Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health Care Utilization and Risk Behaviors among HIV Positive Minority Drug Users

This study compared health care utilization and HIV-related risk behaviors between HIV-infected African American (n=123) and Hispanic (n=97) drug users recruited in New York City. African Americans were more likely to use crack, while Hispanics were more likely to use heroin and speedball. African Americans were more likely than Hispanics to report having traded sex for drugs or money. The two groups did not significantly differ in HIV care utilization (e.g., taking HIV medications). In multiple logistic regression analyses, for African Americans, taking HIV medications was significantly related to enrollment in HIV clinics and non-use of crack, while for Hispanics, being married and attending HIV support groups were significant factors. Drug treatment enrollment was significantly related to non-use of crack and injection drug use among African Americans, and a trend (p=.07) was found between injection drug use and drug treatment enrollment among Hispanics. The findings indicate the continuing need for harm reduction programs for HIV positive drug using populations. Programs for these populations should also take into account the different risk behaviors among different racial/ethnic groups, in order to tailor culturally sensitive programs for HIV care and intervention.
Psychology-based rhythmic transformations

The psychology-based rhythmic analysis of McLachlan in 'A Spatial Theory of Rhythmic Resolution', on music from the African and Javanese musical traditions using Gestalt theory and mathematical group theory, to include ternarizations and other timespans, is generalized. McLachlan used Gestalt psychology principles to define rhythmic transformations from a 12-pulse rhythm to a 16-pulse rhythm. The superposition of two groups of 3 pulses over two groups of 4 pulses is sufficient to generate a 12-pulse rhythm. The 12-pulse rhythm is snapped to the 16-pulse rhythm using the nearest neighbor rule but the snapping of the rhythm to pulses numbered 0, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 13 are restricted. The results show that the original rhythm has many onsets in common with the salient positions in the construction of McLachlan showing an efficient binarization.
TIDY: A trust-based approach to information fusion through diversity

Trust and reputation are significant components in open dynamic systems for making informed and reliable decisions. State-of-the-art information fusion models that exploit these mechanisms generally rely on reports from as many sources as possible. Situations exist, however, where seeking evidence from all possible sources is unrealistic. Querying information sources is costly especially in resource-constrained environments, in terms of time and bandwidth. In addition, reports from multiple sources expose one to the risk of double-counting evidence, introducing an extra challenge of distinguishing fact from rumour. This paper describes TIDY (Trust-based Information fusion through DiversitY), a trust-based approach to information fusion that exploits diversity among information sources in order to select a small number of candidates to query for evidence, and to minimise the effect of correlated evidence and bias. We demonstrate that reliable decisions can be reached using evidence from small groups of individuals. We show empirically that our approach is robust in contexts of variable trust in information sources, and to a degree of deception.
Normal reference intervals and the effects of sample handling on dynamic viscoelastic coagulometry (Sonoclot) in healthy adult horses

OBJECTIVE To determine reference intervals and the effect of sample agitation and rest time on Sonoclot analysis in healthy adult horses. DESIGN Original prospective study. SETTING University veterinary medical teaching hospital. ANIMALS Sixty healthy adult horses. INTERVENTIONS Blood was collected for assessment of complete blood count, serum biochemical analysis, and Sonoclot analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Horses were determined to be healthy based upon physical examination, CBC, and serum biochemistry analysis. Blood was analyzed in a glass bead-containing cuvette using the Sienco Sonoclot analyzer following 2 rest periods (30 mins and 240 min) and with 2 sample handling interventions (agitated and nonagitated), to obtain values for clot rate, time-to-peak, activated clotting time, and platelet function. This study failed to detect a significant difference when a rest time of 30 minutes was compared with 240 minutes, but based on wide limits of agreement the 2 rest times were not considered interchangeable. Agitation at both rest times significantly affected all Sonoclot analyses leading to changes indicative of hypercoagulability. CONCLUSIONS Sample agitation and rest time should be taken into consideration when developing preanalytical guidelines for Sonoclot analysis in horses. Calculated reference intervals were relatively wide. Further research is needed to evaluate the clinical utility of Sonoclot analysis in horses.
On the Tuning of High-Resolution NMR Probes

Three optimum conditions for the tuning of NMR probes are compared: the conventional tuning optimum, which is based on radio-frequency pulse efficiency, the spin noise tuning optimum based on the line shape of the spin noise signal, and the newly introduced frequency shift tuning optimum, which minimizes the frequency pushing effect on strong signals. The latter results if the radiation damping feedback field is not in perfect quadrature to the precessing magnetization. According to the conventional RLC (resistor–inductor–capacitor) resonant circuit model, the optima should be identical, but significant deviations are found experimentally at low temperatures, in particular on cryogenically cooled probes. The existence of different optima with respect to frequency pushing and spin noise line shape has important consequences on the nonlinearity of spin dynamics at high polarization levels and the implementation of experiments on cold probes.
Control of Hypertension in Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States

Although improved control of hypertension is known to attenuate progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), little is known about the adequacy of hypertension treatment in adults with CKD in the United States. Using data from the Fourth National Health and Nutrition Survey, we assessed adherence to national hypertension guideline targets for patients with CKD (blood pressure <130/80 mm Hg), we assessed control of systolic (<130 mm Hg) and diastolic (<80 mm Hg) blood pressure, and we evaluated determinants of adequate blood pressure control. Presence of CKD was defined as glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or presence of albuminuria (albumin:creatinine ratio >30 &mgr;g/mg). Multivariable logistic regression with appropriate weights was used to determine predictors of inadequate hypertension control and related outcomes. Among 3213 participants with CKD, 37% had blood pressure <130/80 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI], 34.5% to 41.8%). Of those with inadequate blood pressure control, 59% (95% CI, 54% to 64%) had systolic >130 mm Hg, with diastolic ≤80 mm Hg, whereas only 7% (95% CI, 3.9 to 9.8%) had a diastolic pressure >80 mm Hg, with systolic blood pressure ≤130 mm Hg. Non-Hispanic black race (odds ratio [OR], 2.4; 95% CI, 1.5 to 3.9), age >75 years (OR, 4.7; 95% CI, 2.7 to 8.2), and albuminuria (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.4 to 4.1) were independently associated with inadequate blood pressure control. We conclude that control of hypertension is poor in participants with CKD and that lack of control is primarily attributable to systolic hypertension. Future guidelines and antihypertensive therapies for patients with CKD should target isolated systolic hypertension.
A Model of BGA Thermal Fatigue Life Prediction Considering Load Sequence Effects

Accurate testing history data is necessary for all fatigue life prediction approaches, but such data is always deficient especially for the microelectronic devices. Additionally, the sequence of the individual load cycle plays an important role in physical fatigue damage. However, most of the existing models based on the linear damage accumulation rule ignore the sequence effects. This paper proposes a thermal fatigue life prediction model for ball grid array (BGA) packages to take into consideration the load sequence effects. For the purpose of improving the availability and accessibility of testing data, a new failure criterion is discussed and verified by simulation and experimentation. The consequences for the fatigue underlying sequence load conditions are shown.
Don't Bi-Negative: Reduction of Negative Attitudes Toward Bisexuals by Blurring the Gender Dichotomy

Bisexual people suffer from stereotypes and negative attitudes. The authors investigated one possible explanation for this bi-negativity: that bisexuality, being nonmonosexual, challenges the deep-rooted dichotomous gender construct. Sixty-two participants were randomly assigned to read one of two vignettes: One blurred gender differences, the other emphasized them. Results showed first that there was greater bi-negativity among men compared to women. Among participants who were not personally acquainted with bisexuals, those in the blurring condition displayed less bi-negativity than those in the emphasizing condition. Findings suggest that the binary gender construct can indeed interfere with acceptance of bisexuals. This, in turn, suggests a way to reduce bi-negativity and thus may prove beneficial in improving the well-being of the bisexual community. [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Journal of Bisexuality for the following free supplemental resources: Supplementary Appendices A–E. ]
Arguments and relationships within the family: Differences in young children's disputes with mother and sibling.

This study examined whether children's arguments differ in disputes with mother and with sibling as well as how arguments used in family interaction relate to later assessment of social understanding. Fifty children (age 33 months) were observed interacting with the mother and sibling in 2 visits in the child's home, and family conversation was recorded and subsequently transcribed. Results showed correlations between partners'arguments in conflict within dyads, but children's argument with their mothers was not related to that used when in dispute with their siblings. Children's use of argument with sibling was also predictive of sociocognitive performance assessed 7 months later
Neural correlates of the abolished self-referential memory effect in schizophrenia

Background The self-referential memory (SRM) effect refers to the phenomenon that stimuli processed with reference to the self are better remembered than those referenced to others. Studies have shown that schizophrenia patients do not have this memorial advantage for self-referenced information. The current study investigated the electrophysiological mechanism of the abolished SRM effect in schizophrenia. Method Twenty schizophrenia patients and 22 controls were recruited to complete an SRM task. We used a high-time resolution event-related potential (ERP) technique to analyze the electrophysiological differences between patients and controls during self- and other-reflection processing. Results Behavior data indicated that healthy controls had a typical SRM bias that was absent in the schizophrenia patients. ERP comparison between groups showed that the schizophrenia patients presented smaller voltages in both self- and other-reflection conditions in the 160–260 ms (P2 component) and 800–1200 ms (positive slow wave) time windows over the pre/frontal cortex. Furthermore, the N2 amplitudes (270–380 ms) differed between self- and other-reflection conditions in patients but not in normal controls. More importantly, we found that the P3 amplitudes in the parietal cortex correlated significantly with the SRM bias score in the patients (r = –0.688). Conclusions These results provide comprehensive and direct electrophysiological evidence for self- and other-reflective dysfunction in schizophrenia patients and contribute to our understanding of the underlying neural substrates of the abolished SRM effect in schizophrenia.
Family Relations When a Child is Gifted

Researchers interested in the study of children in families have traditionally focused on the impact of a mother’s behavior upon each individual child or on the association between birth order and differences among siblings (Schvaneveldt & Ihinger, 1979; Walters & Walters, 1980). Empirical interest in nonlinear and noncausal interactions between parents and children (Walters & Walters, 1980); father-child interactions (Lewis & Pleck, 1979); the concurrent contributions of each spouse to a child’s behavior (Clarke-Stewart, 1978; Lamb, 1977; Park &
The Effect of Pain on Cognitive Function: Preclinical and Clinical Investigations

Chronic pain is associated with high social and economic costs due to its disabling physical and psychological effects. Despite some evidence that chronic pain negatively affects cognitive function, little is known about the mechanisms by which pain and cognition interact and influence one another. Theories based on the existing literature suggest that pain may alter the accessibility of cognitive resources or may be associated with changes in neuroplasticity and neurochemistry, which may in turn impact on cognition. A role for age in the interaction between pain and cognition has also been suggested. The aims of the work presented in this thesis were to investigate the relationship between pain and cognitive function, and to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying this relationship, using a translational approach involving preclinical and clinical models. The L5–L6 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) and complete Freund’s adjuvant models of chronic neuropathic and inflammatory pain, respectively, were employed in young and mid-aged rats and cognitive performance was assessed using behavioural tests of spatial learning, spatial and recognition memory and cognitive flexibility. A novel behavioural paradigm, which used air-puff to induce passive avoidance, was also developed and used to test aversive learning and memory in rat models of chronic pain. HPLC, immunohistochemistry and western immunoblotting were used to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying the relationship between chronic pain and cognitive function, specifically the role of the monoaminergic system and that of the synaptic protein synaptophysin as a potential indicator of synaptic plasticity. Cognitive function was also examined in a clinical sample of chronic neuropathic or radicular pain patients, in the domains of verbal memory, spatial memory, attention and executive function. The studies provide some evidence for deficits in cognitive performance associated with the SNL model of neuropathic pain, which were dependent on age and on the cognitive task. Furthermore, the studies identify pain-related alterations in synaptophysin expression in regions such as the hippocampus and the prefrontal and amygdaloid cortices, which may contribute to the observed impairments in cognitive behaviour. Alterations in monoaminergic transmission were also identified in the SNL model in mid-aged rats. In the clinical study, chronic pain patients were found to perform poorly compared with controls on measures of intelligence and memory, and showed an altered pattern of responding in tests of attention. Significant interactions between these cognitive outcomes and age were also observed, highlighting the influence of age on the relationship between chronic pain and cognition. In conclusion, these results expand on the previous literature suggesting that chronic pain is associated with impaired cognitive function, and suggest the involvement of neurochemical and neuroplastic mechanisms.
Finding Short Definitions of Terms on Web Pages

We present a system that finds short definitions of terms on Web pages. It employs a Maximum Entropy classifier, but it is trained on automatically generated examples; hence, it is in effect unsupervised. We use rouge-w to generate training examples from encyclopedias and Web snippets, a method that outperforms an alternative centroid-based one. After training, our system can be used to find definitions of terms that are not covered by encyclopedias. The system outperforms a comparable publicly available system, as well as a previously published form of our system.
Alpha particle tracks in silicon and their effect on dynamic MOS RAM reliability

Recent investigations have found low levels of alpha radiation (< .1 counts/cm2-hour) emitted from the immediate chip environment to be responsible for soft errors in 16K MOS dynamic RAMs. We have investigated this problem in two related studies. First, we review the interaction of alpha particles with the Si lattice and present range-energy and specific ionization data. The collection dynamics of the charge track and the influence of small, built-in potentials are identified. Further, design curves are presented to allow prediction of the collected charge at shallow n+p functions as a incident particle energy, angle and available collection time. Second, we review the operation of current memory devices and show how soft failures in different parts of the circuitry can be identified. The experimental dependence of soft error rate on incident particle energy and angle is also shown. Finally, we propose a simple accelerated test to evaluate device susceptibility to this failure mode.
Melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation procedure: A few insights

© 2016 Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology | Published by Wolters Kluwer Medknow Vitiligo is a chronic disease of little-understood pathogenesis. Appearance of hypoor depigmented patches anywhere on the body is enough to send a shiver down the spine of an affected person and his/her family due to stigma and social compulsions, especially in South and Middle-East Asia. My initial results in patients treated with non-cultured melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation procedure encouraged me to focus on this treatment for vitiligo. [1-3] We have treated about 1000 patients every year since 2003–2015 at National Center for Vitiligo, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Medical treatment included topical creams (steroids and calcineurin inhibitors), narrowband ultraviolet-B phototherapy and excimer laser depending upon duration, extent of disease and anatomic locations of vitiligo lesions. In addition, we used palliative measures such as camouflage. However, our center is known for its surgical expertise. Most patients were treated with melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation procedure though we have used split thickness skin grafting on a few occasions, especially for very small lesions located on areas such as the wrists and forearms that can be easily immobilised, and after failures with melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation procedure. [4-10] It has been reported that split thickness skin grafting has the highest success rate and we tend to agree with this statement though more comparative studies are required to confirm this proposition. [11] We did not use epidermal grafting or punch grafting because both are time-consuming, can treat only small areas in one session and are frequently associated with adverse reactions. [11] On the contrary, melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation procedure is a day care procedure which can be completed in 1–2 h and unlike cultured melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation, it does not require a special laboratory thus reducing expenses. Considering cost, difficulty level of technique, training, results and adverse events, melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation procedure lies between tissue grafting methods and cultured melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation procedure. It combines the advantages of culture technique while eliminating the disadvantages of tissue grafting methods. Therefore, it is likely to be a widely used surgical method in the future.
PEGylated gold nanorods as optical trackers for biomedical applications: an in vivo and in vitro comparative study

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) are eligible for a variety of biological applications including cell imaging, sensing, and photothermal therapy thanks to their optical properties. The aim of this work is to show how AuNRs could be employed as non-photobleachable optical contrast agents for biomedical applications. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of their use as optical trackers, we employed two-photon emission confocal microscopy on cells incubated with PEGylated AuNRs. Remarkably, AuNRs were localized mostly in the perinuclear zone and microscopy characterization showed the presence of a considerable number of rods inside cell nuclei. Furthermore, we estimated the toxicity and the efficiency of cellular uptake of the PEGylated AuNRs as a function of administered dose on HeLa/3T3 cell lines and on zebrafish during development, employed as an in vivo model. Eventually, we observed good agreement between in vivo and in vitro experiments. The employed AuNRs were prepared through a photochemical protocol here improved by tuning the amount of the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide for the achievement of AuNRs at two different aspect ratios. Furthermore we also investigated if the AuNR aspect ratio influenced the toxicity and the efficiency of cellular uptake of the PEGylated AuNRs in HeLa/3T3 cell lines and in zebrafish embryos.
Cash for Corollas: When Stimulus Reduces Spending

The 2009 Cash for Clunkers program aimed to stimulate consumer spending in the new automobile industry, which experienced disproportionate reductions in demand and employment during the Great Recession. Exploiting program eligibility criteria in a regression discontinuity design, we show more than half of the subsidies went to households who would have purchased during the two-month program anyway; the rest accelerated sales by no more than eight months. Moreover, the program's fuel efficiency restrictions shifted purchases toward vehicles that cost on average $7,600 less. Thus, we estimate on net the $3 billion program reduced total new vehicle spending by $5 billion.