Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patients' information-seeking activity is associated with treatment compliance in inflammatory bowel disease patients

Abstract Background. Despite the chronic and relapsing nature of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), at least 30% to 45% of the patients are noncompliant to treatment. IBD patients often seek information about their disease. Aim. To examine the association between information-seeking activity and treatment compliance among IBD patients. To compare information sources and concerns between compliant and noncompliant patients. Methods. We used data from the Swiss IBD cohort study, and from a qualitative survey conducted to assess information sources and concerns. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) for noncompliance were calculated. Differences in the proportions of information sources and concerns were compared between compliant and noncompliant patients. Results. A total of 512 patients were included. About 18% (n = 99) of patients were reported to be noncompliant to drug treatment and two-thirds (n = 353) were information seekers. The OR for noncompliance among information seekers was 2.44 (95%CI: 1.34–4.41) after adjustment for confounders and major risk factors. General practitioners were 15.2% more often consulted (p = 0.019) among compliant patients, as were books and television (+13.1%; p = 0.048), whereas no difference in proportions was observed for sources such as internet or gastroenterologists. Information on tips for disease management were 14.2% more often sought among noncompliant patients (p = 0.028). No difference was observed for concerns on research and development on IBD or therapies. Conclusion. In Switzerland, IBD patients noncompliant to treatment were more often seeking disease-related information than compliant patients. Daily management of symptoms and disease seemed to be an important concern of those patients.
MIMO rayleigh-product channels with co-channel interference

This paper presents an analytical performance investigation of an interference-limited double scattering multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel employing optimum combining. Our main contribution is the derivation of the closed-form expressions for the cumulative distribution function (c.d.f.) and probability density function (p.d.f.) of the maximum eigenvalue of the resultant channel matrix after optimal combining when the transmit, receive and scattering correlation matrices are identities (hence, the channel is referred to as a Rayleigh-product channel). These results allow us to obtain the outage probability of the optimal combining system in a Rayleigh-product channel with co-channel interferences. Furthermore, we investigate, in depth, an important special case of double scattering channel, the keyhole channel, where based on various closed-form expressions for exact and asymptotic measures derived, we examine three key performance metrics, namely, the ergodic capacity, the outage performance and the symbol-error-rate (SER). The analytical results derived are validated by Monte-Carlo simulations.
Do Multiple Housing Bubbles Exist in China? Further Evidence from Generalized Sup ADF Tests

This study examines whether the explosive behavior of housing prices or multiple housing bubbles exist in the 35 cities of China from 1998 Q1 to 2012 Q4, total of sixty quarters. The generalized sup ADF unit root test (GSADF) of Phillips, Shi, and Yu (2011a, 2013) and the ratios of housing price-to-income and housing price-to-rent are used to measure the explosive behavior of housing prices in China. The results reveal that two housing bubbles exist in 4 and 1 of 35 cities from the aspects of housing price- to-income ratios and housing price-to-rent ratios, respectively. Wholly, the problems of the explosive behavior of housing prices are almost well-controlled in China from1998 Q1 to 2012 Q4.
An analysis of voltage-driven passive-mixer based SAW-less transmitters

An Analysis based on time domain simulation of a transmitter based on voltage-driven passive mixer is described here. SAW-less multi-mode (2G/3G) transmitter requires very low noise at RX band frequency to not desensitize the receiver for 3G mode and also meet −164dBc/Hz at 20MHz offset to meet the modulation mask in 2G mode. As compared to conventional Gilbert cell mixer based designs, the voltage driven passive-mixer operates from a lower power supply voltage, has zero power consumption, and lower noise. The key to achieving SAW-less operation is the low-noise passive mixer and a baseband (BB) anti-alias filter. The analysis here describes the detail of different loading on the passive-mixer and the base-band filter and the effect of different designs on the output power, linearity and required base-band current.
From Mass Flourishing to Vested Interests: A Conceptual Model for the Evolution of Organizational Institutions

Abstract: Human flourishing requires the ability to operate from intrinsic motivation. The extent to which that can happen depends largely on how one’s surrounding institutions support a sense of autonomy, connectedness, and competence. I argue that the systematical prevalence of such conditions within an institution requires experiencing (i) exploration of the new in the emergence of the institution, and/or (ii) positive impact of its work on beneficiaries. The former is associated with the early phases of organizational evolution. The latter could be the source of flourishing in more established institutions, but hierarchies of power typically block it. Those with power are distanced from experiencing the impact of the institution on beneficiaries, structurally leading to priming through extrinsic motivations and vested interests. This leads to the need to further control those on the frontline who could experience the impact, which inhibits flourishing on their part as well.
FGF‐23 Is a Potent Regulator of Vitamin D Metabolism and Phosphate Homeostasis

We analyzed the effects of an FGF‐23 injection in vivo. FGF‐23 caused a reduction in serum 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D by altering the expressions of key enzymes for the vitamin D metabolism followed by hypophosphatemia. This study indicates that FGF‐23 is a potent regulator of the vitamin D and phosphate metabolism.
New insights into the pneumococcal fratricide: relationship to clumping and identification of a novel immunity factor

In 1971, Tomasz and Zanati discovered that competent pneumococci have a tendency to form aggregates when pelleted by centrifugation and resuspended in 0.01 N HCl by brief vortexing. Interestingly, no clumping was observed with parallel cultures of non‐competent cells treated in the same way. We set out to elucidate the mechanism behind this striking phenomenon, and were able to show that it depends on extracellular DNA that is presumably released by so‐called competence‐induced cell lysis. Competence‐induced cell lysis, which was first described a few years ago, seems to rely on the concerted action of several murein hydrolases. Our results confirmed and extended previous findings by showing that competence‐induced aggregation is abolished in a lytA–lytC double mutant, and absolutely requires CbpD and its N‐terminal CHAP amidase domain. Furthermore, we discovered a novel competence stimulating peptide (CSP)‐induced immunity protein, encoded by the early competence gene comM (spr1762), which protects competent pneumococci against their own lysins. Together, the murein hydrolases and the immunity protein constitutes a CSP‐controlled mechanism that allows competent pneumococci to commit fratricide by killing non‐competent pneumococci sharing the same ecological niche. Through such predatory behaviour, pneumococci can get access to transforming DNA and nutrients, promote the release of virulence factors, and at the same time get rid of competitors.
A physical map of 30,000 human genes.

A map of 30,181 human gene-based markers was assembled and integrated with the current genetic map by radiation hybrid mapping. The new gene map contains nearly twice as many genes as the previous release, includes most genes that encode proteins of known function, and is twofold to threefold more accurate than the previous version. A redesigned, more informative and functional World Wide Web site (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genemap) provides the mapping information and associated data and annotations. This resource constitutes an important infrastructure and tool for the study of complex genetic traits, the positional cloning of disease genes, the cross-referencing of mammalian genomes, and validated human transcribed sequences for large-scale studies of gene expression.
Development and Substantiation of the of Human Resource Development Model

The traditional approach to employment conditions in the civil service has been fundamentally challenged by the implementation of public management reforms and the change in status of personnel associated with it. These fundamental changes call for a significant transformation of the human resource function in general and human resource development (HRD) responsibility in particular. Therefore, the article seeks to develop and substantiate the theoretical model of the human resource development system in the context of public management reform. The model is based on the strategic approach to HRD. It presents a systematic approach to the HRD system and can not be implemented in a piecemeal manner. The research revealed that the primary concern of HRD should be the establishment of strong linkages with the strategic goals of the organization and the development of a work environment which facilitates learning.
Both Virus and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Are Critical for Endothelium Damage in a Mouse Model of Dengue Virus-Induced Hemorrhage

ABSTRACT Hemorrhage is a common clinical manifestation in dengue patients. However, the pathogenic mechanism of dengue virus (DV)-induced hemorrhage awaits clarification. We established a mouse model of DV hemorrhage using immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice by injecting DV serotype 2 strain 16681 intradermally. While inoculation of 3 × 109 PFU of DV induced systemic hemorrhage in all of the mice by day 3 of infection, one out of three of those injected with 4 × 107 to 8 × 107 PFU developed hemorrhage in the subcutaneous tissues. The mice that were inoculated with 4 × 107 to 8 × 107 PFU but that did not develop hemorrhage were used as a basis for comparison to explore the pathogenic mechanism of dengue hemorrhage. The results showed that mice with severe thrombocytopenia manifested signs of vascular leakage and hemorrhage. We observed that high viral titer, macrophage infiltration, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production in the local tissues are three important events that lead to hemorrhage. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that DV targeted both endothelial cells and macrophages. In addition, the production of high levels of TNF-α in tissues correlated with endothelial cell apoptosis and hemorrhage. By comparing TNF-α−/− to IgH−/−, C5−/−, and wild-type mice, we found that TNF-α was important for the development of hemorrhage. In vitro studies showed that mouse primary microvascular endothelial cells were susceptible to DV but that TNF-α enhanced DV-induced apoptosis. Our mouse model illustrated that intradermal inoculation of high titers of DV predisposes endothelial cells to be susceptible to TNF-α-induced cell death, which leads to endothelium damage and hemorrhage development. This finding highlights the contribution of the innate immune response to dengue hemorrhage.
Incidence of gastroenteritis in Norway – a population-based survey

In 1999–2000 we conducted a one-year, retrospective population-based survey in Norway to estimate the incidence of gastroenteritis and study the association with selected exposures. A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to 3000 persons selected at random from the population registry, with 250 persons being contacted each month. The response rate was 61%. The incidence of acute gastroenteritis was 1·2 per person-year. The incidence was higher for women than for men. Of the total of 171 cases, 29 (17%) consulted a physician, 13 (8%) reported that a stool sample was taken, and 7 (4%) were admitted to hospital. Among children aged less than 15 years, drinking water from a private water supply was associated with illness, while using chlorinated water was protective. Among adults aged 20–40 years, travelling abroad was associated with illness. The incidence in our survey is similar to rates found by FoodNet in United States.
Experimental assessment of logic circuit performance variability with regular fabrics at 90nm technology node

Regular fabric structure is expected to reduce the process variations and increase the yield in sub-micron technology regime. Few experimental assessments, however, for the effectiveness of the regular structures has been carried out yet. In this paper, three kinds of circuit blocks are implemented with four kinds of layout styles with different regularity, and the effect of regularity on the circuit performance variations is evaluated. A test chip is fabricated with 90 nm CMOS logic process and measured results show that the regular structure increases average delay, and the worst delay of the regular structure is not better than the worst delay of normal circuits with irregular standard cells.
Early Risk Factors for Pregnancy Loss in Lupus

OBJECTIVE: To identify early risk factors for pregnancy loss in lupus pregnancies. METHODS: We conducted a cohort study of all pregnancies seen in the first trimester in lupus patients followed from 1987 to 2002 at the Hopkins Lupus Center. At each visit, vital signs, a complete blood count, a urinalysis, and a 24-hour urine collection for total protein, if the dipstick revealed proteinuria, were obtained. Proteinuria was defined as protein greater than 500 mg in a 24-hour urine collection. Secondary antiphospholipid syndrome was diagnosed by using the Sapporo criteria. Thrombocytopenia was defined as platelets under 150,000. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure over 140/90 mm Hg during the first trimester. Pregnancies electively terminated were excluded from this study. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-six pregnancies in 125 women were followed in the Hopkins Lupus Cohort from the first trimester onward. Twenty-seven pregnancies (16%) ended with a loss. Pregnancy loss was increased 2.6 times in women with first-trimester proteinuria (P = .04). A diagnosis of secondary antiphospholipid syndrome led to a 3.1-fold increase in pregnancy loss, predominantly after 20 weeks of gestation (P = .004). Thrombocytopenia in the first trimester led to an increase in pregnancy loss by 3.3 fold (P ≤ .001). First-trimester hypertension led to a 2.4-fold increase in pregnancy loss (P = .027). Each risk factor was independent in raising pregnancy loss risk. CONCLUSION: The acronym PATH can help remind clinicians to monitor for Proteinuria, Antiphospholipid syndrome, Thrombocytopenia, and Hypertension early in pregnancy. Close observation, with frequent laboratory analysis and appropriate therapy, is important to pregnancy success in women with lupus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2
A Quantitative Analysis of Suspected Environmental Causes of MS

Abstract: Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease with purported environmental causes. Consistent correlations have been found in various settings for latitude, smoking exposure, sunlight, and vitamin D deficiency. We analysed the contribution of various environmental factors to the risk of developing MS from a population perspective. Methods: We collated global data of MS prevalence from 54 studies over the previous ten years and calculated the degree of risk contributed by latitude, longitude, ultraviolet radiation (from NASA satellite data and formulae for available sunlight hours), population smoking rates (from WHO data), gender, study date, study demographics, and several socioeconomic factors. We report a very significant negative correlation between MS prevalence and available ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Results: The lack of available UV radiation outweighs other factors by at least 20 fold (p<10∧-8) from single variate regression analysis. Multiple regression analysis revealed that latitude and longitude are also significant factors; smoking may also provide a very minimal role. The eight prevalence studies from Scandinavia produced prevalences that were lower than expected, given their global geospatial positioning. Conclusions: The available ultraviolet radiation is a significant environmental factor, moreso than all the other factors examined.
Factors affecting proprioceptive recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND Proprioception plays an important role in knee movements. Since there are controversies surrounding the overall recovery time of proprioception following surgery, it is necessary to define the factors affecting proprioceptive recovery after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and to investigate the relationship between proprioception and muscle strength. METHODS A total of 36 patients who had their ACL reconstructed with a semitendinosus/gracilis graft (reconstructed group: 6 months post-surgery) and 13 healthy adults without any knee injury (control group) were included in the study. Knee proprioception was evaluated with a passive reproduction test. Isokinetic strength was measured using the Biodex System. Statistical analysis was used to compare proprioception of the reconstructed group versus the control group, and to define causal factors, including sex, hamstring/quadriceps ratio, and the course of injury before reconstruction. We also investigated the correlation between the passive reproduction error and quadriceps index. RESULTS There was a significant difference in proprioception between the reconstructed and control groups (P < 0.05). When the course of injury before reconstruction was less than 4 months, there was a linear correlation with proprioception 6 months after the operation (r = 0.713, P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between post-surgery proprioception and the quadriceps index at 6 months post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS Impaired knee proprioception is observed 6 months after ACL reconstruction. Within 4 months of injury, early undertaking of reconstruction is associated with better proprioception outcome. Patients with enhanced proprioception have a better quadriceps index.
Participation in a Social-Support Physical Activity Intervention Modestly Improves Lipoprotein Cholesterol Distribution Among Postpartum Sedentary Hispanic Women.

BACKGROUND The effects of moderate intensity walking on lipoprotein remodeling in postpartum Hispanic women are unknown. METHODS Sedentary postpartum Hispanic women (28.2 ± 5.6 y; BMI = 29.3 ± 3.3 kg/m2) participating in a social support physical activity (PA) intervention, were randomly assigned to a 12-month walking program (walkers; n = 22; target 150 min/wk, moderate intensity) or a control group (nonwalkers; n = 22). Fasting lipids and cholesterol distribution within low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles were measured at baseline (BL), 6 months, and 12 months. RESULTS Walkers had an 11% increase and nonwalkers a 7% decrease in HDL cholesterol from 6 to 12 months (P = .0367) without an effect on LDL cholesterol. Whereas nonwalkers had virtually no change in mean LDL particle size, walkers had a borderline reduction in LDL size from BL (268.7 ± 4.1 Å) to 6 months (266.9 ± 4.9 Å), followed by a significant increase in size by 12 months (269.7 ± 4.1 Å; P = .011). The proportion of cholesterol in large LDL particles decreased by 15% from BL to 6 months, but subsequently increased 25% by 12 months among walkers; changes among nonwalkers were smaller and in opposite direction (4% and -3%, respectively; P = .0004). CONCLUSIONS Participation in the social-support PA intervention resulted in slightly increased HDL cholesterol concentrations and a modest and beneficial shift toward larger, less atherogenic LDL particles.
Keratectasia after laser in situ keratomileusis: a histopathologic and immunohistochemical study.

OBJECTIVE To examine histopathologic and immunohistochemical features of human corneal buttons from patients who developed keratectasia after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS Five corneal buttons were obtained during penetrating keratoplasty from patients who developed keratectasia after LASIK. Histologic features were examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining using paraffin-embedded sections and by transmission electron microscopy. Immunostaining for alpha(1)-proteinase inhibitor, Sp1, and matrix metalloproteinases 1, 2, and 3 was performed with 2 healthy corneas and 2 corneas with keratoconus as controls. RESULTS Central stromal thinning was observed after hematoxylin-eosin staining in all corneas with keratectasia. No histologic features specific to keratoconus, including Bowman layer disruption, were identified in the corneas with keratectasia. By transmission electron microscopy, collagen fibril thinning and decreased interfibril distance were observed in the stromal bed. Immunostaining intensity and/or pattern for alpha(1)-proteinase inhibitor and Sp1 in the corneas with keratectasia was comparable to that of healthy corneas and differed from that in the corneas with keratoconus. No significant staining with anti-matrix metalloproteinases 1, 2, and 3 antibodies was observed in either the corneas with keratectasia or the healthy corneas. CONCLUSIONS Histologic findings suggest that post-LASIK keratectasia results in collagen fibril thinning and decreased interfibril distance within the residual stromal bed. Discrepant results between keratectasia and keratoconus suggest that the pathogenesis of the 2 conditions differ.
Real-life effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of amlodipine/valsartan or amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide single-pill combination in patients with hypertension from Pakistan

Objective: EXCITE (clinical EXperienCe of amlodIpine and valsarTan in hypErtension) evaluated the real-life effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of single-pill combinations (SPCs) of amlodipine/valsartan (Aml/Val) and amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide (Aml/Val/HCTZ) in patients with hypertension from 13 countries in the Middle East and Asia. Here, we present data from Pakistan. Methods: This was a 26-week observational, multicenter, prospective, open-label study. At week 26, change from baseline in mean sitting systolic (msSBP) and diastolic blood pressure (msDBP) and the proportion of patients achieving BP goal (SBP/DBP <140/90 mmHg; <130/80 mmHg in patients with diabetes) and response rates (SBP <140 mmHg [130 mmHg for patients with diabetes] or reduction of ≥20 mmHg; DBP <90 mmHg [80 mmHg for patients with diabetes] or reduction of ≥10 mmHg), were evaluated. Incidence of adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs (SAEs) was recorded as safety variables. Subjective assessment of effectiveness, compliance and tolerability was done by the physician. Results: A total of 500 patients with hypertension (mean age of 48 years) were prescribed Aml/Val (n = 471, 94%) or Aml/Val/HCTZ (n = 29, 6%); 439 (87.8%) patients completed the study. At week 26, the mean BP decreased from 153.4/91.1 mmHg at baseline to 128.9/78.4 mmHg in the Aml/Val cohort (−24.5/−12.7 mmHg; p < 0.0001) and from 171.6/99.3 mmHg at baseline to 127.7/77.4 mmHg (−43.9/−21.9 mmHg; p < 0.0001) in the Aml/Val/HCTZ cohort. BP goals were achieved by 57% and 55.2% of patients in the Aml/Val and Aml/Val/HCTZ cohorts, respectively. A total of 40 (8%) patients reported at least one AE during the study period. Most common AEs included nausea (1.6%), headache (1.2%), vomiting (1.2%), and edema (1.2%). Most patients in Aml/Val cohort and all patients in Aml/Val/HCTZ cohort rated the effectiveness, compliance and tolerability as ‘good’ or ‘very good’. Conclusions: Aml/Val with or without HCTZ in a SPC was effective and well-tolerated for BP reduction in this cohort of patients with hypertension from Pakistan.