Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epidemiologic contributions to recent cancer trends among HIV-infected people in the United States

Objective:HIV-infected people have elevated risk for some cancers. Changing incidence of these cancers over time may reflect changes in three factors: HIV population demographic structure (e.g. age distribution), general population (background) cancer rates, and HIV-associated relative risks. We assessed the contributions of these factors to time trends for 10 cancers during 1996–2010. Design:Population-based registry linkage study. Methods:We applied Poisson models to data from the U.S. HIV/AIDS Cancer Match Study to estimate annual percentage changes (APCs) in incidence rates of AIDS-defining cancers [ADCs: Kaposi sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and cervical cancer] and seven non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs). We evaluated HIV-infected cancer trends with and without adjustment for demographics, trends in background rates, and trends in standardized incidence ratios (SIRs, to capture relative risk). Results:Cancer rates among HIV-infected people rose over time for anal (APC 3.8%), liver (8.5%), and prostate (9.8%) cancers, but declined for Kaposi sarcoma (1996–2000: −29.3%; 2000–2010: −7.8%), NHL (1996–2003: −15.7%; 2003–2010: −5.5%), cervical cancer (−11.1%), Hodgkin lymphoma (−4.0%), and lung cancer (−2.8%). Breast and colorectal cancer incidence did not change over time. Based on comparison to adjusted models, changing demographics contributed to trends for Kaposi sarcoma and breast, colorectal, liver, lung, and prostate cancers (all P < 0.01). Trends in background rates were notable for liver (APC 5.6%) and lung (−3.2%) cancers. SIRs declined for ADCs, Hodgkin lymphoma (APC −3.2%), and lung cancer (−4.4%). Conclusion:Demographic shifts influenced several cancer trends among HIV-infected individuals. Falling relative risks largely explained ADC declines, while background incidence contributed to some NADC trends.
Factors associated with dopaminergic drug-related pathological gambling in Parkinson disease.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate factors associated with pathological gambling (PG) in Parkinson disease (PD). DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING Outpatient tertiary clinic. Patients Twenty-one patients with idiopathic PD with PG after the patients began receiving medications compared with a consecutive sample of 42 patients with idiopathic PD without compulsive behaviors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Clinical features, comorbid psychiatric and substance use disorders, personality traits, and impulsivity scores. RESULTS Patients with PG had a younger age at PD onset (P = .006), higher novelty seeking (P<.001), medication-induced hypomania or mania (P = .001), impaired planning (P = .002), or a personal or immediate family history of alcohol use disorders (P = .002). Novelty seeking, a personal or immediate family history of alcohol use disorders, and younger age at PD onset accurately predicted PG at 83.7% in a logistic regression model, with the model accounting for 62% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS Patients with PD having a younger age at PD onset, higher novelty seeking traits, and a personal or family history of alcohol use disorders may have a greater risk for PG with dopamine agonists.
Pilot to data channel power allocation for PCA-DS/CDMA with interference canceler

The purpose of this letter is to examine channel power assignment for multiuser direct sequence/code division multiple access (DS/CDMA) uplinks. The channels under consideration are pilot channels and data channels. A multiuser detector is also included. The pilot channel estimates are used for multiple access interference (MAI) regeneration, as well as for data channel detection. Simulation results allowed us to pinpoint optimum pilot-to-data channel power ratios (PDRs) for the best bit error rate (BER) performance. In addition, the optimum PDRs of the receivers with the multiuser detector are high compared with those of conventional receivers without the multiuser detector. This study may prove helpful in the effort to optimize the channel power assignment for channel estimation and coherent detection of systems with the multiuser detector.
Treatment of an infected total hip replacement with the PROSTALAC system. Part 1: Infection resolution.

INTRODUCTION Infection after total hip replacement (THR) is a serious medical complication with significant negative ramifications for both the patient and the health care system. The prosthesis of antibiotic-loaded acrylic cement (PROSTALAC) was designed to treat the joint infection while maintaining functional movement in the hip. METHODS We identified 28 patients treated for infected THR with the PROSTALAC system, by retrospective chart review. Preoperative and intraoperative cultures were taken to identify the causative organism. After PROSTALAC insertion, patients underwent at least 6 weeks of intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Prior to undergoing posttreatment cultures, patients were required to be antibiotic-free for a minimum of 6 weeks, with normal laboratory values. We defined resolution infection as retention of a joint prosthesis for a minimum of 2 years. RESULTS Infection was identified in 28 patients in either the joint aspirate or intraoperative cultures. Of these patients, 2 failed to clear infection, requiring repeat PROSTALAC insertion. Two additional patients had positive 48-hour cultures post-second stage, treated with additional IV antibiotics. Retention of the post-PROSTALAC prosthesis is 100% at 2 years. CONCLUSION PROSTALAC has acceptable infection resolution outcomes and appears effective for treating infected THR.
A mutation in the interferon sensitivity‐determining region is associated with responsiveness to interferon‐ribavirin combination therapy in chronic hepatitis patients infected with a Japan‐specific subtype of hepatitis C virus genotype 1b

The interferon sensitivity‐determining region (ISDR) is useful as a predictive marker of the response to interferon (IFN) therapy for chronic hepatitis patients with a Japan‐specific subtype (J‐type) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b. This marker is not useful for predicting responsiveness of a worldwide subtype (W‐type) of HCV 1b, which could explain the restricted usefulness of this system only to Japan. In the present study, we examined the predictive value of the ISDR for ribavirin combination therapy. A total of 79 patients with HCV 1b comprising 35 patients with J‐type and 44 patients with W‐type were treated with IFN in combination with ribavirin for more than 48 weeks. Mutations in the ISDR were detected more frequently often seen in J‐type HCV 1b than in W‐type; however, the sustained virological response (SVR) rate for the combination therapy was similar between the two subtypes. Multivariate analysis revealed that factors associated with SVR were IFN dose and the number of amino acid substitutions in ISDR but not with subtypes J and W. The correlation between the number of substitutions in ISDR and responses to IFN‐ribavirin combination therapy was restricted to patients with J‐type HCV 1b. The ISDR is a useful predictive marker for response to IFN‐ribavirin combination therapy in J‐type HCV. J. Med. Virol. 79:35–40, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aging alters the dampening of pulsatile blood flow in cerebral arteries

Excessive pulsatile flow caused by aortic stiffness is thought to be a contributing factor for several cerebrovascular diseases. The main purpose of this study was to describe the dampening of the pulsatile flow from the proximal to the distal cerebral arteries, the effect of aging and sex, and its correlation to aortic stiffness. Forty-five healthy elderly (mean age 71 years) and 49 healthy young (mean age 25 years) were included. Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging was used for measuring blood flow pulsatility index and dampening factor (proximal artery pulsatility index/distal artery pulsatility index) in 21 cerebral and extra-cerebral arteries. Aortic stiffness was measured as aortic pulse wave velocity. Cerebral arterial pulsatility index increased due to aging and this was more pronounced in distal segments of cerebral arteries. There was no difference in pulsatility index between women and men. Dampening of pulsatility index was observed in all cerebral arteries in both age groups but was significantly higher in young subjects than in elderly. Pulse wave velocity was not correlated with cerebral arterial pulsatility index. The increased pulsatile flow in elderly together with reduced dampening supports the pulse wave encephalopathy theory, since it implies that a higher pulsatile flow is reaching distal arterial segments in older subjects.
THE CREATION OF PROBLEM-BASED SITUATIONS IN TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES AS ONE OF THE WAYS OF STIMULATING STUDENTS’ CREATIVE THINKING

: The article deals with the importance of a foreign language for the formation of general cultural and professional competences of students of technical higher educational institutions. In the process of teaching a foreign language to students it is possible to solve many problems associated with the formation of the future specialist, such as the development of cognitive activity, stimulation of creative activity, the formation of certain professional competencies, etc. One of the effective ways to solve these problems is to create problem-based situations in the classroom. Acquiring the experience of solving problems, students learn and develop thinking strategies in the process of independent gaining new knowledge.
Is Acne vulgaris a Genuine Inflammatory Disease?

Bacterial hypercolonization of the sebaceous follicle, especially with Propionibacterium acnes, has been considered as a major causative factor for acne vulgaris [1, 2]. In addition, it is widely accepted that inflammation in acne may be mainly mediated by an immunological reaction to extracellular products of P. acnes, such as sebum free fatty acids which are proposed to be products of triglyceride metabolism induced by follicular bacteria [1–3]. However, it is by no means clear that either bacteria or their products initiate follicular inflammation. P. acnes is found both in acne and normal pilosebaceous units [4]; therefore, its role in acne cannot be explained by its presence in the follicle. In addition, the number of follicular bacteria on untreated skin of acne patients does not correlate with the grade of severity of acne [1]; high numbers of follicular bacteria have also been found in individuals without acne.
A longitudinal study of survival in Belgian Shepherds with genetic epilepsy.

BACKGROUND Belgian Shepherds have focal genetic epilepsy. The prevalence of epilepsy has been estimated as 9.5% in the breed and as 33% in the family investigated. Dogs with epilepsy might have an increased risk of premature death. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS To investigate survival and selected risk factors for premature death in a Belgian Shepherd family with genetic epilepsy. ANIMALS One hundred ninety-nine related Belgian Shepherds. METHODS Longitudinal observational study, 2009-2011. Follow-up telephone interviews were all conducted using a structured questionnaire addressing epilepsy, including seizure history and phenomenology, possible remission, possible death, and cause of death. RESULTS The life span of epileptic dogs was not significantly shortened by the presence of epilepsy (P = .87). Epilepsy was the predominant cause of death in the population (19/75 = 25%) and epilepsy-related deaths accounted for 70% (19/27) of all deaths in the group of dogs with epilepsy. Two probable sudden unexpected deaths related to epilepsy occurred in dogs with generalized seizures. Cluster seizures occurred in 33% (17/51) but did not significantly influence the life span of epileptic dogs. Dogs with epilepsy had an epilepsy remission proportion of 13.7%. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The Belgian Shepherds investigated in the present study display a focal genetic epilepsy with an overall benign course. The life span was not significantly affected by the presence of epilepsy.
In vitro assembly of a functional human CDK7‐cyclin H complex requires MAT1, a novel 36 kDa RING finger protein.

It is proposed that the CDK7‐cyclin H complex functions in cell cycle progression, basal transcription and DNA repair. Here we report that in vitro reconstitution of an active CDK7‐cyclin H complex requires stoichiometric amounts of a novel 36 kDa assembly factor termed MAT1 (ménage à trois 1). Sequencing of MAT1 reveals a putative zinc binding motif (a C3HC4 RING finger) in the N‐terminus; however, this domain is not required for ternary complex formation with CDK7‐cyclin H. MAT1 is associated with nuclear CDK7‐cyclin H at all stages of the cell cycle in vivo. Ternary complexes of CDK7, cyclin H and MAT1 display kinase activity towards substrates mimicking both the T‐loop in CDKs and the C‐terminal domain of RNA polymerase II, regardless of whether they are immunoprecipitated from HeLa cells or reconstituted in a reticulocyte lysate. MAT1 constitutes the first example of an assembly factor that appears to be essential for the formation of an active CDK‐cyclin complex.
Multi-agent reinforcement learning approach based on reduced value function approximations

This paper introduces novel online adaptive Reinforcement Learning approach based on Policy Iteration for multi-agent systems interacting on graphs. The approach uses reduced value functions to solve the coupled Bellman and Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equations for multi-agent systems. This done using only partial knowledge about the agents' dynamics. The convergence of the approach is shown to depend on the properties of the communication graph. The Policy Iteration approach is implemented in real-time using neural networks, where reduced value functions are considered to reduce the computational complexity.
Power and Institutionalized International Regulatory Cooperation: A Multi-Method Analysis of Antitrust Agreements

This article examines the distinctiveness of Brazil, India and China in international regulatory governance by asking whether the European Union (EU)’s dedicated antitrust agreements (ATAs) with Brazil, India and China (BICs) differ significantly from the EU’s other ATAs, and whether observable differences are attributable to these emergent powers’ increased influence in global regulatory governance. We address these questions through a multi-method comparative analysis, using an original dataset of international ATAs. These bilateral inter- and trans-governmental agreements seek to avoid or ameliorate conflicts and establish cooperation between government agencies responsible for competition law and policy. Our quantitative and qualitative analyses both point to a striking ability of the BICs (and Russia) to insist on quite distinctive agreements with regard to both what is covered by these agreements and how any mutual commitments to conflict resolution and regulatory cooperation are articulated. This finding is based on various overall metrics and a computer-assisted comparative textual analysis of all dedicated ATAs to which the EU is a signatory, using inter alia plagiarism detection software, complemented by qualitative content analyses of the agreements and information drawn from interviews with regulatory officials, to gain a better understanding of similarities and differences between the agreements and thus address in more detail the question how unique the BICs are in their ability to pursue distinctive regulatory objectives in the realm of competition law and policy. We conclude that the distinctiveness of the BIC R agreements is indeed indicative of these emergent economies’ increased power in global economic governance—and, more tentatively, that the increased influence of Brazil, China, and India in global regulatory governance is unlikely to be fully matched by other developing countries.
The effect of carbohydrate mouth rinse on 1-h cycle time trial performance.

PURPOSE AND METHOD To investigate the possible role of carbohydrate (CHO) receptors in the mouth in influencing exercise performance, seven male and two female endurance cyclists (VO(2max) 63.2 +/- 2.7 (mean +/- SE) mL.kg*(-1). min(-1)) completed two performance trials in which they had to accomplish a set amount of work as quickly as possible (914 +/- 40 kJ). On one occasion a 6.4% maltodextrin solution (CHO) was rinsed around the mouth for every 12.5% of the trial completed. On the other occasion, water (PLA) was rinsed. Subjects were not allowed to swallow either the CHO solution or water, and each mouthful was spat out after a 5-s rinse. RESULTS Performance time was significantly improved with CHO compared with PLA (59.57 +/- 1.50 min vs 61.37 +/- 1.56 min, respectively, P = 0.011). This improvement resulted in a significantly higher average power output during the CHO compared with the PLA trial (259 +/- 16 W and 252 +/- 16 W, respectively, P = 0.003). There were no differences in heart rate or rating of perceived exertion (RPE) between the two trials (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that carbohydrate mouth rinse has a positive effect on 1-h time trial performance. The mechanism responsible for the improvement in high-intensity exercise performance with exogenous carbohydrate appears to involve an increase in central drive or motivation rather than having any metabolic cause. The nature and role of putative CHO receptors in the mouth warrants further investigation.
Ethnic disparities in causes of death among diabetes patients in the Waikato region of New Zealand.

AIM Assist health service planning by: (1) estimating the causes and disparities in mortality among people with diabetes in Waikato and (2) examining the differences in recording of diabetes. METHOD A retrospective cohort study of diabetes patients registered with the Waikato Regional Diabetes Service. Deaths from 2003-2007 were identified among patients diagnosed with diabetes before 2003. Causes of death were obtained from the NZHIS. Mortality rates were compared with the general New Zealand population. Cox's proportional-hazards-model was used to estimate the all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk. RESULTS 921 deaths were observed among 9043 diabetes patients. Compared with Europeans, Māori had nearly double the age-adjusted mortality rates. SMRs for male-Europeans, female-Europeans, male-Māori and female-Māori aged 25+ were 1.16 (1.05-1.28), 1.10 (0.98-1.24), 2.49 (2.06-3.01), 3.12 (2.56-3.80) respectively. Of the 441 deaths with causes available, 268 (61%) had diabetes mentioned on the NZHIS-coding. Māori were more likely than Europeans to have diabetes reported on NZHIS-coding. They were more likely to die from cardiovascular disease, cancer and renal disease [Hazard-ratios 2.31 (1.6-3.3), 1.83 (1.1-3), and 11.74 (4.8-29) respectively]. CONCLUSION Māori diabetes patients experienced significantly higher risk of mortality compared with Europeans. Studies on diabetes related mortality using the national mortality database needs to take the increased recognition of diabetes on NZHIS coding for Māori into account.
Challenge 1 : The traditional ‘ standards ’ approach to promoting fairness is not enough

Beyond fragmented futures: Where next for working life research and policy? John Buchanan, Ian Watson, Chris Briggs and Iain Campbell* School of Business, The University of Sydney and RMIT University* This paper draws out the analytical and policy implications arising from your recent book, Fragmented Futures: New Challenges in Working Life (Watson et al 2003). That book addressed three questions: How has Australian working life changed since the early 1980s? Why have these changes occurred? And what are the challenges for the future of Australian working life research and policy? This paper briefl y summarises our fi ndings to the fi rst two questions. The bulk of the paper answers the third.
Letter to the Editor

In his article, Professor Ludbrook nicely illustrates the different reasoning behind a one-tailed test by comparing different experiments. The logic appears clear, so why is one-tailed testing unpopular? Scientists generally approach statistics with trepidation, seeking rules and clear pronouncements. Statistical terms pose a substantial problem for many because everyday words gain a patina of additional or special meaning. Chance, risk and possibility mix together with attempts to be rational when decisions have to be made. ‘Significant’ is one of these tricky statistics words. The word has featured in a US High Court decision, regarding the ‘non-significance’ of data linking a cold cure to anosmia. A company did not disclose this side-effect, arguing that the ‘usual’ standards of significance were not met, an argument ultimately rejected by the Court. Professor Ludbrook could have looked further back than Fisher to seek guidance. In 1738, Daniel Bernouilli clearly described how making a decision depends on the cost of making the wrong decision and how that depended on the individual making the decision, in his ‘New Theory on the Measurement of Risk’. Chance, risk and rational thinking are odd bedfellows and we can be misled by a belief in our own rationality. Most people are more risk averse to gains than to losses, and regret over loss powerfully affects attitudes. Professor Ludbrook’s pharmacologist used a single-tailed test, assuming that weight gain was impossible. Was that reasonable? Who’s going to rejoice if their weight falls by 800 g if the cost of the tablets is excessive? There could be adverse effects. Some appetite suppressants increase the risk of pulmonary hypertension up to 10-fold: is that a risk worth taking? People are far more averse to accepting a known greater risk (pulmonary hypertension) than they are to reduce a risk they have already (obesity). As I researched articles to provide very general guidance, I found a spectrum of strong beliefs, verging on the religious, on the rights and wrongs of statistical analysis. For almost every view, a contrary opinion can be found. The well-known article ‘The earth is round, p < . 05’ is a good example. I suggest more tolerance of the beliefs of others, with less complaints about blasphemy: the reader can be trusted to make an independent conclusion. More tolerance and cognizance of the circumstances, as proposed by Professor Ludbrook, are most welcome.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia and developmental biology

The latest scientific findings in the field of cancer research are redefining our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of the disease, moving the emphasis toward the study of the mechanisms underlying the alteration of the normal processes of cellular differentiation. The concepts best exemplifying this new vision are those of cancer stem cells and tumoral reprogramming. The study of the biology of acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALLs) has provided seminal experimental evidence supporting these new points of view. Furthermore, in the case of B cells, it has been shown that all the stages of their normal development show a tremendous degree of plasticity, allowing them to be reprogrammed to other cellular types, either normal or leukemic. Here we revise the most recent discoveries in the fields of B-cell developmental plasticity and B-ALL research and discuss their interrelationships and their implications for our understanding of the biology of the disease.