Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trends in Prescription Pain Medication Use by Race/Ethnicity Among US Adults With Noncancer Pain, 2000-2015.

OBJECTIVES To examine national trends in the use of various pharmacological pain medication classes by race/ethnicity among the US pain population. METHODS We used data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to conduct a nationally representative, serial cross-sectional study of the noninstitutionalized US adult population from 2000 to 2015. We identified adults with moderate or severe self-reported pain and excluded individuals with cancer. We used complex survey design to provide national estimates of the percentage of adults with noncancer pain who received prescription pain medications among 4 groups: non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic or Latino, and other. RESULTS The age- and gender-adjusted percentage of prescription opioid use increased across all groups, with the greatest increase among non-Hispanic White individuals. By 2015, the percentage of non-Hispanic Black adults using opioids approximated that of non-Hispanic White adults-in 2015, approximately 23% of adults in these 2 groups used opioids. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of a narrowing divide in opioid prescribing by race. However, in the context of the national epidemic of opioid-related addiction and mortality, opioid-related risks do not appear commensurate with the purported benefits.
Ultra Reliable UAV Communication Using Altitude and Cooperation Diversity

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) serving as aerial base stations is expected to become predominant in the next decade. However, in order, for this technology, to unfold its full potential, it is necessary to develop a fundamental understanding of the distinctive features of air-to-ground (A2G) links. As a contribution in this direction, this paper proposes a generic framework for the analysis and optimization of the A2G systems. In contrast to the existing literature, this framework incorporates both height-dependent path loss exponent and small-scale fading, and unifies a widely used ground-to-ground channel model with that of A2G for the analysis of large-scale wireless networks. We derive analytical expressions for the optimal UAV height that minimizes the outage probability of an arbitrary A2G link. Moreover, our framework allows us to derive a height-dependent closed-form expression for the outage probability of an A2G cooperative communication network. Our results suggest that the optimal location of the UAVs with respect to the ground nodes does not change by the inclusion of ground relays. This enables interesting insights about the deployment of future A2G networks, as the system reliability could be adjusted dynamically by adding relaying nodes without requiring changes in the position of the corresponding UAVs. Finally, to optimize the network for multiple destinations, we derive an optimum altitude of the UAV for maximum coverage region by guaranteeing a minimum outage performance over the region.
Efficacy of extracting indices from large‐scale acoustic recordings to monitor biodiversity

Passive acoustic monitoring could be a powerful way to assess biodiversity across large spatial and temporal scales. However, extracting meaningful information from recordings can be prohibitively time consuming. Acoustic indices (i.e., a mathematical summary of acoustic energy) offer a relatively rapid method for processing acoustic data and are increasingly used to characterize biological communities. We examined the relationship between acoustic indices and the diversity and abundance of biological sounds in recordings. We reviewed the acoustic‐index literature and found that over 60 indices have been applied to a range of objectives with varying success. We used 36 of the most indicative indices to develop a predictive model of the diversity of animal sounds in recordings. Acoustic data were collected at 43 sites in temperate terrestrial and tropical marine habitats across the continental United States. For terrestrial recordings, random‐forest models with a suite of acoustic indices as covariates predicted Shannon diversity, richness, and total number of biological sounds with high accuracy (R2 ≥ 0.94, mean squared error [MSE] ≤170.2). Among the indices assessed, roughness, acoustic activity, and acoustic richness contributed most to the predictive ability of models. Performance of index models was negatively affected by insect, weather, and anthropogenic sounds. For marine recordings, random‐forest models poorly predicted Shannon diversity, richness, and total number of biological sounds (R2 ≤ 0.40, MSE ≥ 195). Our results suggest that using a combination of relevant acoustic indices in a flexible model can accurately predict the diversity of biological sounds in temperate terrestrial acoustic recordings. Thus, acoustic approaches could be an important contribution to biodiversity monitoring in some habitats.
The effectiveness of Cues - Pause - Point method for overcoming echolalia in Arabic-Speaking children with autism

Echolalia is the parroting of the words of others and it is associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of cues-pause-point method for overcoming echolalia in Arabic - speaking children with autism. To achieve this objective, the researcher prepared instrument consisted of 30 questions distributed into three content areas (identification, social interaction, and factual). The study sample consisted of 20 autistic children distributed randomly into two equal groups. Every group consisted of 10 participants. One of these groups was chosen randomly to be the experimental one to enroll in the cues-pause-point method training in order to achieve the goal of the study. The other group was chosen to be the control one. Means and standard deviations of pre-post test responses were counted. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was analyzed to determine the difference between means and Multivariate Analysis Covariance (MANCOVA) was analyzed to find out statistically differences between content areas means. T-test has been used to count the difference between post-follow up test means. The results demonstrated that cues-pause-point method can be effective in teaching children with autism correct responses. The results indicated significant differences in overcoming echolalia between experimental and control group on post test, in favor of the experimental group. Also the results indicated significant differences among experimental group on post-follow up test, in favor of the post test. (Ahmad Mousa Al-Dawaideh. The effectiveness of Cues - Pause - Point method for overcoming echolalia in Arabic-Speaking children with autism. Life Sci J 2014;11(1):72-82). (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 10
Comparison of experimental and numerical sloshing loads in partially filled tanks

Sloshing describes the movement of liquids inside partially filled tanks, generating dynamic loads on the tank structure. The resulting impact pressures are of great importance in assessing structural strength, and their correct evaluation still represents a challenge for the designer due to the high level of nonlinearities involved, with complex free surface deformations, violent impact phenomena and influence of air trapping. In the present paper, a set of two-dimensional cases, for which experimental results are available, is considered to assess the merits and shortcomings of different numerical methods for sloshing evaluation, namely two commercial RANS solvers (FLOW-3D and LS-DYNA), and two academic software (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics and RANS). Impact pressures at various critical locations and global moment induced by water motion in a partially filled rectangular tank, subject to a simple harmonic rolling motion, are evaluated and predictions are compared with experimental measurements.
Piezo stimulated currents in marble samples: precursory and concurrent-with-failure signals

Abstract. The Earth’s electric field transient variations are promising candidates of earthquake precursors. In order to study the physical mechanisms of such precursory signals, laboratory experiments of uniaxial compression were carried out. More specifically the behaviour of stressed marble samples from Penteli Mountain was investigated. The samples were subjected to a time-varying uniaxial compression at both variable and constant stress rates. During the first set of experiments weak electric currents were detected during pressure variations. Such Piezo Stimulated Currents (PSC) were detected while stress steps, both positive and negative were applied, the maximum stress never being greater than the elasticity limit. During the second set of experiments stress was applied at a constant rate starting from zero-stress and ending in fracture. In the region beyond the elastic limit a PSC was detected which after reaching a peak suffered a reversal in its polarity just before fracture. In a third set of experiments the same procedure was applied to previously structurally damaged samples taking care not to fracture them. In all cases the PSC followed the variation of stress and moreover it was observed that a linear relationship existed between the PSC maxima and the corresponding stress-rate maxima. The mechanism responsible for the described phenomena can be ascribed to the Moving Charged Dislocations model.
Evaluating Factor Pricing Models Using High Frequency Panels

This paper develops a new framework and statistical tools to analyze stock returns using high frequency data. We consider a continuous-time multi-factor model via a continuous-time multivariate regression model incorporating realistic empirical features, such as persistent stochastic volatilities with leverage effects. We find that conventional regression approach often leads to misleading and inconsistent test results. We overcome this by using samples collected at random intervals, which are set by the clock running inversely proportional to the market volatility. We find that the size factor has difficulty in explaining the size-based portfolios, while the book-to-market factor is a valid pricing factor.
Modifying Taylor Reaction Functions in Presence of the Zero-Lower-Bound – Evidence for the ECB and the Fed

We propose an alternative way of estimating Taylor reaction functions if the zero-lowerbound on nominal interest rates is binding. This approach relies on tackling the real rather than the nominal interest rate. So if the nominal rate is (close to) zero central banks can influence the inflation expectations via quantitative easing. The unobservable inflation expectations are estimated with a state-space model that additionally generates a timevarying series for the equilibrium real interest rate and the potential output - both needed for estimations of Taylor reaction functions. We test our approach for the ECB and the Fed within the recent crisis. We add other explanatory variables to this modified Taylor reaction function and show that there are substantial differences between the estimated reaction coefficients in the pre- and crisis era for both central banks. While the central banks on both sides of the Atlantic act less inertially, put a smaller weight on the inflation gap, money growth and the risk spread, the response to asset price inflation becomes more pronounced during the crisis. However, the central banks diverge in their response to the output gap and credit growth.
The Temptation of Zero Price: Event-Related Potentials Evidence of How Price Framing Influences the Purchase of Bundles

Studies have revealed that consumers are susceptible to price framing effect, a common cognitive bias, due to their limited capacity in processing information. The effect of price framing in a bundling context and its neural correlates, however, remain not clearly characterized. The present study applied the event-related potentials (ERPs) approach to investigate the role of price framing in information processing and purchase decision making in a bundling context. Three price frames were created with practically identical total prices (with a maximum difference of ¥0.1, which was about equal to 0.016 US dollars) for a bundle with two components, a focal product and a tie-in product. In normal price condition (NP), both the focal and tie-in products were offered at a normal discounted price; in zero price condition (ZP), the tie-in product was offered free while the total price of the bundle remained the same as NP; whereas in low price condition (LP), the tie-in product was offered at a low token price (¥0.1), and the focal product shared the same price as the focal product of ZP. The behavioral results showed a higher purchase rate and a shorter reaction time for ZP in contrast to NP. Neurophysiologically, enlarged LPP amplitude was elicited by ZP relative to NP, suggesting that ZP triggered a stronger positive affect that could motivate decision to buy. Thus, this study provides both behavioral and neural evidence for how different price framing information is processed and ultimately gives rise to price framing effect in purchase decision making.
Exploring the Relationship Between Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV Acquisition by Using Different Study Designs

Background:It is hypothesized that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) increase the risk of HIV acquisition. Yet difficulties establishing an accurate temporal relation and controlling confounders have obscured this relationship. In an attempt to overcome prior methodologic shortcomings, we explored the use of different study designs to examine the relationship between STDs and HIV acquisition. Methods:Acutely HIV-infected patients were included as cases and compared with (1) HIV-uninfected patients (matched case-control), (2) newly diagnosed chronically HIV-infected patients (infected analysis), and (3) themselves at prior clinic visits when they tested HIV negative (case crossover). We used t tests to compare the average number of STDs and logistic regression to determine independent correlates and the odds of acute HIV infection. Results:Between October 2003 and March 2007, 13,662 male patients who had sex with men were tested for HIV infection at San Francisco's municipal STD clinic and 350 HIV infections (2.56%) were diagnosed. Among the HIV-infected patients, 36 cases (10.3%) were identified as acute. We found consistently higher odds of having had an STD within the 12 months [matched case-control, odds ratio 5.2 (2.2-12.6); infected analysis, odds ratio 1.4 (1.0-2.0); and case crossover, odds ratio 1.3 (0.5-3.1)] and 3 months [matched case-control, odds ratio 34.5 (4.1-291.3); infected analysis, odds ratio 2.3 (1.1-4.8); and case crossover, odds ratio 1.8 (0.6-5.6)] before HIV testing among acutely HIV-infected patients. We found higher odds of acute HIV infection among patients with concurrent rectal gonorrhea [17.0 (2.6-111.4), P < 0.01] or syphilis [5.8 (1.1-32.3), P = 0.04] when compared with those HIV-uninfected patients. Conclusions:Acute HIV infection was associated with a recent or concurrent STD, particularly rectal gonorrhea, among men at San Francisco's municipal STD clinic. Given the complex relationship between STDs and HIV infection, no single design will appropriately control for all the possible confounders; studies using complementary designs are required.
Case-based surveillance of measles in Sicily during 2012-2017: The changing molecular epidemiology and implications for vaccine strategies

Following the indication of the World Health Organization, a national plan for the elimination of measles was approved in Italy and this included the improvement of the molecular surveillance of measles viruses and the interruption of indigenous transmission of the disease. Nevertheless, large outbreaks continue to occur in almost all regions of the country, including Sicily. Here we describe the epidemiology and molecular dynamics of measles viruses as a result of the measles surveillance activity carried out by the “Reference Laboratory for Measles and Rubella” in Sicily over a 5-year period. Biological samples of 259 suspected measles cases were tested for viral RNA detection and a total of 223 (86.1%) were classified as laboratory confirmed. The median age of confirmed measles cases was 21.0 years and about half of them were adults aged 19 years and older. Overall, one-third of the patients showed clinical complications and these latter were more common among adults than children (44.9% vs. 25.7%). The vast majority of measles cases were unvaccinated (94.2%, n = 210). The phylogenetic analysis of 221 measles virus nucleotide sequences revealed sporadic detections of genotypes D4 and H1, while endemic circulation of genotypes D8 and B3 was documented. Genotype D8 was associated with epidemics occurred between 2013 and 2016, whereas genotype B3 was more recently introduced into Sicily characterizing the current measles outbreak. The results of this study confirm the autochthonous co-circulation of viral variants belonging to different genotypes during the study period, and emphasizes the need of measles surveillance programmes in order to investigate the viral dynamics, the pathways of disease transmission, and to eventually adapt the development of successfull vaccine formulations.
Creep behaviour of injection-moulded basalt fibre reinforced poly(lactic acid) composites

In this paper, the creep of short (chopped) basalt fibre reinforced poly(lactic acid) composites was investigated; 5, 10, 20 and 30 wt. % short basalt fibre reinforced composites were prepared by using twin-screw extrusion followed by injection moulding. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements revealed that the basalt fibres had nucleating effect on the poly(lactic acid)grade used in this study, while scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that there was strong adhesion between the fibre and the matrix. Fibre distribution analysis showed that there was no significant statistical difference between the average fibre lengths of all of the produced composites. Finally, creep mastercurves were constructed using the single creep curves obtained by applying 10, 20, 30,…, 90% of the tensile strength of the composites as a static creep loading force. It was demonstrated that the basalt fibres as reinforcements can effectively reduce the strain and increase time to failure of the composites during creep load and thus could open the possibilities for poly(lactic acid)-based composites to be used in long-term constantly loaded structural or engineering applications.
Haemodynamic Changes in Severe Preeclampsia . A Comparative Study Using Thoracic Electrical Bioimpedance

Carlos Briones Garduño1*, Armando Alberto Moreno Santillan2, Manuel Antonio Diaz de Leon Ponce3 1Memeber of the National Academy of Medicine, and Mexican Academy of Surgery, Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Mexico. CMD in Obstetrics and Gynecology department, General Hospital of Mexico “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga” SSA, Mexico 2Department of Obstetrics, in the Gynecology & Obstetrics High Specialty Medical Unit “Luis Castelazo Ayala” of the Mexican Social Security Institute, Mexico 3Memeber of the National Academy of Medicine, and Mexican Academy of Surgery, Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Mexico
Relationship between Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation after Successful Electrical Cardioversion: an Updated Meta-Analysis

Objective To investigate the relationship between brain natriuretic peptide and recurrence of atrial fibrillation after successful electrical cardioversion. Methods Medline and Embase databases were used to identify publications evaluating BNP/N-Terminal (NT)-proBNP levels in association with atrial fibrillation recurrence after successful electrical cardioversion. Nineteen studies that fulfilled the specified criteria of our analysis were found. Results Baseline BNP/NT-proBNP levels of the atrial fibrillation recurrence group were significantly higher than those of the sinus rhythm maintaining group (SMD -0.70, CI [-0.82, -0.58]). Conclusion Our analysis suggests that low BNP/NT-proBNP levels are associated with sinus rhythm maintenance, and baseline BNP/NT-proBNP concentrations may be a predictor of atrial fibrillation recurrence after successful electrical cardioversion.
Modeling of a real situation as a method of the algorithmic thinking development and recursively given sequences

A method of developing students' algorithmic thinking is demonstrated in the paper first. This is followed by an example of a physical problem step by step modeling and several approaches to its solution. These approaches demonstrate possible interdisciplinary learning, which is considered to be a very important part of future teachers' education. Especially the relationship among physics, computer science and mathematics is introduced. Finally the benefit of CAS for explaining and visualizing recursively defined sequences is discussed.
Synthetic Aperture Radar observations of resonantly generated internal solitary waves at Race Point Channel (Cape Cod)

[1] Synthetic Aperture Radar images revealed the two-dimensional propagation characteristics of short-period internal solitary waves in Race Point Channel in Massachusetts Bay. The images and in situ measurements of the flow in the channel are used to infer the likely generation mechanism of the waves. The solitary waves are generated during the ebb phase of the tide within the channel. On some occasions, two trains of internal waves are generated presumably at the same location but at slightly different phases of the ebb tide. The main characteristics of the (two-layer) flow are described based on the criticality of the Froude number. It is suggested that these two individual packets of waves result from flow passage through resonance (where the Froude number is one). One packet is generated as the flow passes through the transcritical regime during the acceleration phase of the (ebb) tidal current, and another packet is generated during the deceleration phase. Both packets propagate upstream when the tide slacks, but with slightly different propagation directions.
Oral Implant-Prostheses: New Teeth for a Brighter Brain

Several studies have demonstrated that chewing can be regarded as a preventive measure for cognitive impairment, whereas masticatory deficiency, associated with soft-diet feeding, is a risk factor for the development of dementia. At present the link between orofacial sensorimotor activity and cognitive functions is unknown. In subjects with unilateral molar loss we have shown asymmetries in both pupil size and masticatory muscles electromyographic (EMG) activity during clenching: the molar less side was characterized by a lower EMG activity and a smaller pupil. Since implant-prostheses, greatly reduced both the asymmetry in EMG activity and in pupil’s size, trigeminal unbalance, leading to unbalance in the activity of the Locus Coeruleus (LC), may be responsible for the pupil’s asymmetry. According to the findings obtained in animal models, we propose that the different activity of the right and left LC may induce an asymmetry in brain activity, thus leading to cognitive impairment. According to this hypothesis, prostheses improved the performance in a complex sensorimotor task and increased the mydriasis associated with haptic tasks. In conclusion, the present study indicates that the implant-prosthesis therapy, which reduces the unbalance of trigeminal proprioceptive afferents and the asymmetry in pupil’s size, may improve arousal, boosting performance in a complex sensorimotor task.