Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantitation of hepatitis B viremia and emergence of YMDD variants in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with lamivudine.

Hepatitis B viremia and emergence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) YMDD variants with reduced susceptibility to lamivudine were analyzed in patient sera from a phase II study of extended lamivudine therapy. Within 12 weeks, all patients exhibited a marked virologic response to lamivudine: >99% reduction (median 5 log decrease) in serum HBV DNA levels. Virus remained at >104 genomes/mL in 11 patients and decreased to <104 genomes/mL in the remaining 12 patients. In 10 patients, detectable YMDD variants emerged during the course of treatment. Six patients, including 3 with YMDD variants, experienced hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion while on lamivudine therapy or soon after its discontinuation. No patients with HBV DNA levels >104 genomes/mL seroconverted. Thus, patients who respond to lamivudine therapy with dramatic reductions in viral DNA level (to <104 genomes/mL) appear more likely to seroconvert than patients who do not achieve this level of HBV clearance.
Rotation invariant curvelet features for texture image retrieval

Effective texture feature is an essential component in any content based image retrieval system. In the past, spectral features, like Gabor and wavelet, have shown superior retrieval performance than many other statistical and structural based features. Recent researches on multi-resolution analysis have found that curvelet captures texture properties, like curves, lines, and edges, more accurately than Gabor filters. However, the texture feature extracted using curvelet transform is not rotation invariant. This can degrade its retrieval performance significantly, especially in cases where there are many similar images with different orientations. This paper analyses the curvelet transform and derives a useful approach to extract rotation invariant curvelet features. Experimental results show that the new rotation invariant curvelet feature outperforms the curvelet feature without rotation invariance.
Epigenetics: differential DNA methylation in mammalian somatic tissues

Epigenetics refers to heritable phenotypic alterations in the absence of DNA sequence changes, and DNA methylation is one of the extensively studied epigenetic alterations. DNA methylation is an evolutionally conserved mechanism to regulate gene expression in mammals. Because DNA methyation is preserved during DNA replication it can be inherited. Thus, DNA methylation could be a major mechanism by which to produce semi‐stable changes in gene expression in somatic tissues. Although it remains controversial whether germ‐line DNA methylation in mammalian genomes is stably heritable, frequent tissue‐specific and disease‐specific de novo methylation events are observed during somatic cell development/differentiation. In this minireview, we discuss the use of restriction landmark genomic scanning, together with in silico analysis, to identify differentially methylated regions in the mammalian genome. We then present a rough overview of quantitative DNA methylation patterns at 4600 NotI sites and more than 150 differentially methylated regions in several C57BL/6J mouse tissues. Comparative analysis between mice and humans suggests that some, but not all, tissue‐specific differentially methylated regions are conserved. A deeper understanding of cell‐type‐specific differences in DNA methylation might lead to a better illustration of the mechanisms behind tissue‐specific differentiation in mammals.
Research Note: Cultural Gaps in Cross-national Cooperation: the Legacy of Empires in Macedonia

This article draws on the author's experience as a UK aid worker operating in a business support agency in former Yugoslavia and, through empirical work at employee level, seeks to understand the ways in which national cultural differences impinge on development work in economies undergoing transformation. Yugoslavia was the only Eastern block country included in Hofstede's major analysis of national cultural differences. A small-scale replication of his study, based on four comparable business support organizations, two in the United Kingdom and two in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, first examines the extent to which the fundamental differences which he identified still hold true and then looks at the ways in which the Macedonian findings can be interpreted as a legacy of empires. The implications of the cultural gap in the sphere of cross-national development assistance are then explored through a management log.
Patient and physician attitudes toward lithium: relationship to compliance.

IN the three decades since Cade's discovery,1lithium has moved from a position of therapeutic promise to an extensively studied treatment of choice in bipolar, and certain subtypes of unipolar, affective disorders. Marketing firms and pharmaceutical companies estimate that more than 120,000 Americans currently are taking lithium (G. Graham, MD, Smith Kline & French Laboratories, personal communication), figures consistent with Jenner and Eastwood's2estimate that one person in 2,000 in the United Kingdom is now receiving lithium. However, despite the growing number of patients receiving lithium, its well-established usefulness in the treatment and prophylaxis of affective disorders, and the common clinical impression of frequent problems with compliance, it is not known how many patients actually stop taking lithium against medical advice, for what reasons and for how long, at what point in their therapeutic regime or mood cycles, and whether or not there are sex and age
Locus of Control in Women Occupying Middle-Management and Nonmanagement Positions

The relationship between locus of control and occupational level was investigated for middle-management (n = 20) and nonmanagement (n = 41) women employed at a financial services company. No significant difference was found between the groups for locus of control or for social desirability. Significant correlations were found for the nonmanagement group between externality and schooling (r = –.39), years of service (r =.42), and social desirability (r = –.47), but none were found for women in middle management. A significant moderate correlation of –. 39 was obtained between locus of control and social desirability for all 61 women.
Evolving Visions of Waterfront Development in Postindustrial Philadelphia: The Formative Role of Elite Ideologies

This article seeks to illuminate the role of elite ideologies in understanding how cities have sought to transform their waterfronts during the postindustrial era. A case study of Philadelphia's long-term efforts to develop Penn's Landing, a valuable thirty-five-acre site along the Delaware River at the eastern edge of Center City, reveals how shifting perspectives among mayors, their top advisors, and leading activists with respect to the proper scope of government and the appropriate source of political power have resulted in significant changes in the city's approach to waterfront planning and policy making.
Aspirations, Progress and Perceptions of Boys from a Single Sex School Following the Changeover to Coeducation

Career and further education aspirations, educational progress and perceptions of the learning environment were measured annually over three years in primary and secondary boys from a single sex non-government school, following the changeover to coeducation. Hierarchical Linear Modelling analyses revealed the significant role played by the career aspirations of cohorts on boys’ progress over time. Further education plans and perceived difficulty of schoolwork were also significant influences, with difficulty at the grade level affecting boys’ progress over time. Furthermore, satisfaction with life at school at both cohort and grade levels was a significant determinant of boys’ educational progress. These findings suggest new directions for research into single sex/coeducational learning environments. boys, single-sex, coeducation, aspirations, progress, school climate
Biodegradable nanocomposite coatings accelerate bone healing: In vivo evaluation

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction of bioactive and biodegradable poly (lactide-co-glycolide)/bioactive glass/hydroxyapatite (PBGHA) and poly (lactide-co-glycolide)/bioactive glass (PBG) nanocomposite coatings with bone. Materials and Methods: Sol-gel derived 58S bioactive glass nanoparticles, 50/50 wt% poly (lactic acid)/poly (glycolic acid) and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were used to prepare the coatings. The nanocomposite coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. Mechanical stability of the prepared nanocomposite coatings was studied during intramedullary implantation of coated Kirschner wires (K-wires) into rabbit tibia. Titanium mini-screws coated with nanocomposite coatings and without coating were implanted intramedullary in rabbit tibia. Bone tissue interaction with the prepared nanocomposite coatings was evaluated 30 and 60 days after surgery. The non-parametric paired Friedman and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare the samples. For all tests, the level of significance was P < 0.05. Results: The results showed that nanocomposite coatings remained stable on the K-wires with a minimum of 96% of the original coating mass. Tissue around the coated implants showed no adverse reactions to the coatings. Woven and trabecular bone formation were observed around the coated samples with a minimum inflammatory reaction. PBG nanocomposite coating induced more rapid bone healing than PBGHA nanocomposite coating and titanium without coating (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that PBG nanocomposite coating provides an ideal surface for bone formation and it could be used as a candidate for coating dental and orthopedic implants.
Autoregulation of Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cell Maturation and IL-12 Production by Cyclooxygenase- 2-Mediated Prostanoid Production1

PG added to cell culture profoundly affect the in vitro maturation and function of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDC). Because unstimulated monocytes express cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, and COX-2 when activated, we examined whether MDC express these enzymes and produce prostanoids that autoregulate maturation and IL-12 production. Immature MDC (I-MDC) and mature MDC express COX-1, but, unlike monocytes, both MDC populations constitutively express COX-2. However, COX-2 regulation in both MDC populations differs from monocytes, as IL-4 does not suppress enzyme expression. COX-2 is functional in MDC as a specific inhibitor, NS-398, significantly reduces PGE2 production. I-MDC undergoing maturation with soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) increase PGE2 synthesis, but prostanoid synthesis is switched to COX-1. However, with IFN-γ present, sCD40L-stimulated PG metabolism is redirected to COX-2, and PGE2 synthesis increases severalfold. Endogenous PG production by MDC does not regulate CD40, CD80, CD86, or HLA DR expression; however, it does promote MDC maturation, as NS-398 significantly reduces CD83 expression in I-MDC matured with sCD40L/IFN-γ. PG produced through COX-2 also autoregulate IL-12, but the effects are dependent on the MDC maturation state. Blocking COX-2 reduces I-MDC secretion of IL-12p40, whereas it increases IL-12p40 and p70 production by maturing MDC. COX-2-mediated PG production impacts MDC function as maturing these cells in the presence of NS-398 yields MDC that stimulate significantly more IFN-γ in an allogeneic mixed lymphocyte response than MDC matured without this inhibitor. These studies demonstrate that MDC express both COX isoforms constitutively and produce prostanoids, which autoregulate their maturation and function.
Therapeutic Alpha-Interferons Protein: Structure, Production, and Biosimilar

In 2007, the world solemnized the golden jubilee of the discovery of interferon (IFN). Interferon is a small protein messenger called a pluripotent cytokine, produced by several cells of the host in response to various biological as well as synthetic stimuli. There are three major classes of interferons in humans: IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, and IFN-gamma. As a treatment option, interferon-alpha (IFN-α) is the most effective one. IFN-α has proved to be effective as an antiviral therapy and tumor-fighting drug in the past two decades. Meanwhile, great progress has been achieved in establishing IFN-α as the first choice of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. Recently, novel pegylated IFN-α2 products with extended in vivo half-lives and consensus interferon, an artificially engineered type I interferon, have been developed to substantially improve treatment regimes for HCV patients. Undesirable acute and chronic side effects in addition to immunogenicity of therapeutic IFN products remain constraints to conquer for further improvements in clinical applications of IFN. It is certainly expected that more research will be conducted in the future, not only to face these challenges but also to extend the range of IFN products and their clinical targets. The objective herein is to review the current therapeutic alpha-interferons production, formulation technologies, and prospective future for the original entity and its biogeneric version.
Remarks on Sternberg's “Factor Theories of Intelligence are All Right Almost”

articulated notion of "component" than was available from Sternberg's earlier writings. His research over the past several years has enabled him to refine, and at the same time extend, this concept. But in addition, Sternberg has recognized more fully the possible contributions of factor analysis to the study of intelligence and mental abilities. My discussion concerns not only Sternberg's article published here, but also the book he published earlier on a componential theory of intelligence (Sternberg, 1977), because in order to be quite concrete in showing how componential analysis and factor analysis can be used conjointly, I use certain data and results reported in that book. Also, I feel it may be useful to make certain comments on points of view expressed there about factor analysis. At the same time, I want to test my own understanding of componential analysis, for which I have high hopes if it can be more generally accepted, applied, and integrated with factoranalytic methodology.
Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase Level is a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treated with Chemoradiotherapy

We investigated the treatment results and probable prognostic factors in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) plus conventional radiotherapy (RT) or concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) at our hospital. We retrospectively evaluated 61 patients (48 males, 13 females) with locoregionally advanced NPC treated either with 2 cycles of NCT plus RT (Group A, 37 patients) or with three cycles of NCT plus CCRT (Group B, 24 patients) between September 1995 and October 2002. According to the AJCC 1997 classification system, 19 patients had Stage III disease and 42 had Stage IV. NCT consisted of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. Total RT doses were ranged between 59.4–71.6 Gy (median: 66.2 Gy). Concomitant cisplatin (75 mg/m2) was given on first days of Weeks 1, 4, 7 of CCRT. Patient sex, histopathologic subtype, T status, ECOG performance status, stage, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, and cranial nerve involvement at diagnosis were comparable in the 2 groups. There were statistically significant differences between median follow-up times and N status for the 2 groups. Fifty-five (90.2 percent) patients completed all planned NCT. Univariate analysis revealed the pretreatment LDH level as the only statistically significant prognostic factor for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Four-year DFS rates were 55.9 percent and 21.3 percent for patients with normal and high serum LDH levels, respectively (P = 0.04). Four-year OS rates were 68.7 percent and 28.5 percent for patients with normal and high serum LDH levels, respectively (P = 0.01). Multivariate analysis also revealed that high serum LDH level was the only independent risk factor that predicted OS. The relative risk was 2.43 (95%CI: 1.08–5.45) for patients with high serum LDH levels (P = 0.03). No independent risk factors associated with DFS were found for other prognosticators. Our study demonstrated that high serum LDH level is the only independent unfavorable risk factor for OS in patients with locoregionally advanced NPC who were treated with NCT plus RT or CCRT.
An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for lipovitellin quantification in copepods: A screening tool for endocrine toxicity

Vitellogenin (VTG) has been widely used as a biomarker of estrogenic exposure in fish, leading to the development of standardized assays for VTG quantification. However, standardized quantitative assays for invertebrate, particularly crustacean, lipovitellin (also known as vitellin [VTN]) are lacking. In this study, a fluorescence‐based VTN enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to quantify microquantities of VTN in the estuarine, sediment‐dwelling copepod Amphiascus tenuiremis. This ELISA utilizes a VTN‐specific polyclonal antibody developed against amphipod (Leptocheirus plumulosus) embryo VTN and exhibits specificity toward female copepod proteins. In routine assays, the working range of the ELISA was 31.25 to 1,000 ng/ml (75–25% specific binding/maximum antibody binding [B/B0]) with a 50% B/B0 intra‐ and interassay variation of 3.9% (n = 9) and 12.5% (n = 26), respectively. This ELISA is capable of detecting VTN as low as 2 ng/ml, and can accurately detect VTN in as few as four copepods. The ELISA significantly discriminated positive (gravid female) and negative (male) samples, and was suitable for screening endocrine toxicity in copepods. Stage‐I juvenile copepods were individually reared to adults in aqueous microvolumes of the phenylpyrazole insecticide, fipronil, and whole‐body homogenate extracts were assayed for VTN levels. Fipronil‐exposed virgin adult females, but not males, exhibited significantly higher levels of VTN relative to control males and females. This crustacean VTN ELISA is likely useful for evaluating endocrine activity of environmental toxicants in copepods and other crustacean species.
Redistribution of clathrin-coated vesicle adaptor complexes during adipocytic differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells

Mechanisms for intracellular retention of proteins are induced during adipocytic differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. To investigate the potential role of clathrin lattices in these retention processes, we performed a morphological and biochemical analysis of coated vesicle components in 3T3-L1 cells. Optical sectioning and image restoration revealed a marked increase in the staining of clathrin and beta adaptins in the perinuclear region of cells with differentiation. In addition, predominance of beta (subunit of the AP-2, plasma membrane adaptor) over beta' (subunit of the AP-1, Golgi adaptor) adaptin was observed in immunoblots of clathrin-coated vesicles purified from nondifferentiated fibroblasts, and this ratio was reversed in coated vesicles purified from differentiated adipocytes. These results indicate that the relative abundance of TGN-derived clathrin lattices increases markedly during adipocytic differentiation. Subcellular fractionation indicated that cytosolic AP-1 and AP-2 adaptors comprised approximately 70% of the total cellular adaptor pool. Interestingly, neither the concentration nor the relative ratio of cytosolic AP-1 to AP-2 adaptors increased significantly during differentiation. These data suggest that the increase in TGN-derived lattices results from differentiation-induced mechanisms for enhanced assembly or stabilization of adaptors on Golgi membranes. Interestingly, double- immunofluorescence microscopy also revealed that whereas extensive colocalization between clathrin and beta adaptins occurred both in fibroblasts and adipocytes, structures stained only with anti-adaptin antibody could be detected. Taken together these results suggest that membranes coated with adaptors, but not clathrin, can exist in these cells.
Hepatocellular carcinoma : treated with hepatic arterial embolization, an analysis of prognostic features in 150 cases.

From July 1989 to July 1999, 120 male and 30 female patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), whose ages ranged from 18 to 71 years, were treated by different modalities. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to treatment modalities: group 1 consisted of 35 cases treated by transarterial embolization (TAE) using gelatin sponge permeated with mitomycin-c 20 mg, group 2 - 100 cases treated by transcatheter oily chemoembolization (TOCE) using lipiodol 10 cc with mitomycin-c 20 mg together with gelatin sponge for hepatic embolization, and group 3 - 15 cases treated by TOCE followed by surgical wedge hepatic resection. The prognostic features following treatments were retrospectively analysed in relation to therapeutic modalities. The results revealed that TOCE was superior to TAE and that TOCE plus adjunct wedge hepatic resection was the best treatment modality with the best cumulative surgical rate (median survival 46.69 months). Analysis of the life-table methods of group 2 patients revealed that the stage of tumors and serum biochemistry on entry, both of which corresponded well with hepatic reserve function were statistically significant prognostic factors for treatment result and long-term outcomes. Further analysis of all the patients also revealed that tumor size and stage of tumors were significant prognostic factors for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas.
A note on conditional entropy

The problems of conditional entropy's definition and the formula to compute conditional entropy are analyzed from various perspectives. Examples are given to prove the conclusion that conditional entropy never be increased is not absolute, thus the representation that information is to decrease uncertainty in the definition of information is not absolutely correct. In most conditions the reduction of uncertainty is just a byproduct by the aim of reliability. It is more important to increase the reliability of information than to reduce the uncertainty of information.
Efecto de la violación de la normalidad y esfericidad en el modelo lineal mixto en diseños split-plot

Effect of the violation of normality and sphericity in the linear mixed model in split-plot designs. This study aimed to evaluate the robustness of the linear mixed model, with the Kenward-Roger correction for degrees of freedom, when implemented in SAS PROC MIXED, using split-plot designs with small sample sizes. A Monte Carlo simulation design involving three groups and four repeated measures was used, assuming an unstructured covariance matrix to generate the data. The study variables were: sphericity, with epsilon values of 0.75 and 0.57; group sizes, equal or unequal; and shape of the distribution. As regards the latter, non-normal distributions were introduced, combining different values of kurtosis in each group. In the case of unbalanced designs, the effect of pairing (positive or negative) the degree of kurtosis with group size was also analysed. The results show that the Kenward-Roger procedure is liberal, particularly for the interaction effect, under certain conditions in which normality is violated. The relationship between the values of kurtosis in the groups and the pairing of kurtosis with group size are found to be relevant variables to take into account when applying this procedure.