Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The pain-relieving effect of electro-acupuncture and conventional medical analgesic methods during oocyte retrieval: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE The primary objective of the present review was to determine what pain-relieving effect had been reported for acupuncture and other conscious sedation methods in assisted reproduction therapy since 1990. The secondary objective was to determine pregnancy rates, when possible. METHODS The data source was the Medline database of the National Library of Medicine covering the period January 1990-January 2004. Bibliographies of relevant publications and review articles were scanned. A systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized, controlled trials comparing the pain-relieving effect of acupuncture and other conscious sedation methods was carried out. RESULTS Of the 30 trials identified, 12 met the selection criteria for this systematic review and were included in the analysis. Five of the 12 studies reported differences in pain experiences during oocyte aspiration, but it was only possible to group the three trials evaluating the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA). The outcomes of these three studies were homogenous except from maximal and average pain. CONCLUSION No method could be regarded as being superior to another, and no consensus on which method is optimal for pain relief during oocyte retrieval was found. Low doses of lignocaine can, however, be recommended in paracervical block (PCB) as well as EA without pre-medication. The clinical pregnancy rates appeared to be similar between the studies. Since pain experience varies from individual to individual, the optimal method of conscious sedation may also be individualized.
CaMKII activation supports reward-based neural network optimization through Hamiltonian sampling

Synaptic plasticity is implemented and controlled through over thousand different types of molecules in the postsynaptic density and presynaptic boutons that assume a staggering array of different states through phosporylation and other mechanisms. One of the most prominent molecule in the postsynaptic density is CaMKII, that is described in molecular biology as a "memory molecule" that can integrate through auto-phosporylation Ca-influx signals on a relatively large time scale of dozens of seconds. The functional impact of this memory mechanism is largely unknown. We show that the experimental data on the specific role of CaMKII activation in dopamine-gated spine consolidation suggest a general functional role in speeding up reward-guided search for network configurations that maximize reward expectation. Our theoretical analysis shows that stochastic search could in principle even attain optimal network configurations by emulating one of the most well-known nonlinear optimization methods, simulated annealing. But this optimization is usually impeded by slowness of stochastic search at a given temperature. We propose that CaMKII contributes a momentum term that substantially speeds up this search. In particular, it allows the network to overcome saddle points of the fitness function. The resulting improved stochastic policy search can be understood on a more abstract level as Hamiltonian sampling, which is known to be one of the most efficient stochastic search methods.
Diversity and Evolution of Primate Lentiviruses

The human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV-1 and -2) together with the simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIV) comprise the primate lentivirus family. Since the isolation of the first SIV in 1985 [15], our knowledge of the diversity of these primate lentiviruses has continuously developed by the isolation and characterization of new SIV strains from additional species of African simians. It is now clear that the SIVs are a large group of viruses that can be found naturally in feral and domesticated African primates, such as guenons, mangabeys, mandrills, and chimpanzees; to indicate the species from which each SIV was isolated they are given a short suffix, such as SIVagm for the virus derived from African green monkeys. Most of these African primates are natural hosts for these viruses, but some infections are the result of recent cross-species transmissions. In those species that are natural hosts, the proportion of animals that are seropositive in the wild can be quite high [5, 33, 55, 60], and infected primates do not seem to develop any clinical symptoms [22, 51, 66]. The reasons for this lack of pathogenicity are still not well understood. However the lack of pathogenicity does not seem to be based on inherent properties of the virus, since for example Asian macaques inoculated with SIV from sooty mangabeys or African green monkeys can develop AIDS-like symptoms similar to those of humans after HIV infection [35, 59]. Because SIV is the most closely related lentivirus to HIV, SIV infection of monkeys has become the best animal model for studying the pathogenesis of, and efficacy of vaccines against, HIV infection in humans. In addition, the evaluation of new SIV strains is important to better understand the origins of HIV-1 and -2 and to assess the potential for additional lentiviruses to infect the human population.
The Peculiar Immobility: Regional Affinity and the Postbellum Black Migrant

Why did newly freed slaves and their descendants wait a half a century before migrating in large numbers to the superior economic opportunities in the North? Census lifetime migration data on both movers and stayers are examined intertemporally for both whites and blacks. Regression analysis reveals that before 1920 Southern blacks had a very strong affinity for the "Southern way of life. "
Extended characterization of DMA transfers on the Cell BE processor

The main contributors to message delivery latency in message passing environments are the copying operations needed to transfer and bind a received message to the consuming process/thread. A significant portion of the software communication overhead is attributed to message copying. Recently, a set of factors has been leading high- performance processor architectures toward designs that feature multiple processing cores on a single chip (a.k.a. CMP). The Cell Broadband Engine (BE) shows potential to provide high-performance to parallel applications (e.g., MPI applications). The Cell's non-homogeneous architecture along with small local storage in SPEs impose restrictions and challenges for parallel applications. In this work, we first characterize various data delivery mechanisms in the Cell BE processor; then, we propose techniques to facilitate the delivery of a message in MPI environments implemented in the Cell BE processor. We envision a cluster system comprising several cell processors each supporting several computation threads.
Evaluating Dominance Ranking of Psid Incomes by Various Household Attributes

We examine the dynamic evolution of incomes, both disposable and gross, for several groups in the PSID panel data at several points from 1968 to 1997. We employ the extended Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests of First and Second Order Stochastic Dominance (SD) as implemented by Maasoumi and Heshmati (2000). They do not impose the Least Favorable Case (LFC) of the composite null hypotheses of SD orders. This is in contrast to simulation and bootstrap-based techniques that do so, resulting in tests that are not asymptotically similar or unbiased. Our approach is also different from the subsampling technique of Linton et al (2005) who obtain critical values for these tests under very general sampling schemes. We offer partial control for many individual/family specific attributes, such as age, gender, education, number of children, work and marital status, by comparing group cells. This avoids having to specify and estimate models of dependence of incomes on these attributes, but lacks the multiple controls that is the promise of such techniques. We find a surprising number of strong rankings, both between groups and over time, in gross income and, to a lesser extent, in 'disposable' incomes.
The Truncated Form of Glycoprotein gp2 of Equine Herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) Vaccine Strain KyA Is Not Functionally Equivalent to Full-Length gp2 Encoded by EHV-1 Wild-Type Strain RacL11

ABSTRACT Most equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) strains, including the naturally occurring virulent RacL11 isolate, encode a large glycoprotein, gp2 (250 kDa), which is expressed from gene 71. Besides other alterations in the viral genome, the avirulent strain KyA harbors an in-frame deletion of 1,242 nucleotides in gene 71. To examine the contributions of gp2 variation to virus growth and virulence, mutant RacL11 and KyA viruses expressing full-length or truncated gp2 were generated. Western blot analyses demonstrated expression of a 250-kDa gp2 in cells infected with RacL11 virus or a mutant KyA virus harboring full-length gene 71, whereas a 75- to 80-kDa gp2 was detected in cells infected with KyA or mutant RacL11 virus expressing KyA gp2. The RacL11 gp2 precursor of 250 kDa in size and its truncated KyA counterpart of 80 kDa, as well as the 42-kDa carboxy-terminal gp2 subunit, were incorporated into virus particles. Absence of gp2 in RacL11 resulted in a 6-fold reduction of extracellular virus titers and a 13% reduction of plaque diameters, whereas gp2-negative KyA exhibited a 55% reduction in plaque diameter and a 51-fold decrease in extracellular virus titers. The massive growth defects of gp2-negative KyA could be restored by reinsertion of the truncated but not the full-length gp2 gene. The virulence of the generated gp2 mutant viruses was compared to the virulence of KyA and RacL11 in a murine infection model. RacL11 lacking gp2 was apathogenic for BALB/c mice, and insertion of the truncated KyA gp2 gene into RacL11 was unable to restore virulence. Similarly, replacement in the KyA genome of the truncated with the full-length RacL11 gene 71 did not result in the generation of virulent virus. From the results we conclude that full-length and truncated EHV-1 gp2 are not functionally equivalent and cannot compensate for the action of their homologues in allogeneic virus backgrounds.
Power analysis of hardware implementations protected with secret sharing

We analyze the security of three-share hardware implementations against differential power analysis and advanced variants such as mutual information analysis. We present dedicated distinguishers that allow to recover secret key bits from any cryptographic primitive that is implemented as a sequence of quadratic functions. Starting from the analytical treatment of such distinguishers and information-theoretic arguments, we derive the success probability and required number of traces in the presence of algorithmic noise. We show that attacks on three-share hardware implementation require a number of traces that scales in the third power of the algorithmic noise variance. Finally, we apply and test our model on Keccak in a keyed mode.
User profile integration made easy: model-driven extraction and transformation of social network schemas

User profile integration from multiple social networks is indispensable for gaining a comprehensive view on users. Although current social networks provide access to user profile data via dedicated APIs, they fail to provide accurate schema information, which aggravates the integration of user profiles, and not least the adaptation of applications in the face of schema evolution. To alleviate these problems, this paper presents, firstly, a semi-automatic approach to extract schema information from instance data. Secondly, transformations of the derived schemas to different technical spaces are utilized, thereby allowing, amongst other benefits, the application of established integration tools and methods. Finally, as a case study, schemas are derived for Facebook, Google+, and LinkedIn. The resulting schemas are analyzed (i) for completeness and correctness according to the documentation, and (ii) for semantic overlaps and heterogeneities amongst each other, building the basis for future user profile integration.
Adopting Agile Methods in the Public Sector: A Systematic Literature Review

Agile software development (ASD) has become an important research topic. However, despite the increase in the number of studies in this area in the last few years, there is a lack of structured information about its adoption in the public sector. Since the public sector is the part of the economy concerned with providing various government services, the goal of this study is to report from a systematic literature review and provide information that may enhance the understanding of the implications of adopting ASD within public companies. As the main results, we found that ASD could indeed be adopted in the public sector. The analysis suggests that a good alternative is to start the adoption of ASD with people willing to change - strongly supported by senior management - working on important pilot- projects. Second, we found that job satisfaction is greater when adopting agile methods within public companies. Finally, we also found some barriers that are difficult to overcome, including the ingrained use of plan-drive methods, as well as big bang deliveries and lack of experience in ASD.
The effects of microstimulation and microlesions in the ventral and dorsal respiratory groups in medulla of cat

The responses in respiratory outflow resulting from microstimulation and successive microlesions of the dorsal (DRG) and ventral (VRG) respiratory groups of neurons in the brainstem were studied in anesthetized, paralyzed, artificially ventilated cats. Microstimulation (2 to 120 Hz; 5 to 50 microA; 100 musec pulse duration) at almost every point within the DRG or VRG produced a bilateral short latency inhibition of phrenic nerve activity which had an onset latency of 4 to 9 msec and a duration of 4 to 24 msec. This global stereotyped phrenic inhibition was elicited by single pulses and often was accompanied by a postinhibitory excitation. In 48% (92/193) of the stimulation trials, trains of stimulus pulses during inspiration decreased the duration of inspiration. In 25% of the expiratory microstimulation trials, expiratory duration was increased and in 11%, expiration was shortened markedly by trains of pulses. Single shocks delivered to the right VRG or DRG produced a short latency excitation in the ipsilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve (RRL). This RRL excitation had an onset latency of 2 to 5 msec and a duration of 3 to 15 msec. Evidence suggests that the RRL excitation is due to a paucisynaptic activation of expiratory motoneurons in the caudal VRG. This activation is synchronous with the inhibition of inspiratory neurons in DRG and VRG. Despite the powerful short latency effects of microstimulation in VRG and DRG, extensive bilateral destruction of these neuronal populations had only modest effects on respiratory rhythm, while it decreased (or abolished) respiratory outflow in phrenic and recurrent laryngeal nerves. The combined results of the microstimulation and microlesion portions of this study suggest that a region (or regions) outside of the DRG and VRG might be important in the control of the respiratory pattern and that the DRG and VRG are important in determining the depth of inspiration; their role in generating respiratory rhythm needs to be critically re-examined.
Corporate foundations in the mining industry: the relationship between responsible investment and social investment

This article explores the relationship between responsible investment (RI) initiatives in capital markets and lending institutions, and the performance of social investment as a specific form of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the mining industry. It focuses on how the nature of institutional investment initiatives encourages certain organizational structures for CSR activities. The argument is developed by exploring an inherent conflict between the business case motivations for CSR as promoted by RI initiatives, and the legitimacy of CSR activities being based on their performance-fulfilling normative CSR values. Corporate foundations in the mining industry provide the empirical context for examination. These organizations distribute the benefits of mining operations through social investment. They are – interestingly – both connected to their sponsoring mining firms and yet self-governed. The organizational form of corporate foundations works as a strategic response to RI initiatives because the form allows social investment practices at a distance from the corporation to maintain its normative legitimacy and thus create the CSR desired by investors. Framed by an institutional economic geography lens, this organizational dynamic indicates that the inherent conflict in RI initiatives produces greater attention to the form of delivery of CSR than to its functions.
The Effect of Acid-Reducing Pharmacotherapy on the Severity of Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy

Background. Heartburn and acid reflux (HB/RF) are associated with increased severity of nausea and vomiting. The ability of acid-reducing drugs to reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy has not been previously tested. Objective. To determine whether acid-reducing pharmacotherapy decreases the severity of NVP symptoms. Methods. We studied a cohort of women experiencing NVP, who were also experiencing HB/RF. Women were counseled to commence acid-reducing pharmacotherapy. The effectiveness of the acid-reducing medication in decreasing symptoms of both HB/RF and NVP was measured. Results. Acid-reducing drugs resulted in significant decreases in PUQE (9.6 ± 3.0 to 6.5 ± 2.5, P < .0001) and well-being scores from the initial (4.0 ± 2.0) to the follow-up interview (6.8 ± 1.6, P < .0001). After intervention with acid-reducing pharmacotherapy, a reduction in acid symptoms correlated significantly with reduction in NVP (R 2 = 0.72, P < .001). Conclusion. This is the first study to demonstrate that management of HB/RF can reduce the severity of NVP.
Asymptotics of the partition function for random matrices via Riemann-Hilbert techniques and applications to graphical enumeration

We study the partition function from random matrix theory using a well known connection to orthogonal polynomials, and a recently developed Riemann-Hilbert approach to the computation of detailed asymptotics for these orthogonal polynomials. We obtain the first proof of a complete large N expansion for the partition function, for a general class of probability measures on matrices, originally conjectured by Bessis, Itzykson, and Zuber. We prove that the coefficients in the asymptotic expansion are analytic functions of parameters in the original probability measure, and that they are generating functions for the enumeration of labelled maps according to genus and valence. Central to the analysis is a large N expansion for the mean density of eigenvalues, uniformly valid on the entire real axis.
NATURAL WEAK FACTORIZATION SYSTEMS

In order to facilitate a natural choice for morphisms created by the (left or right) lifting property as used in the definition of weak factorization systems, the notion of natural weak factorization system in the category K is introduced, as a pair (comonad, monad) over K. The link with existing notions in terms of morphism classes is given via the respective Eilenberg– Moore categories.
Assessing the Impact of SiC MOSFETs on Converter Interfaces for Distributed Energy Resources

Distributed energy resources (DERs) are becoming integral components of electric power distribution systems. In most cases, an isolated DC-DC converter forms part of the interface required to connect the DER output to the distribution system. Operation of the converter at high switching frequencies results in size reduction of passive components at the expense of increased switching losses. However, silicon carbide (SiC) power devices have the potential of operating at high switching frequencies without significant loss penalty because of their fast switching times and ability to work at high temperatures when compared to similar Si devices. SiC diodes have already displayed the ability to offer more ideal diode behavior than Si diodes. Engineering samples of SiC MOSFETs are depicting lower switching losses and conduction losses over Si MOSFETs. This display is making SiC devices attractive for DC-DC converters used to connect DERs to the distribution system. This paper particularly deals with the design of a 300 W 100 kHz DC-DC full-bridge converter using zero-voltage zero-current switching for comparison of SiC MOSFETs and diodes against Si MOSFETs and diodes.
The link between career risk aversion and unemployment duration: Evidence of nonlinear and time-depending pattern

In this study, we investigate the nexus between career risk aversion and unemployment duration based on German survey data (GSOEP). Using a direct measurement of career risk aversion, we do not find a statistically significant linear effect from risk aversion on unemployment duration. However, we find significant effects when controlling for a non-linear or time varying correlation between risk aversion and unemployment duration. Our results show that risk aversion is important when deciding when to leave unemployment. This research takes into account the high complexity involved in how risk aversion enters an individual’s decision process during a job search.
Intra‐Industry Trade Liberalization: Why Skilled Workers are More Likely to Support Free Trade

This paper presents a theoretical model and empirical analysis that connects the prevalence of intra‐industry trade with increased wage inequality from trade liberalization in both skilled and unskilled labor abundant countries. The Stolper–Samuelson effect is incorporated into an intra‐industry trade liberalization (intra‐ITL) hypothesis where skilled labor opposes protectionism in all countries engaged in intra‐industry trade because skilled workers gain at the expense of unskilled workers from multilateral trade liberalization within the skill‐intensive sector. We examine empirical evidence on whether skilled individuals are more supportive of trade liberalization than unskilled individuals across 31 countries with different levels of intra‐industry trade and skill endowments. We find that the extent to which countries engage in intra‐industry trade in high‐tech commodities is strongly linked with the intensity of opposition to protection by skilled labor. Regression results strongly support our hypothesis that skilled workers, almost everywhere, are more likely to support free trade.