Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pubic hair removal and sexual behavior: findings from a prospective daily diary study of sexually active women in the United States.

INTRODUCTION Pubic hair removal is prevalent among women in the United States. However, most studies related to pubic hair removal are based on cross-sectional surveys and retrospective recall. AIM The purpose of this research was to, in a prospective event-level daily diary study, assess demographic, affective, relational, situational, and behavioral factors related to women's pubic hair removal. METHOD Data collection occurred as part of a 5-week prospective, Internet-based daily diary study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Age; Affective predictors (positive mood, negative mood, feeling interested in sex, feeling in love); Relational predictors (partner support, partner negativity, partner type, partner gender); Situational predictors (any vaginal symptoms, use of any vaginal hygiene products; having applied any creams to the genitals); Behavioral variables (penile-vaginal sex, penile-anal sex, had finger inserted into vagina, had clitoris stimulated with fingers, inserted toy into vagina, used vibrator on clitoris, inserted finger into anus, inserted toy into anus, duration of penetration, intensity of penetration). RESULTS A total of 2,453 women ages 18 to 68 (mean age 32.69) completed the study, contributing 49,287 total diaries (mean per person 24.5; standard deviation 10.3, median 30); 15.2% of all days (N = 7,362) involved pubic hair waxing or shaving, with the vast majority of hair removal days involving shaving (N = 7,302; 99%). Pubic hair removal was significantly associated with younger age, a greater interest in sex, vaginal fingering, finger-clitoral stimulation, having a casual sex partner, using vaginal hygiene products, and applying cream to the genitals. Hair removal was marginally associated with longer duration of vaginal penetration. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide greater insight into the factors associated with women's pubic hair removal and their sexual experiences on a day-to-day level. Clinical and educational implications are discussed.
Calcium dependence of open and shut interval distributions from calcium‐activated potassium channels in cultured rat muscle.

The stochastic properties of single Ca‐activated K channels in excised patches of surface membrane from cultured rat muscle cells were studied using the patch‐clamp technique. The distribution of all open intervals was described by the sum of two exponential distributions of short and long mean open time, suggesting at least two major open‐channel states. Increasing the concentration of Ca at the inner membrane surface, [Ca]i, increased the mean duration of the long open distribution, while having little effect on the mean duration of the short open distribution. The frequency of openings to each distribution increased with [Ca]i. The rate of increase was a much steeper function of [Ca]i for openings in the long open distribution than for openings in the short open distribution; about 80% of the openings were to the long open distribution with 0.1 microM‐Cai, increasing to 97% with 1 microM‐Cai (+ 30 mV). These results suggest that openings in both open distributions are Ca‐dependent, with openings in the long open distribution requiring the binding of more Ca ions than openings in the short open distribution. The distribution of all shut intervals at 0.5 microM‐Cai and + 30 mV was described by the sum of three exponential distributions with mean durations of: 0.21 msec (short shut distribution), 1.90 msec (intermediate shut), and 44 msec (long shut). These results indicate that the channel typically enters at least three closed channel states during normal channel activity. In addition, a few longer shut intervals not accounted for by the above distributions suggested that there was a fourth infrequently occurring inactivated closed‐channel state. The mean duration of the distribution of long shut intervals decreased with a power of about 2 with increasing [Ca]i under conditions where most openings were to the long open state (+ 30 mV, 0.25‐1 microM‐Cai). This observation suggests that openings to the long open distribution typically require the binding of two or more Ca ions. The mean intermediate shut interval appeared to increase slightly with increasing [Ca]i while the mean short shut interval was relatively Cai‐independent. The percentage of all shut intervals that were short shut intervals increased with increasing [Ca]i while the percentage of long shut intervals decreased. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Evaluation of urinary PrPSc as a diagnostic test for sporadic, variant, and familial CJD

Previously collected urine specimens from 100 patients referred to the UK National CJD Surveillance Unit as suspected cases of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) were analyzed, testing for abnormal prion protein (PrPSc). In this context, the test had a low sensitivity and was not completely specific for CJD. Additionally, the proteins detected by this assay were not PrPSc but appeared to be immunoglobulins.
Effects of rural residence and low income factors on the mortality of total Japanese population by age and sex.

The effects of a wide variety of geographical and socioeconomic factors on age-specific mortality rates for males and females in 46 Japanese prefectures were analysed by stepwise regression analysis twice at a 5-year interval [between 1970 and 1975]. The results indicate that rural residence [adversely] affected the mortality of all male and female populations except for boys of school age and middle-aged women; low income was another important factor for the mortality of the male population of working age. An international difference is suggested in the mortality effects of urbanisation between Japan and Western countries. (EXCERPT)
Hydroxyurea increases hemoglobin F levels and improves the effectiveness of erythropoiesis in beta-thalassemia/hemoglobin E disease.

Hydroxyurea (HU) is one of several agents that have been shown to enhance hemoglobin (Hb) F levels in patients with sickle cell disease and may be useful as a therapy for beta-globinopathies. However, limited information exists on the effects of HU in patients with thalassemia. Accordingly, we examined the hematologic effects of orally administered HU in 13 patients with beta-thalassemia/Hb E, including four patients who had been splenectomized. These patients were treated with escalating doses (final range, 10 to 20 mg/kg/d) for 5 months and were observed in the outpatient hematology clinic every 2 to 4 weeks. Complete blood counts including reticulocyte counts, amounts of Hb E and Hb F, G gamma:A gamma and alpha:non-alpha globin biosynthetic ratios were evaluated before and during treatment. Almost all patients responded with an average increase of 33% in Hb F levels, from a mean (+/- SD) of 42% +/- 11% to 56% +/- 8% (P < .0001), and a reciprocal decline in the percentage of Hb E from 59% +/- 9% to 49% +/- 8% (P < .001). Reticulocytosis was decreased from a mean (+/- SD) of 18.0% +/- 15.6% to 11.7% +/- 9.1% (P < .05); there was also a slight (10%) but statistically significant increase in hemoglobin levels and an improved balance in alpha:non-alpha globin chains ratios. The side effects were minimal in most patients, although these patients tended to tolerate a lower dose of HU before significant myelosuppression than has been our previous experience in sickle cell disease. One splenectomized patient died of sepsis during the trial. We conclude that increased Hb F production in beta-thalassemia/Hb E patients, with an improvement in the alpha:non-alpha globin ratios and, probably, the effectiveness of erythropoiesis, can be achieved using HU. Longer trials of HU in this population, including at other doses and in combination with other agents, appear warranted.
Preoperative Oral Antibiotics Reduce Septic Complications of Colon Operations: Results of Prospective, Randomized, Double‐blind Clinical Study

The effectiveness of short-term, low-dose, preoperative oral administration of neomycin and erythromycin base combined with vigorous purgation in reducing the incidence of wound infections and other septic complications of elective colon and rectal operations has been studied in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. One hundred and sixteen patients completed the study; all received mechanical preparation; 56 received neomycin-erythromycin base while 60 received an identical appearing placebo. The two patient groups were comparable in age distribution, clinical diagnoses, associated systemic diseases, types of operation performed and similar clinical features. The overall rate of directly related septic complications was 43 per cent in the placebo group and 9% in the group receiving neomycin and erythromycin base. The wound infection rates were 35% in placebo and 9% in antibiotic treated patients. Oral administration of neomycin and erythromycin base together with vigorous mechanical cleansing reduces the risk of septic complications after elective colo-rectal operations.
Optimal Ultra-Small Block-Codes for Binary Discrete Memoryless Channels Intermediate Report of NSC Project

Optimal block-codes with a small number of codewords are investigated for the binary asymmetric channel (BAC), including the two special cases of the binary symmetric channel (BSC) and the Z-channel (ZC). The optimal (in the sense of minimum average error probability, using maximum likelihood decoding) code structure is derived for the ZC and for the BSC in the cases of two, three, and four codewords and an arbitrary finite blocklength. For a general BAC, it is shown that so-called flip codes are optimal codes with two codewords. For the BSC and the ZC, it is shown that so-called weak flip codes are optimal codes with three or four codewords. The derivation of these optimal codes relies heavily on a new approach of constructing and analyzing the codebook matrix not row-wise (codewords), but column-wise. This new tool allows an elegant definition of interesting code families that is recursive in the blocklength n and admits their exact analysis of error performance that is not based on the union bound or other approximations.
An SIW Cavity-Backed Self-Diplexing Antenna

A novel and simple design of a substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW)-based self-diplexing antenna is presented in this letter. The SIW cavity is fed by two individual microstrip feed lines. The two transverse slots of different lengths, which radiate at two distinct resonant frequencies, are etched on the top surface of the cavity. A high isolation (better than 27.9 dB) is achieved between two ports, which leads to obtaining the self-diplexing characteristic of the antenna. The proposed antenna offers a gain of 3.56 and 5.24 dBi at 8.26 and 10.46 GHz, respectively. The antenna exhibits independent frequency tunability at both the operating bands.
Vascular calcification biomarkers and peripheral arterial disease.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of the calcification regulators, osteopontin (OPN) and osteoprotegerin (OPG), which are involved in vascular calcification and atherosclerosis in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). METHODS A PubMed search of the English language literature was undertaken to identify articles that examine the role of the vascular calcification markers (OPN and OPG) in patients with PAD. The search retrieved 94 articles. After excluding non-relevant articles, only 11 studies qualified for review. RESULTS In 8 studies, OPG levels were correlated with the presence, severity, and progression of PAD, whereas in one article, OPG levels were not significantly elevated. In 2 studies, OPN levels were associated with PAD and vascular stiffness. CONCLUSIONS The results from clinical and experimental research regarding the role of vascular calcification markers in PAD are controversial, although most of the studies suggest a positive correlation. Larger studies are needed to determine the exact pathway of vascular calcification, mediated by calcification markers, in patients with PAD.
Binary Code-Division Multiple-Access Systems Operating in Multipath Fading, Noisy Channels

Binary code-division multiple-access (CDMA) systems operating in multipath fading, noisy channels (MFNC) are studied. Interference from undesired users and multipath are analyzed; these are modeled as equivalent noise. The error probability is given as a function of channel parameters and system parameters. The maximum possible number of users is estimated as a function of the tolerable error probability.
Multichannel AM Video Transmission Using a High-Power Nd: YAG Laser and Linearized External Modulator

A high-power Nd:YAG laser with a linearized external modulator-based system is demonstrated for a transmission of 50 channels of vestigal sideband amplitude modulated (VSM AM) video. The 1320-nm diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser is an attractive source for AM video transmission due to the high output power ( approximately 200 mW) and low relative intensity noise ( >
Quality of non-breast cancer health maintenance among elderly breast cancer survivors.

PURPOSE To assess the quality of preventive health care, the role of health care participation, and the patient and provider characteristics associated with high-quality care for breast cancer survivors. METHODS We analyzed the 1997 to 1998 Medicare data of elderly women who were diagnosed with nonmetastatic breast cancer in 1991 or 1992 while living in a Survival, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) tumor registry area and who survived to the end of 1998 without evidence of cancer recurrence. Controls were matched for age, race, and geographic location. RESULTS The 5,965 breast cancer survivors received more preventive services (influenza vaccination, lipid testing, cervical and colon screening, and bone densitometry) than matched controls. Among both groups, those who were younger, non-African-American, of higher socioeconomic status, living in urban areas, and receiving care in a teaching center were most likely to receive high-quality health maintenance. Those survivors who continued to see oncology specialists were more likely to receive appropriate follow-up mammography for their cancer, but those who were monitored by primary care physicians were more likely to receive all other non-cancer-related preventive services. Those who saw both types of practitioners received more of both types of services. When the control group was restricted only to women actively undergoing mammographic screening before the study period, receipt of preventive services was similar. CONCLUSION Breast cancer survivors receive high-quality preventive services, but disparities on the basis of nonmedical factors still exist. Cancer follow-up may provide regular contact with the health system, maximizing the likelihood of receiving appropriate general medical care.
Endocrine therapy plus zoledronic acid in premenopausal breast cancer.

BACKGROUND Ovarian suppression plus tamoxifen is a standard adjuvant treatment in premenopausal women with endocrine-responsive breast cancer. Aromatase inhibitors are superior to tamoxifen in postmenopausal patients, and preclinical data suggest that zoledronic acid has antitumor properties. METHODS We examined the effect of adding zoledronic acid to a combination of either goserelin and tamoxifen or goserelin and anastrozole in premenopausal women with endocrine-responsive early breast cancer. We randomly assigned 1803 patients to receive goserelin (3.6 mg given subcutaneously every 28 days) plus tamoxifen (20 mg per day given orally) or anastrozole (1 mg per day given orally) with or without zoledronic acid (4 mg given intravenously every 6 months) for 3 years. The primary end point was disease-free survival; recurrence-free survival and overall survival were secondary end points. RESULTS After a median follow-up of 47.8 months, 137 events had occurred, with disease-free survival rates of 92.8% in the tamoxifen group, 92.0% in the anastrozole group, 90.8% in the group that received endocrine therapy alone, and 94.0% in the group that received endocrine therapy with zoledronic acid. There was no significant difference in disease-free survival between the anastrozole and tamoxifen groups (hazard ratio for disease progression in the anastrozole group, 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78 to 1.53; P=0.59). The addition of zoledronic acid to endocrine therapy, as compared with endocrine therapy without zoledronic acid, resulted in an absolute reduction of 3.2 percentage points and a relative reduction of 36% in the risk of disease progression (hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.91; P=0.01); the addition of zoledronic acid did not significantly reduce the risk of death (hazard ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.32 to 1.11; P=0.11). Adverse events were consistent with known drug-safety profiles. CONCLUSIONS The addition of zoledronic acid to adjuvant endocrine therapy improves disease-free survival in premenopausal patients with estrogen-responsive early breast cancer. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00295646.)
Survey of emm gene sequences and T-antigen types from systemic Streptococcus pyogenes infection isolates collected in San Francisco, California; Atlanta, Georgia; and Connecticut in 1994 and 1995

The variable 5' emm (M-protein gene) sequences and T-antigen types were determined from 340 systemic group A streptococcal (GAS) isolates taken from hospitalized patients in San Francisco, Calif. ; Atlanta, Ga. ; and Connecticut in 1994 and 1995. Eighty percent of these isolates had emm sequences and T-antigen types in agreement with previously recorded M- and T-antigen associations. Most of the remaining strains either were T nontypeable (11%) or contained emm genes encoding M proteins for which T-antigen associations have not been made (6%). One newly encountered emm gene, designated ST2974, from each of 13 isolates had the T type 8/25/Imp19. Another new emm gene, ST2967, from 8 of 11 isolates was T nontypeable. Six other unique emm gene sequences from seven isolates were encountered. Sequencing of the variable region of the emm gene of GAS isolates (emm typing) is effective for surveying the sequence variability of the M virulence protein, and combined with T typing, emm typing is useful for monitoring GAS strain diversity.
Changing attitudes: undergraduate perceptions of learning mathematics

The purpose of my research is to explore first year undergraduate perceptions in learning mathematics and their identification of strategies to support them in this area. I work as a senior lecturer in mathematics education on a BA Applied Education Studies course where students consistently identify the mathematics education units as a source of anxiety. Having established a potential link between mathematics anxiety in teachers and trainee teachers, and the potential that this anxiety could be passed on to children in classrooms, my aim is to identify whether there may be strategies that could support adults in learning mathematics. To explore this area, I tracked a sample of first year undergraduate students through their initial mathematics education unit, establishing their perceptions before and after the teaching of this unit. Initial findings demonstrated that the students had negative perceptions about learning mathematics (twice as many negative as positive) and that this was reversed following the completion of the first mathematics education unit. A range of factors were identified as affecting how they felt about learning mathematics, including the role of the teacher, personal perceptions regarding learning mathematics and the role of discussion.
Fault Diagnosis and Signal Reconstruction of Hall Sensors in Brushless Permanent Magnet Motor Drives

Brushless permanent magnet (BLPM) motor drives based on Hall sensors have received extensive attention in the literature and are widely used in many applications. However, most of the available and published controllers assume that the Hall signals are always available, which is not true if any of the sensors are faulted. In this paper, several fault-tolerant control schemes for BLPM motor drives are proposed. The methodology is based on fault diagnosis and its classification, and subsequent signal reconstruction. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed fault-tolerant schemes in restoring the motor operation when failures occur in up to two Hall sensors. The proposed fault-tolerant schemes can be easily and flexibly realized for conventional drive systems, either by adding the code in the existing driver or by adding a simple auxiliary circuit between the Hall sensors and the driver.
Effect of verapamil on the pharmacokinetics of pasireotide in healthy volunteers

We evaluated the drug‐drug interaction between pasireotide SC and verapamil, a known P‐glycoprotein inhibitor. Subjects received pasireotide SC (single dose, 600 μg) on day 1, and samples for pharmacokinetics evaluation were collected from days 1 to 8. Subjects received an oral dose of verapamil 240 mg/d for 10 days (days 15–24). On day 18, subjects also received pasireotide SC 600 μg. Pharmacokinetic sampling for pasireotide SC and verapamil was done during days 18 to 25 and days 15 to 21, respectively. Safety evaluations were performed throughout the study period, including a 30‐day post‐treatment follow‐up. Pharmacokinetic profiles of pasireotide SC alone and in combination with verapamil sustained‐release (SR) were superimposable with the geometric mean ratios (90% confidence interval [CI]) of 0.98 (0.91–1.06) for Cmax, 0.97 (0.90–1.04) for AUClast, and 0.98 (0.92–1.05) for AUCinf. Exploratory analyses showed a 17% (90% CI, 0.72–0.94) reduction in Ctrough and 31% (0.58–0.82) reduction in Cmax (8 hours post‐dose) for verapamil SR with pasireotide SC versus verapamil alone. Pasireotide SC with or without verapamil was well tolerated. In conclusion, there was no change in the rate of pasireotide absorption and elimination or extent of exposure following concomitant administration with verapamil.
The Effects of Material and Experiential Discretionary Purchases on Consumer Happiness: Moderators and Mediators

ABSTRACT Experiential purchases are differentiated from material purchases in terms of objective; experiential purchases serve the purpose of acquiring a life experience, while material purchases serve the purpose of acquiring an object. Research has demonstrated that experiential purchases are associated with more happiness than material purchases. The current study investigated two explanations for this relationship that focused on the how the purchase influenced the self and how the purchase influenced interpersonal relationships. In addition, the study explored whether social economic status would influence the strength of the relationship between the type of purchase and happiness. Participants were required to recall either a recent experiential or material purchase and rate their happiness with the purchase. Then participants completed scales designed to measure the purchase's impact on the self and interpersonal relationships. Last, participants completed a scale to measure social economic status. It was found that Impacts on the Self mediated the relationship between purchase type and happiness and Socioeconomic Status moderated the relationship.