Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Methadone Treatment

It is a pleasure to be with you today to discuss addiction and the progress made with methadone as well as our policy challenges and vision for the future. We applaud everyone who participated in this conference for commitment and perseverance in ensuring that America implements an effective, science-based strategy for treating opiate addicts. Despite a lack of understanding by many, you continue to fight for what is right. The Office of National Drug Control Policy commends your strength and courage. Opiate addiction is a chronic, recurring brain disease. The awful plight of opiate addicts deserves a firm, compassionate, immediate response. Thanks to the leadership of the American Methadone Treatment Association (AMTA), methadone treatment has been placed on the nation’s agenda. There is still considerable progress to be made, but we are heading in the right direction. AMTA has set the precedent for change. At this stage in the debate, we need to examine policy challenges and outline a vision for the future. We must act on current knowledge and pursue fundamental goals. Our responsibility is to inform the public about research in this arena so proper medical and political decisions will be made.
New antioxidant flavonoid isolated from Leuzea carthamoides

A new natural flavonoid patuletin 3′-β-xylofuranoside was isolated from Leuzea carthamoides leaves. The antioxidant activity of this compound was evaluated by the DPPH radical assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, and the results were compared with those for trolox and quercetin. DPPH radical scavenging activity of the tested compounds was expressed by the parameter EC50: patuletin 3′-β-xylofuranoside (56.0 μM), trolox (27.8 μM), and quercetin (25.3 μM). The ferric reducing activity of the compounds was demonstrated as FRAP values at 4 and 60 min: patuletin 3′-β-xylofuranoside (28.4 μM, 35.8 μM), trolox (19.3 μM, 20.2 μM), and quercetin (54.3 μM, 79.9 μM). The structure/activity relationship of the flavonoid is also discussed. The results indicate significant antioxidant potency of patuletin 3′-β-xylofuranoside.
Debate: CON Position. Should Microalbuminuria Ever Be Considered as a Renal Endpoint in Any Clinical Trial?

from cardiovascular trials. Such trials are not specifically designed for renal outcomes, and may consequently not lend themselves to firm conclusions on the topic of the current debate [1, 2]. Indeed, the number of patients with microalbuminuria in these studies makes up such a small proportion of the total (approximately 25%) that one cannot answer any questions of changes in albuminuria and outcome by analyzing the total group. We will have to await analysis in the microalbuminuria subgroups which are underway. The most compelling argument to refute the results of these cardiovascular trials is the fact that other parameters could have changed and negatively influenced renal outcomes. As mentioned in our commentary, diuretics are illustrative for such a phenomenon. They lower blood pressure, but if they induce hypokalemia, they appear not to be cardioprotective, despite their blood pressure lowering ability. This has never been a reason to question the suitability of blood pressure as a surrogate for cardiovascular outcome; neither should it be a reason to abandon microalbuminuria as a surrogate for renal outcomes. Having made these comments, we do agree with our opponent that there is indeed a need for more clinical trials to provide us with data that strengthen the fact that the lowering of albuminuria, independent of other renal or cardiovascular risk markers, is associated with renal protection. Our opponent states that microalbuminuria should not be used as a renal endpoint. His arguments are based on two major points: in absence of microalbuminuria, one may observe progression of renal function loss, and decrease in microalbuminuria is not always associated with renal protection. We disagree with our opponent that studies showing the development of renal disease in the absence of microalbuminuria form a sound reason to discard microalbuminuria as a valid renal endpoint. As already stated in our commentary, these studies only indicate that other factors than increased albuminuria can also promote progressive renal function loss (note: in the absence of hypertension, renal progression occurs; this does not disqualify high blood pressure as a renal surrogate). The question is whether the presence of microalbuminuria predicts renal outcomes. The answer to this question is undoubtedly yes! We agree that only a limited number of trials have properly evaluated the effect of interventions on the change in albuminuria and the relationship with renal outcomes. However, the few clinical trials that tested the effect of intervention on progression of renal disease unquestionably show associations between the change in albuminuria and renal outcomes. Our opponent quotes the ACCOMPLISH trial in which this relation is not observed and similar findings were reported in the ONTARGET trial. However, these are secondary analyses Published online: April 22, 2010 Nephrology American Journal of
Homocytotropic antibody in sheep.

It has been possible to demonstrate, using the homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction, the presence of homocytotropic (reagin-like) antibody in the sera of sheep infected with Ostertagia. The presence of antibody was detectable with Evans blue dye, and a radiolabelled 131I technique. The antibody appeared to fulfil the criteria for homocytotropic antibody, and reacted with an allergenic extract (molecular weight 20,000–50,000) of Ostertagia. An in vitro radio-allergo-absorption method using IgG1A (a new sheep immunoglobulin sub-class) failed to detect homocytotropic antibody, although the Fc fragment of goat anti-sheep IgG1A was capable of blocking the PCA reaction, and of producing a reversed-type allergic skin reaction. This homocytotropic antibody is probably associated with the `self-cure' reaction in Ostertagia infection.
A reevaluation of the magnitude and impacts of anthropogenic atmospheric nitrogen inputs on the ocean

We report a new synthesis of best estimates of the inputs of fixed nitrogen to the world ocean via atmospheric deposition and compare this to fluvial inputs and dinitrogen fixation. We evaluate the scale of human perturbation of these fluxes. Fluvial inputs dominate inputs to the continental shelf, and we estimate that about 75% of this fluvial nitrogen escapes from the shelf to the open ocean. Biological dinitrogen fixation is the main external source of nitrogen to the open ocean, i.e., beyond the continental shelf. Atmospheric deposition is the primary mechanism by which land‐based nitrogen inputs, and hence human perturbations of the nitrogen cycle, reach the open ocean. We estimate that anthropogenic inputs are currently leading to an increase in overall ocean carbon sequestration of ~0.4% (equivalent to an uptake of 0.15 Pg C yr−1 and less than the Duce et al. (2008) estimate). The resulting reduction in climate change forcing from this ocean CO2 uptake is offset to a small extent by an increase in ocean N2O emissions. We identify four important feedbacks in the ocean atmosphere nitrogen system that need to be better quantified to improve our understanding of the perturbation of ocean biogeochemistry by atmospheric nitrogen inputs. These feedbacks are recycling of (1) ammonia and (2) organic nitrogen from the ocean to the atmosphere and back, (3) the suppression of nitrogen fixation by increased nitrogen concentrations in surface waters from atmospheric deposition, and (4) increased loss of nitrogen from the ocean by denitrification due to increased productivity stimulated by atmospheric inputs.
Projected cost-effectiveness of ezetimibe/simvastatin compared with doubling the statin dose in the United Kingdom: findings from the INFORCE study.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of switching to ezetimibe/simvastatin (Eze/Simva) compared with doubling the submaximal statin doses, in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) events in the INFORCE study. METHODS Lifetime treatment costs and benefits were computed using a Markov model. Model inputs included each patient's cardiovascular risk factor profile and actual lipid values at baseline and 12 weeks (endpoint). Cardiovascular event and drug costs were discounted at 3.5%. Age-specific utilities were based on UK literature values and non-coronary heart disease mortality rates on the Office of National Statistics data. In the INFORCE study, 384 patients taking statins at stable doses for ≥6 weeks before hospital admission were stratified by statin dose/potency (low, medium, and high) and then randomized to doubling the statin dose or switching to Eze/Simva 10/40mg for 12 weeks. RESULTS The Eze/Simva group (n=195) had a higher mean baseline total cholesterol than the double-statin group (n=189). Analyses were adjusted for baseline characteristics. In the INFORCE study, Eze/Simva reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by ∼30% (vs. 4% with doubling statin doses) and significantly enhanced LDL-C goal attainment. In the cost-effectiveness analysis, Eze/Simva conferred 0.218 incremental discounted quality-adjusted life year (QALY) at a discounted incremental cost of £2524, for an ICER of £11,571/QALY (95% confidence interval=£8181-£18,600/QALY). The ICER was £13,552/QALY, £11,930/QALY, and £10,148/QALY in the low-, medium-, and high-potency strata, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Switching to Eze/Simva 10/40 mg is projected to be a cost-effective treatment (vs. double-statin) in UK patients with ACS.
Symmetry Breaking in Constraint Programming

We describe a method for symmetry breaking during search (SBDS) in constraint programming. It has the great advantage of not interfering with heuristic choices. It guarantees to return a unique solution from each set of symmetrically equivalent ones, which is the one found first by the variable and value ordering heuristics. We describe an implementation of SBDS in ILOG Solver, and applications to low autocorrelation binary sequences and the n-queens problem. We discuss how SBDS can be applied when there are too many symmetries to reason with individually, and give applications in graph colouring and Ramsey theory.
Impact of Serum Copper Level in Patients of Traumatic Brain Injury and its Correlation with Glasgow Coma Scale

: Background: Trauma is the injury caused by the physical force. More often, trauma is the consequence of motor vehicle crashes, falls and assaults. Head injury is recognized as a major public health problem that is a frequent cause of death and disability in young people. Trace metals like copper is known to have its impact in traumatic brain injury patients. This study was conducted to study the impact of serum copper levels in traumatic brain injury patients and its correlation with Glasgow coma scale. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective cohort study. Blood samples were collected within eight hours of injury and subjected to biochemical assessment of serum copper. The patients were subsequently followed up and repeat observations were carried out on day 5 and day 10. Serum was separated with the help of centrifuge and quantitative analysis of copper was done by atomic absorption spectrophotometer after its complete digestion by microwave digester. Results: The results are presented in mean±sd. The levels of between cases and controls were compared by using unpaired t-test. Similarly, Cu levels between moderate and severe GCS at day 0, day 5 and day 10 were compared by unpaired t-test. The changes among follow-ups were compared by using paired t-test. The p-value<0.05 was considered as significant. All the analysis was carried out by using SPSS 16.0 version. Conclusions: The study showed a primary evidence of a relationship between and serum copper levels in traumatic brain injury patients and controls.
Limitation in Fabricating PSf/ZIF-8 Hollow Fiber Membrane for CO2/CH4 Separation

Hollow fiber membrane configuration is way forward in membrane development since it possesses higher packing density and effective surface area per unit module compared to other configuration. Since majority of mixed matrix membrane (MMM) for gas separation reported focuses on flat sheet membrane development, this report aims to address the challenges faced in fabricating hollow fiber MMM. In this study, hollow fiber formulation is fabricated and their MMM using different types of fillers (virgin and modified ZIF-8) are prepared and used as a dispersed phase. The neat hollow fiber membrane shows good results with CO2 permeance of 104.39 GPU and CO2/CH4 selectivity of 29.28, in comparison with reported literature. Upon filler incorporation, the resulted MMMs appear to be diminished in both CO2 permeance and CO2/CH4 selectivity. While using modified ZIF-8, lesser deterioration was shown compared to pure ZIF-8, this phenomenon is likely to occur due to the changes in solution stability which causes notable changes in membrane morphology and performances.
Expression of calcium‐binding proteins and nNOS in the human vestibular and precerebellar brainstem

Information about the position and movement of the head in space is coded by vestibular receptors and relayed to four nuclei that comprise the vestibular nuclear complex (VNC). Many additional brainstem nuclei are involved in the processing of vestibular information, receiving signals either directly from the eighth nerve or indirectly via projections from the VNC. In cats, squirrel monkeys, and macaque monkeys, we found neurochemically defined subdivisions within the medial vestibular nucleus (MVe) and within the functionally related nucleus prepositus hypoglossi (PrH). In humans, different studies disagree about the borders, sizes, and possible subdivisions of the vestibular brainstem. In an attempt to clarify this organization, we have begun an analysis of the neurochemical characteristics of the human using brains from the Witelson Normal Brain Collection and standard techniques for antigen retrieval and immunohistochemistry. Using antibodies to calbindin, calretinin, parvalbumin, and nitric oxide synthase, we find neurochemically defined subdivisions within the MVe similar to the subdivisions described in cats and monkeys. The neurochemical organization of PrH is different. We also find unique neurochemical profiles for several structures that suggest reclassification of nuclei. These data suggest both quantitative and qualitative differences among cats, monkeys, and humans in the organization of the vestibular brainstem. These results have important implications for the analysis of changes in that organization subsequent to aging, disease, or loss of input. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:872–895, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Move-optimized source code tree differencing

When it is necessary to express changes between two source code files as a list of edit actions (an edit script), modern tree differencing algorithms are superior to most text-based approaches because they take code movements into account and express source code changes more accurately. We present 5 general optimizations that can be added to state-of-the-art tree differencing algorithms to shorten the resulting edit scripts. Applied to Gumtree, RTED, JSync, and ChangeDistiller, they lead to shorter scripts for 1898% of the changes in the histories of 9 open-source software repositories. These optimizations also are parts of our novel Move-optimized Tree DIFFerencing algorithm (MTD-IFF) that has a higher accuracy in detecting moved code parts. MTDIFF (which is based on the ideas of ChangeDistiller) further shortens the edit script for another 20% of the changes in the repositories. MTDIFF and all the benchmarks are available under an open-source license.
Metamorphic Testing for Cybersecurity

Metamorphic testing (MT) can enhance security testing by providing an alternative to using a test oracle, which is often unavailable or impractical. The authors report how MT detected previously unknown bugs in real-world critical applications such as code obfuscators, giving evidence that software testing requires diverse perspectives to achieve greater cybersecurity.
Promoting spinal fusions by biomineralized silk fibroin films seeded with bone marrow stromal cells: An in vivo animal study

Objectives To prepare a biomineralized nano silk fibroin film seeded with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), and to evaluate its performance in spinal fusion. Methods The silk fibroin film was mineralized in a modified, simulated body fluid, seeded with BMSCs, and evaluated in a rat model of posterolateral lumbar fusion, compared with pure silk fibroin, silk fibroin/bone marrow stromal cells, mineralized silk fibroin, mineralized silk fibroin/bone marrow stromal cells, iliac crest bone, and no graft. After 12 weeks, all rats were sacrificed and underwent manual palpation, micro-CT scanning, biomechanical testing, and histology. Results The infrared spectrum, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated deposition of mineral layers on the silk fibroin film surface. The fusion rate, bone volume, relative strength and stiffness, and histological score of the mineralized silk fibroin/bone marrow stromal cells were slightly lower than the autograft, but without any significant difference (p > 0.05). In addition, the mineralized silk fibroin was significantly greater in most parameters than the silk fibroin/bone marrow stromal cells (p < 0.05). Conclusion The mineralized silk fibroin resembles natural bone structurally, and the cellular and mineral layers of silk fibroin are both critical to bone regeneration. The ability to promote spinal fusion is enhanced when the mineralized silk fibroin is seeded with bone marrow stromal cells.
Profiling Good Leakage Models For Masked Implementations

Leakage model plays a very important role in side channel attacks. An accurate leakage model greatly improves the efficiency of attacks. However, how to profile a ”good enough” leakage model, or how to measure the accuracy of a leakage model, is seldom studied. Durvaux et al. proposed leakage certification tests to profile ”good enough” leakage model for unmasked implementations. However, they left the leakage model profiling for protected implementations as an open problem. To solve this problem, we propose the first practical higher-order leakage model certification tests for masked implementations. First and second order attacks are performed on the simulations of serial and parallel implementations of a first-order fixed masking. A third-order attack is performed on another simulation of a second-order random masked implementation. The experimental results show that our new tests can profile the leakage models accurately.
Recognition of Hyponatremia As a Risk Factor for Hip Fractures in Older Persons

Age, marital status, living status, and income were all associated with place of death. In the Netherlands, the proportion of persons dying in a LTCF was substantially higher than in previous studies in the United Kingdom and the United States. The differences in how medical care is organized in nursing homes may explain this. Dutch nursing homes have in-home physicians and skilled nurses who focus on supportive care. In contrast, elderly care homes are more like nursing homes in an international context and have nurse helpers and external physicians, with a focus on assisted living. Thus, Dutch nursing homes are potentially better equipped to offer medical and palliative care until death without hospital admission than nursing homes in other countries because of the in-home physicians. Strengths of this study include its large sample size and the ability to examine hospitalization data and identify transitions in living situation. Nursing home residents generally require more-complex care than elderly care home residents. Therefore, a possible limitation is that nursing and elderly care homes were not separately distinguished, but this was done because there was not a difference in characteristics between these groups (data not shown). In the Netherlands, most people with dementia as a cause of death died in a LTCF, suggesting that end-of-life care for persons with dementia is mostly handled within LTCFs. Because of new Dutch legislation, fewer people are admitted into LTCF, so more people are expected to stay at home longer. Future studies should investigate whether this leads to an increase in people with dementia dying in the hospital.
The Frequency of BDCA3-Positive Dendritic Cells Is Increased in the Peripheral Circulation of Kenyan Children with Severe Malaria

ABSTRACT The ability of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes to adhere to host endothelial cells via receptor molecules such as ICAM-1 and CD36 is considered a hallmark for the development of severe malaria syndromes. These molecules are also expressed on leukocytes such as dendritic cells. Dendritic cells are antigen-presenting cells that are crucial for the initiation of adaptive immune responses. In many human diseases, their frequency and function is perturbed. We analyzed the frequency of peripheral blood dendritic cell subsets and the plasma concentrations of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-12 in Kenyan children with severe malaria and during convalescence and related these parameters to the adhesion phenotype of the acute parasite isolates. The frequency of CD1c+ dendritic cells in children with acute malaria was comparable to that in healthy controls, but the frequency of BDCA3+ dendritic cells was significantly increased. Analysis of the adhesion phenotypes of parasite isolates revealed that adhesion to ICAM-1 was associated with the frequency of peripheral blood CD1c+ dendritic cells, whereas the adhesion of infected erythrocytes to CD36 correlated with high concentrations of IL-10 and low concentrations of IL-12 in plasma.
The Minimum Shared Edges Problem on Planar Graphs

We study the Minimum Shared Edges problem introduced by Omran et al. [Journal of Combinatorial Optimization, 2015] on planar graphs: Planar MSE asks, given a planar graph G = (V,E), two distinct vertices s,t in V , and two integers p, k, whether there are p s-t paths in G that share at most k edges, where an edges is called shared if it appears in at least two of the p s-t paths. We show that Planar MSE is NP-hard by reduction from Vertex Cover. We make use of a grid-like structure, where the alignment (horizontal/vertical) of the edges in the grid correspond to selection and validation gadgets respectively.
Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation Open Access Medical Net Cost of Low Alcohol Consumption -a Cause to Reconsider Improved Health as the Link between Alcohol and Wage?

Background: Studies have found a positive effect of low/moderate alcohol consumption on wages. This has often been explained by referring to epidemiological research showing that alcohol has protective effects on certain diseases, i.e., the health link is normally justified using selected epidemiological information. Few papers have tested this link between alcohol and health explicitly, including all diseases where alcohol has been shown to have either a protective or a detrimental effect.