Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence for the effectiveness of sterile injecting equipment provision in preventing hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus transmission among injecting drug users: a review of reviews.

AIMS To review the evidence on the effectiveness of harm reduction interventions involving the provision of sterile injecting equipment in the prevention of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission among injecting drug users (IDUs). The interventions assessed were needle and syringe programmes (NSP), alternative modes of needle/syringe provision (pharmacies, vending machines and outreach) and the provision of injecting equipment other than needles/syringes. METHODS Systematic searches of the English language literature to March 2007 were undertaken to identify systematic, narrative or meta-analytical reviews (also known as a review of reviews) of the impact of interventions on HCV transmission, HIV transmission or injecting risk behaviour (IRB). Critical appraisal criteria classified the reviews as either high quality ('core') or supplementary: a framework based on the quality of reviews, the reviewers' conclusions and the designs/findings of the primary studies was used to derive evidence statements. RESULTS Three core and two supplementary reviews of injecting equipment interventions were identified. According to the proposed framework, this study found (a) insufficient evidence to conclude that any of the interventions are effective in preventing HCV transmission; (b) tentative evidence to support the effectiveness of NSP in preventing HIV transmission; (c) sufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of NSP (and tentative evidence of an additional impact of pharmacy NSP) in reducing self-reported IRB; and (d) little to no evidence on vending machines, outreach or providing other injecting equipment in relation to any of the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The evidence is weaker than given credit for in the literature. The lack of evidence for effectiveness of NSP vis-à-vis biological outcomes (HCV and HIV incidence/prevalence) reflects the limitations of studies that have been undertaken to investigate these associations. Particularly for HCV, low levels of IRB may be insufficient to reduce high levels of transmission. New studies are required to identify the intervention coverage necessary to achieve sustained changes in blood-borne virus transmission.
Testy serii w ocenie efektywności informacyjnej największych giełd europejskich

ipoteza efektywności rynków kapitałowych (The Efficient Market Theory) jest ciągle jednym z bardziej zajmujących i kontrowersyjnych zagadnień poruszanych w literaturze finansowej. Pierwsze artykuły na ten temat pojawiły się w połowie lat 60. XX w. [Fama 1965], ale cały czas przeprowadzane są nowe, obszerniejsze analizy związane z tym zagadnieniem [Fama 1998; Jarrett, Kyper 2006]. Zgodnie z hipotezą efektywności, ceny akcji odzwierciedlają wszystkie dostępne informacje rynkowe, w związku z czym na rynku efektywnym niemożliwe jest uzyskanie ponadprzeciętnych dochodów przy zastosowaniu jakiejkolwiek metody inwestycyjnej ani wykorzystaniu dowolnych informacji. Ma to doniosłe znaczenie dla inwestora – zarówno indywidualnego, jak i instytucjonalnego, gdyż zaprzeczałoby sensowności jakiegokolwiek aktywnego sposobu inwestowania. W tekście zaprezentowana zostanie analiza losowego charakteru zmian wartości indeksów giełdowych przy zastosowaniu statystycznych testów serii. Obliczenia dotyczą głównych indeksów trzech największych europejskich rynków akcji: giełdy w Londynie – indeks FTSE-100 (Financial Times Stock Exchange-100, od roku 1984) opisujący zmiany 100 największych spółek notowanych na rynku stolicy Wielkiej Brytanii; giełdy w Paryżu – indeks CAC40 (Cotation Assistée en Continu, od roku 1987) skupiający 40 największych firm tego rynku; giełdy we Frankfurcie – indeks DAX (od roku 1970). Obliczenia zostały przeprowadzone dla okresów od pierwszego notowania danego indeksu do października 2006.
Ventroptin: A BMP-4 Antagonist Expressed in a Double-Gradient Pattern in the Retina

In the visual system, the establishment of the anteroposterior and dorsoventral axes in the retina and tectum during development is important for topographic retinotectal projection. We identified chick Ventroptin, an antagonist of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4), which is mainly expressed in the ventral retina, not only with a ventral high–dorsal low gradient but also with a nasal high–temporal low gradient at later stages. Misexpression of Ventroptinaltered expression patterns of several topographic genes in the retina and projection of the retinal axons to the tectum along both axes. Thus, the topographic retinotectal projection appears to be specified by the double-gradient molecule Ventroptin along the two axes.
The Only Stable State of O2- Is the X 2Πg Ground State and It (Still!) Has an Adiabatic Electron Detachment Energy of 0.45 eV

The ultraviolet photoelectron spectrum of O2- exhibits 29 resolved vibronic transitions to the three low-lying electronic states of neutral O2 (X 3Σg-, a 1Δg, b 1Σg+) from the X 2ΠJ (J = 3/2 and 1/2) spin−orbit states of the anion. A Franck−Condon simulation, using the established molecular constants of the neutral oxygen states, matches every observed feature in the spectrum. The 0−0 origin transition is unambiguously assigned, yielding the electron affinity EA0(O2) = 0.448 ± 0.006 eV. The derived bond dissociation energy is D0(O2-) = 395.9 ± 0.6 kJ/mol. Coupled-cluster theory at the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ level is used to determine the potential energy curves of O2 and of O2- in its ground state and two excited states, in both the electronically bound and unbound regions. Stabilization methods are employed to characterize the anion curves at bond lengths where their electronic energies lie above that of the ground-state neutral. The calculations confirm that the O2- X 2Πg ground state is adiabatically stab.
Toluene induced exanthematous lichen planus: Report of two cases

Lichen Planus (LP) is a chronic mucocutaneous disease with several variants defined by the configuration of lesions, the morphological appearance, and the site of involvement. Although exact cause of LP is not known, it is thought that it is most likely an immunologically mediated reaction especially a cell-mediated immune response of unknown origin. Typical lesion is seen as a pruritic, papular eruption characterized by its violaceous color; polygonal shape; and, sometimes, fine scale. The size can vary from 1 mm to greater than 1 cm in diameter . It is most commonly found on the flexor surfaces of the upper extremities, on the genitalia, and on the mucous membranes. The clinical presentation of the disease has several forms: actinic, annular, atrophic, erosive, follicular, hypertrophic, linear, pigmented, vesicular/ bullous and eruptive/exanthematous. “Exanthematous” or “eruptive” LP is a rare variant of the disease. Herein we report a 15 year-old boy, and a 32-year old man with a 1.5 and 3-month history respectively, of acute, episodic and eruptive mucocutaneous LP after a toluene exposure. To the best of our knowledge, our patients are the first cases of exanthematous mucocutaneous lichen planus that were caused by toluene exposure.
Oral contraceptive agents

The history of the development of oral contraceptives (OCs) has been a progressive reduction in dosage to what is now probably the lowest does that is compatible with the desired therapeutic effect -- to inhibit ovluation. Yet, controversy and argument continue. A table lists the OCs that are available in Australia. Many of these preparations, although having different trade names, have an identical composition. Since the withdrawal of sequential OCs from the Australian market, there are only 2 generic types. These are the progestogen only (mini) OCs, which consist of either 30 mcg of levonorgestrel or 350 mcg of norethisterone given at the same time every day; and the combined OCs, which contain an estrogen and a progestogen. In the last 12 months, some of the older high-dose OCs have been withdrawn, and it seems likely that further withdrawals will follow. Only 2 estrogens are used in the formulation of the OC, but there is a greater variety of progestogens. Ethinyl estradiol is used in most preparations. A small minority of OCs contain mestranol, the 3-methyl ether of ethinyl estradiol. Currently, there are only 4 OC agents that are available in Australia that contain mestranol and 2 of these contain the high doses of 100 mcg. Fundamentally, there are 2 types of progestogens -- those that contain, or are metabolized to, norethisterone and those that contain norgestrel or its close relative, desogestrel. With the exception of the norgestrel group and desogestrel, all other progestins, including norethisterone itself, are effective in vivo after they have been metablized to norethisterone. Mestranol is effective in humans after demethylation to ethinyl estradiol. In the norgesterel group, since d-norgestrel is inert endocrinologically, 250 mcg of levonorgestrel and 500 mcg of dl-norgestrel are equivalent. Levonorgestrel and desogestrel are of approximately equal potency. With the combined OC agents, the overwhelming mechanism of action is by the inhibition of the midcycle peak of luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and, hence, the inhibition of ovulation. Progestogen-only OCs have additional actions such as effects on cervical and fallopian tube mucin. Minor side-effects include disturbance of the menstrual cycle, changes in weight, and changes in mood. Major side-effects relate to 4 areas -- subsequent reproduction, the cardiovascular system, other metabolic effects, and the risk of malignancy. A table presents the absolute contraindication contraindications. There is not the slightest doubt that a woman who is over 35, who smokes, and who, in addition, may be obese and has hypertension should not use OCs. Progestogen (mini) OCs have a slightly higher failure rate and a greater incidence of irregular bleeding than have combined OCs. The mini OC has little place in women who need effective hormonal contraception and good cycle control. The mini OC may have a place in a patient who finds other contraception unacceptable and in whom estrogens are contraindicated specifically.
Developmental changes in the fine structure of the chorion laeve (Smooth chorion) of the rhesus monkey placenta

Developmental changes in the fine structure of the chorion laeve (smooth chorion) of the rhesus monkey were studied at two time periods during gestation: (1) Early (19–60 days of gestation), before the chorionic epithelium fuses with the parietal decidua, and (2) near term, when the fused chorioamnion has also fused with the parietal decidua. Early in gestation the chorionic epithelium consisted of columnar and cuboidal cells one or two layers thick. The apical border of the cells had microvilli and coated pits, and adjacent cells were joined by tight junctions and desmosomes. The chorionic epithelial cells during this early period contained numerous large vesicles and vacuoles of varying electron‐density. The apical cytoplasm contained various small coated vesicles and tubules. Taken together these observations were interpreted as indicating a possible role for these cells in endocytosis or phagocytosis of substances from the uterine lumen; i.e., a potential role in histiotrophic nutrition during this early period. Late in gestation the trophoblastic cells were more irregular in shape. The cells contained abundant granular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, and a well‐developed Golgi complex, suggesting the cells were actively synthetic late in gestation. The numerous cytoplasmic vacuoles characteristic of the trophoblastic cells of early gestation were absent near term. Glycogen deposits and lipid droplets were moderately well‐developed near term. Most of the cells were joined by desmosomes but wide intercellular spaces, unobstructed by any cell junctions, were frequently observed. This observation provides at least one explanation for the increase in permeability of the chorion laeve later in gestation. Cells of the parietal decidua associated with the chorion laeve were also examined. These cells generally had a well‐developed granular ER and Golgi apparatus, and numerous mitochondria. Limited numbers of membrane‐bounded secretory bodies, similar to those in human decidual cells, were also present.
Guidelines for combining neoplasms for evaluation of rodent carcinogenesis studies.

In a continuing review of long-term toxicology and carcinogenesis studies in rats and mice, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) is confronted with many problems concerning the interpretation of tumor data. A frequently raised question is: "Should certain neoplasms be combined for overall assessment of rodent carcinogenesis data? " NTP policy is that certain neoplasms may be combined for statistical assessment of tumor data and that hyperplastic responses may be used as supportive evidence. The primary reason for combining neoplastic lesions is to gain more insight into the evidence of the carcinogenicity of a given chemical in that species of animal. This report gives the rationale, criteria, and guidelines used by the NTP for combining neoplasms for the evaluation of long-term rodent toxicology and carcinogenesis studies. The guidelines are based mainly on lesions occurring in the F344/N inbred rat and (C57BL/6 X C3H)F1 mouse and may or may not be appropriate for other strains or species. The concepts of combining neoplasms and sites should be viewed in terms of the study as a whole, since tumor formation is only one of many responses caused by chemicals in mammals. The resulting information becomes part of the "weight of the evidence" for estimating the potential hazard of a given chemical.
Characterizing music dynamics for improvisation S

Characterizing music dynamics is important for music generation, music analogies, music retrieval, music improvisation etc. Though there has been some work on modeling music, most of them do not consider the temporal or dynamical aspects of music. In this paper we show that it is possible to characterize music dynamics using linear prediction. We provide a technique for music improvisation using this model. The improvisation scheme is then applied to the generation of background music for videos.
Investigation of TCDD half-life heterogeneity in veterans of Operation Ranch Hand.

The half-life of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), the contaminant of Agent Orange, has been recently estimated in 36 members of Operation Ranch Hand, the Air Force unit responsible for the aerial spraying of Agent Orange in Vietnam, as 7.1 yr with a 95% [corrected] confidence interval of 5.8-9.6 yr. We investigated the variability of TCDD half-life with percent body fat in these 36 Ranch Hand veterans who have two TCDD assay results from serum drawn in 1982 and 1987. Using a repeated measures linear model, we found a marginally significant change in half-life with percentage of body fat (p = .09) and no statistically significant change in half-life with relative changes in percentage of body fat from 1982 to 1987 (p = .60).
In vitro heterologous cytotoxicity by T effector cells from mice immunized with Sindbis virus.

An in vitro correlate of cell-mediated cross-protection among alpha-viruses was demonstrated by cytotoxicity of Sindbis-immune spleen cells from mice to both Sindbis and Semliki Forest virus (SFV)-infected target cells. This cytotoxicity was shown to be mediated by the T cell population of the spleen and was independent of the presence of macrophages or B cells. The time when the level of the lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity (LMC) to SFV-infected cells was maximal coincides with the time when immunity to SFV is maximal in vivo, as reported previously, and when adoptive immunity to SFV can be transferred. After one i.p. injection of Sindbis virus, the level of homologous LMC was higher than the level of heterologous LMC. However, following a second injection of Sindbis virus as immunogen, at a time when the mice are cross-protected to SFV, the heterologous LMC was considerably higher than homologous LMC. We propose that there is suppression of the effector T cells specific for Sindbis-infected cells after the second immunizing injection, probably by homologous antibody. In contrast, there appears to be an anamnestic cell-mediated response to SFV.
Pharyngoconjunctival fever; report of an epidemic outbreak.

This article is a report on an outbreak of pharyngoconjunctival fever due to APC Type III virus which occurred in a children's camp during the summer of 1955. The adenopharyngeal conjunctival or APC group of viruses was isolated in 1952 by Huebner, Rowe, Bell, and others. * They studied surgically removed tonsils and adnoids by tissue culture technique. Through repeated subculturing of these tissues, they were able to unmask a new group of viruses. Because of the characteristic tissue culture degenerating effects produced by these micro-organisms, they were originally named "adenoid-degenerating agents". This was later renamed "adenoidal-pharyngeal-conjunctival viruses" or "APC viruses. " As a result of the work first done in the U. S. , investigation has been undertaken along similar lines in other countries. Zaiman and co-workers,5in England, have also been able to isolate this new group of viruses from surgically removed tonsils and adenoids and have noted the presence
Bringing Science to Wildlife Tourism: The Influence of Managers' and Scientists' Perceptions

Wildlife tourism is one of the fastest growing tourism sectors worldwide. Little is known, however, about its impacts on the wildlife on which it depends. This paper explores, as a first step in addressing this shortcoming, the perceptions held by tour operators, managers and wildlife scientists regarding the role and purpose of scientific research in sustainable wildlife tourism. The study drew on four case studies from Western Australia – two managed attractions and their managers and two wildlife tours and their operators – plus interviews with wildlife scientists. Key findings included a focus by scientists on the conservation biology of threatened species and the 'scientific method'. The influences of the 'scientific community' and 'being a scientist' on scientists were also apparent. Managers and operators, on the other hand, focused on the urgency of scientific knowledge for addressing potential impacts. A major challenge to progressing the scientific attention given to the impacts of tourists on wildlife is closing the perceptual gap between scientists and managers regarding the role and purpose of scientific research in this rapidly growing, dynamic and yet potentially sustainable industry.
Ventilatory response to CO2 in children with obstructive sleep apnea from adenotonsillar hypertrophy.

UNLABELLED We measured the ventilatory response to CO2 as an indicator of respiratory control dysfunction in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) scheduled for adenotonsillectomy. Measurements were performed in unpremedicated children via an endotracheal tube under 0.4%-0.5% end-tidal halothane anesthesia. Mean ventilatory CO2 response slopes for 11 children with OSA requiring adenotonsillectomy (Group I) were compared with those for 14 children without OSA requiring adenotonsillectomy (Group II) and 15 children without OSA requiring nonairway surgery (Group III). The mean ventilatory slope corrected for body surface area for Groups I, II, and III were 539 +/- 338, 828 +/- 234, and 850 +/- 380 mL.min-1.mm Hg ETCO2(-1). m-2, respectively (P < 0.05, Group I versus Groups II and III). Historical data--including snoring, apneic episodes > 10 s, daytime hypersomnolence, and nocturnal enuresis--defined those with OSA. Obesity occurred more frequently in patients with OSA and with depressed ventilatory responses (P < 0.001). Children with OSA from adenotonsillar hypertrophy have a diminished ventilatory response to CO2 stimulation, compared with those without OSA symptoms. The depressed response may account, in part, for the reported increased risk of perioperative respiratory complications in this population. IMPLICATIONS Children with obstructive sleep apnea undergoing adenotonsillar surgery are at risk of postoperative respiratory compromise. We found that patients with a clinical history suggesting obstructive sleep apnea have a diminished ventilatory response to CO2 rebreathing, compared with controls.
Vigabatrin: Effects on Human Brain GABA Levels by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Summary: Vigabatrin (VGB, Sabril) is a new antiepileptic drug used for treatment of partial and secondarily generalized tonic‐clonic seizures. Many controlled short‐ and long‐term trials have established efficacy as add‐on therapy. Side effects have been infrequent. VGB acts as an irreversible substrate for 7‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) transaminase that leads to elevated brain GABA levels. Although this mechanism has been confirmed in animals and in cerebrospinal fluid of humans, we report the first study of brain GABA levels using noninvasive nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. GABA elevation in brain closely parallels VGB dosage and reaches concentrations 2–3 times control values at daily dosage of 3 g. This technique offers promising potential to monitor changes induced by VGB as a function of time, dose, and clinical effect.
Stuttering Frequency on Meaningful and Nonmeaningful Words in Adults Who Stutter

Previous research has suggested that word meaning can influence the loci and frequency of stuttering moments. Based on this proposition, it was hypothesized that people who stutter will exhibit a larger proportion of stuttering moments on meaningful words when compared to nonmeaningful or nonsense words. In order to test this hypothesis, stuttering frequency was examined among 9 English-speaking adults who stutter as they read a total of 126 words that were either meaningful or nonmeaningful in nature. The results indicated that approximately 117% more stuttering moments were recorded on nonmeaningful words when compared to meaningful words and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.01). These findings challenge the notion that word meaning can be considered as a reliable predictor of stuttering frequency.
The fault diagnosis based on self-organizing fuzzy clustering Elman network in wind turbines

The wind turbine failure-prone transmission system (shaft, gearbox, high-speed axis and generator) were regarded as the research object in this article. A method based on self-organizing fuzzy clustering and the Elman network wind turbine faults diagnosis was proposed, which preprocessing the data samples with fuzzy clustering criterion collected by vibration sensors on wind turbine, and analysis the faults with the Elman neural network. The experimental results showed that the diagnostic accuracy of the results has been improved by the method comparing with the traditional method.