ABSTRACT We aimed to determine the effectiveness of a self-management program amongst older women with rheumatoid arthritis. The intervention group (n = 40) received a six-week arthritis self-management program. Assessments were recorded prior to and after the program using a demographic questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale, Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale, and self- reported questions regarding mobility. Significant improvements in self-efficacy for functional ability and pain management were found in the intervention group compared to those before the intervention and the control group. Our trial indicates that the program used in conjunction with exercise interventions for aged patients may lead to benefits perceived self-efficacy.
HANNAH: A Vivid and Flexible 3D Information Visualization Framework

In this paper we describe an adaptable multi-purpose 3D user interface for complex heterogeneous information. The framework allows to create visualization instruments by hierarchically combining small visualization widgets. We integrate well known 3D visualization tools in our system and also present new metaphors like the RotaryDiagram. Due to the modular architecture and the underlying ontology we are able to build intuitive visualizations that allow direct manipulation, that directly and vividly respond to user actions and adopt to changing needs. The visualizations provide the user with multiple perspectives on the data and semantic relations between items of various perspectives. The effectiveness of our proposed concepts for 3D information visualization systems is being proven by applying them to an user interface for monitoring, controlling, and optimization of a complex wastewater treatment plant.
FLUORIDE AND ALUMINIUM INDUCED TOXICITY IN MICE EPIDIDYMIS AND ITS MITIGATION BY VITAMIN C

SUMMARY: Treatment of adult male mice with sodium fluoride (NaF, 10 mg/kg bw/day) and aluminium chloride (AlCl 3 , 200 mg/kg bw/day) simultaneously for 30 dayscaused marked histological changes in the epididymis accompanied by decreasedlevels of protein and sialic acid and also lowered activities of adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in caput and caudaepididymides with evident alteration of sperm maturation in mice. Withdrawal ofNaF+AlCl 3 for 30 days led to significant recovery in all parameters except ATPase.Simultaneous treatment with NaF+AlCl 3 +vitamin C, however, resu lted in significantrecovery in both regions of the epididymides. These results indicate that the toxiceffects are similar in the two regions, but among the parameters studied, ATPaseseems to be the most sensitive and would likely affect sperm metabolism andmotility. Keywords: Aluminium and epididymides; Adenosine triphosphatase; Fluoride andepididymides; Mice epididymis; Protein; Succinate dehydrogenase; Sialic acid.
Melanoma risk perception and prevention behavior among African-Americans: the minority melanoma paradox

Introduction Melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer with 75% of all skin cancer deaths within the US attributed to it. Risk factors for melanoma include ultraviolet exposure, genetic predisposition, and phenotypic characteristics (eg, fair skin and blond hair). Whites have a 27-fold higher incidence of melanoma than African-Americans (AA), but the 5-year survival is 17.8% lower for AA than Whites. It is reported continuously that AA have more advanced melanomas at diagnosis, and overall lower survival rates. This minority melanoma paradox is not well understood or studied. Objective To explore further, the possible explanations for the difference in melanoma severity and survival in AA within the US. Methods Qualitative review of the literature. Results Lack of minority-targeted public education campaigns, low self-risk perception, low self-skin examinations, intrinsic virulence, vitamin D differences, and physician mistrust may play a role in the melanoma survival disparity among AA. Conclusion Increases in public awareness of melanoma risk among AA through physician and media-guided education, higher index of suspicion among individuals and physicians, and policy changes can help to improve early detection and close the melanoma disparity gap in the future.
Surveillance for and Discovery of Borrelia Species in US Patients Suspected of Tickborne Illness

Background Tick-transmitted Borrelia fall into 2 heterogeneous bacterial complexes comprised of multiple species, the relapsing fever (RF) group and the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group, which are the causative agents of Lyme borreliosis (LB), the most common tickborne disease in the Northern Hemisphere. Geographic expansion of LB in the United States and discovery of emerging Borrelia pathogens underscores the importance of surveillance for disease-causing Borrelia. Methods De-identified clinical specimens, submitted by providers throughout the United States, for patients suspected of LB, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, or babesiosis were screened using a Borrelia genus-level TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Borrelia species and sequence types (STs) were characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) utilizing next-generation sequencing. Results Among 7292 specimens tested, 5 Borrelia species were identified: 2 causing LB, B. burgdorferi (n = 25) and B. mayonii (n = 9), and 3 RF borreliae, B. hermsii (n = 1), B. miyamotoi (n = 8), and Candidatus B. johnsonii (n = 1), a species previously detected only in the bat tick, Carios kelleyi. ST diversity was greatest for B. burgdorferi-positive specimens, with new STs identified primarily among synovial fluids. Conclusions These results demonstrate that broad PCR screening followed by MLST is a powerful surveillance tool for uncovering the spectrum of disease-causing Borrelia species, understanding their geographic distribution, and investigating the correlation between B. burgdorferi STs and joint involvement. Detection of Candidatus B. johnsonii in a patient with suspected tickborne disease suggests this species may be a previously undetected cause of illness in humans exposed to bat ticks.
A numerical comparison of theories of violent relaxation

Using N-body simulations with a large set of massless test particles, we compare the predictions of two theories of violent relaxation, the well-known Lynden-Bell theory and the more recent theory by Nakamura. We derive ‘weakened’ versions of both the theories in which we use the whole equilibrium coarse-grained distribution function ¯ f i as a constraint instead of the total energy constraint. We use these weakened theories to construct expressions for the conditional probability Ki(τ ) that a test particle initially at the phase-space coordinate τ would endup in the ith macro-cell at equilibrium. We show that the logarithm of the ratio Rij(τ ) ≡ Ki(τ )/Kj(τ )i sdirectly proportional to the initial phase-space density f 0(τ ) for the LyndenBell theory and inversely proportional to f 0(τ ) for the Nakamura theory. We then measure Rij (τ ) using a set of N-body simulations of a system undergoing a gravitational collapse to check the validity of the two theories of violent relaxation. We find that both the theories are at odds with the numerical results, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Ke yw ords: methods: numerical ‐ galaxies: haloes ‐ galaxies: kinematics and dynamics ‐ galaxies: statistics.
Reduced-intensity versus reduced-toxicity myeloablative fludarabine/busulfan-based conditioning regimens for allografted non-Hodgkin lymphoma adult patients: a retrospective study on behalf of the Société Francophone de Greffe de Moelle et de Thérapie Cellulaire

Background Fludarabine/busulfan-based conditioning regimens are widely used to perform allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (allo-SCT) in high-risk non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients. The impact of the dose intensity of busulfan on outcomes has not been reported yet. Patients and methods This was a retrospective with the aim to compare the outcomes of NHL patients who received before allo-SCT a fludarabine/busulfan conditioning regimen, either of reduced intensity (FB2, 2 days of busulfan at 4 mg/kg/day oral or 3.2 mg/kg/day i.v.) (n = 277) or at a myeloablative reduced-toxicity dose (FB3/FB4, 3 or 4 days of busulfan at 4 mg/kg/day oral or 3.2 mg/kg/day i.v.) (n = 101). Results In univariate analysis, the 2-year overall survival (FB2 66.5% versus 60.3%, P = 0.33), lymphoma-free survival (FB2 57.9% versus 49.8%, P = 0.26), and non-relapse mortality (FB2 19% versus 21.1%, P = 0.91) were similar between both groups. Cumulative incidence of grade III-IV acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) (FB2 11.2% versus 18%, P = 0.08), extensive chronic GVHD (FB2: 17.3% versus 10.7%, P = 0.18) and 2-year GVHD free-relapse free survival (FB2: 44.4% versus 42.8%, P = 0.38) were also comparable. In multivariate analysis there was a trend for a worse outcome using FB3/FB4 regimens (overall survival: HR 1.47, 95% CI: 0.96-2.24, P = 0.08; lymphoma-free survival: HR: 1.43, 95% CI: 0.99-2.06, P = 0.05; relapse incidence: HR 1.54; 95% CI: 0.96-2.48, P = 0.07). These results were confirmed using a propensity score-matching strategy. Conclusion We conclude that reduced toxicity myeloablative conditioning with fludarabine/busulfan does not improve the outcomes compared with reduced-intensity conditioning in adults receiving allo-SCT for NHL.
Long Noncoding RNA H19 Promotes Neuroinflammation in Ischemic Stroke by Driving Histone Deacetylase 1–Dependent M1 Microglial Polarization

Background and Purpose— Long noncoding RNA H19 is repressed after birth, but can be induced by hypoxia. We aim to investigate the impact on and underlying mechanism of H19 induction after ischemic stroke. Methods— Circulating H19 levels in stroke patients and mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. H19 siRNA and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) plasmid were used to knock down H19 and overexpress HDAC1, respectively. Microglial polarization and ischemic outcomes were assessed in middle cerebral artery occlusion mice and BV2 microglial cells subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation. Results— Circulating H19 levels were significantly higher in stroke patients compared with healthy controls, indicating high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, plasma H19 levels showed a positive correlation with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score and tumor necrosis factor-&agr; levels. After middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice, H19 levels increased in plasma, white blood cells, and brain. Intracerebroventricular injection of H19 siRNA reduced infarct volume and brain edema, decreased tumor necrosis factor-&agr; and interleukin-1&bgr; levels in brain tissue and plasma, and increased plasma interleukin-10 concentrations 24 hours poststroke. Additionally, H19 knockdown attenuated brain tissue loss and neurological deficits 14 days poststroke. BV2 cell-based experiments showed that H19 knockdown blocked oxygen–glucose deprivation–driven M1 microglial polarization, decreased production of tumor necrosis factor-&agr; and CD11b, and increased the expression of Arg-1 and CD206. Furthermore, H19 knockdown reversed oxygen–glucose deprivation–induced upregulation of HDAC1 and downregulation of acetyl-histone H3 and acetyl-histone H4. In contrast, HDAC1 overexpression negated the effects of H19 knockdown. Conclusions— Our findings indicate that H19 promotes neuroinflammation by driving HDAC1-dependent M1 microglial polarization, suggesting a novel H19-based diagnosis and therapy for ischemic stroke.
Sex hormone status in premenopausal women with frontal fibrosing alopecia: a multicentre review of 43 patients

GA include cell-mediated immunity, immune complex vasculitis and an abnormality of tissue monocytes. In our patient, the lesions arose on scars and subsequently occurred on normal skin, suggesting that primary degeneration of connective tissue might have induced granulomatous inflammation with a lymphocytemediated immune reaction. In addition, the findings suggest the presence of a common pathogenesis in sarcoidosis and GA. To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports in the literature of GA occurring on a scar similar to sarcoidosis. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the possibility of this occurrence.