Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design of an efficient VLSI architecture for 2-D discrete wavelet transforms

We present a VLSI architecture for the separable two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform (DWT) decomposition. Using a computation-schedule table, we show how the proposed separable architecture uses only a minimal number of filters to generate all levels of DWT computations in real time. For the computation of an N/spl times/N 2-D DWT with a filter length L, this architecture spends around N/sup 2/ clock cycles, and requires 2NL-2N storage units, 3L multipliers, as well as 3(L-1) adders.
A Precise Positioning Method for a Puncture Robot Based on a PSO-Optimized BP Neural Network Algorithm

The problem of inverse kinematics is fundamental in robot control. Many traditional inverse kinematics solutions, such as geometry, iteration, and algebraic methods, are inadequate in high-speed solutions and accurate positioning. In recent years, the problem of robot inverse kinematics based on neural networks has received extensive attention, but its precision control is convenient and needs to be improved. This paper studies a particle swarm optimization (PSO) back propagation (BP) neural network algorithm to solve the inverse kinematics problem of a UR3 robot based on six degrees of freedom, overcoming some disadvantages of BP neural networks. The BP neural network improves the convergence precision, convergence speed, and generalization ability. The results show that the position error is solved by the research method with respect to the UR3 robot inverse kinematics with the joint angle less than 0.1 degrees and the output end tool less than 0.1 mm, achieving the required positioning for medical puncture surgery, which demands precise positioning of the robot to less than 1 mm. Aiming at the precise application of the puncturing robot, the preliminary experiment has been conducted and the preliminary results have been obtained, which lays the foundation for the popularization of the robot in the medical field.
Degenerate Hopf bifurcations in Chua's System

In this paper we study the local codimension one, two and three Hopf bifurcations which occur in the classical Chua's differential equations with cubic nonlinearity. A detailed analytical description of the regions in the parameter space for which multiple small periodic solutions bifurcate from the equilibria of the system is obtained. As a consequence, a complete answer for the challenge proposed in [Moiola & Chua, 1999] is provided.
Antioxidant, Antitumor, Antimicrobial Studies and Quantitative Phytochemical Estimation of Ethanolic Extracts of Selected Fruit Peels

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, antitumor, antimicrobial activities and phytochemicals of ethanolic fruit peel extracts (orange, lemon, tangerine, watermelon, kiwi, carrot, banana and goldenberry) as fruit peels have been a valuable source for maintaining human health. Free radical scavenging activity of the peel extracts was evaluated by using the DPPH (1, 1-Diphenyl-2 -picryl hydrazyl) method. The antitumor activity of breast cell line (MCF-7) was determined by the Sulphorhodamine-B (SRB) assay. The antimicrobial efficacy was determined using hole plate method against eight pathogenic microorganisms. Also, phytochemical estimation of the extracts was performed using standard methods. The results showed that carrot and watermelon peels give the highest free radical inhibition. Moreover, they showed highest tumor inhibition of the breast cell line. Most of ethanolic peel extracts were found to be active against the tested strains. Overall maximum extracts showing the antibacterial activity range from 1 to 8.5 cm and maximum extracts showing an antifungal activity range from 2.5 to 8.5 cm. Alkaloids were not found in all peels, whereas phenolics, carotenoids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins were found in most of the tested extracts. The obtained results suggest that carrot and watermelon extracts have the highest antioxidant and antitumor activities. The lemon peel extract has the best antibacterial activity, while the banana peel extract has the best antifungal activity. They all contain pharmacologically active compounds and thus provide the scientific basis for the traditional uses of the studied peels in the treatment of fungal and bacteria infections. K e y w o r d s Fruit peels, Natural antioxidants, Breast cancer, Phytochemicals
Botulinum Toxin Type A in the Prophylactic Treatment of Chronic Tension-Type Headache: A Multicentre, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study

We studied the safety and efficacy of 0 U, 50 U, 100 U, 150 U (five sites), 86 Usub and 100 Usub (three sites) botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA; BOTOX®; Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) for the prophylaxis of chronic tension-type headache (CTTH). Three hundred patients (62.3± female; mean age 42.6 years) enrolled. For the primary endpoint, the mean change from baseline in the number of TTH-free days per month, there was no statistically significant difference between placebo and four BoNTA groups, but a significant difference favouring placebo vs. BoNTA 150 was observed (4.5 vs. 2.8 tension headache-free days/month; P = 0.007). All treatment groups improved at day 60. Although efficacy was not demonstrated for the primary endpoint, at day 90, more patients in three BoNTA groups had ≥50± decrease in tension headache days than did placebo (P ≤ 0.024). Most treatment-related adverse events were mild or moderate, and transient. BoNTA was safe and well-tolerated in the study.
Working Paper in Economics : 1461 GENDER , SOCIAL NETWORKS AND PERFORMANCE

This paper documents gender differences in social ties and develops a theory that links them to disparities in men’s and women’s labor market performance. Men’s networks lead to better access to information, women’s to higher peer pressure. Both affect effort in a model of teams, each beneficial in different environments. We find that information is particularly valuable under high uncertainty, whereas peer pressure is more valuable in the opposite case. We therefore expect men to outperform women in jobs that are characterized by high earnings uncertainty, such as the financial sector or film industry – in line with the evidence rationale. Ilse Lindenlaub Anja Prummer (European University Institute) (University of Cambridge) Cambridge-INET Institute Faculty of Economics
The Indirect and Direct Attitude Measure (IDAM)

In this paper we present and evaluate a new method to assess implicit attitudes as associations that are introspectively unidentified traces of past experience (Greenwald & Banaji, 1995): The indirect and direct attitude measure (IDAM). By using recognitionbias in a recognition memory task, we can measure the conditional probability of positive evidence for an association on an indirect test provided that there is positive evidence for the absence of the same association on a direct test; i.e. if an attitude is truly implicit. Five experiments, with a total of 246 participants, revealed that IDAM could measure truly implicit attitudes towards a variety of stimuli (such as affective images and attractive faces). Effect sizes where highly variable, however, and in a certain condition the IDAM was ineffective. Taken together, the research indicated that the IDAM is a valid measure of implicit attitude, but that more research is needed to ascertain if IDAM can be used to predict behaviour.
Genetic Algorithm for Solving Uncapacitated Multiple Allocation Hub Location Problem

Hub location problems are widely used for network designing. Many variations of these problems can be found in the literature. In this paper we deal with the uncapacitated multiple allocation hub location problem (UMAHLP). We propose a genetic algorithm (GA) for solving UMAHLP that uses binary encod- ing and genetic operators adapted to the problem. Overall performance of GA implementation is improved by caching technique. We present the results of our computational experience on standard ORLIB instances with up to 200 nodes. The results show that GA approach quickly reaches all optimal solutions that are known so far and also gives results on some large-scale instances that were unsolved before. � This research was partially supported by the Serbian Ministry of Science and Ecology under project 144007. The authors are grateful to Andreas Ernst, Sergio Garc´oa Quiles and Haluk Topcuoglu for useful communication and sending us fixed costs for large-scale UMAHLP instances.
LUNG ABSCESS IN CHILDREN: A 12-YEAR STUDY IN NATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TUBERCULOSIS AND LUNG DISEASE

Background: Lung abscess is a rare and jeopardizing disease particularly in children. Early diagnosis of the disease can prevent further complications. Delay in diagnosis not only increases the mortality, but also can lead to severe complications along with the need for surgical intervention. Hence, we decided to evaluate the clinical and para-clinical features of our cases to estimate the magnitude of the problem. Materials and Methods: Data was obtained based on a retrospective study from 1992 to 2004, during a 12-year period in our centre. All the children who were admitted in NRITLD with lung abscess were enrolled in the study. Data was collected and analysed considering their age, gender, underlying disease, and aspiration history. Results: A total of 17 children were identified including 12 boys and 5 girls. 12(70%) children were under 10 years of age. Nine had a history of interstitial lung disease while 12 children had history of aspiration. The most common complaints were cough (94%), fever (82%), and sputum (82%). Leukocytosis was observed in 76.5% of the cases while 70% showed shift to the left in their blood analysis. 60% of the cases were diagnosed only by CT-scan without any other evaluation. Gram positive organisms (Streptococcus pneumonia 11.6% and Staphylococcus aureus 5.8%) were the most prevalent organisms involved in our cases. Conclusion: According to this study, lung abscess is more prevalent in boys. The most common symptoms are cough, fever, and sputum. Furthermore, we suggest CT scan for diagnosing the disease because of its valuable role in detecting lung abscess in early stages. (Tanaffos 2004; 3(9): 27-31)
Analyzing pregnancy outcomes in women of extremely advanced maternal age (> or = 45 years).

OBJECTIVE To assesses pregnancy outcomes in women of extremely advanced maternal age (> or = 45 years). MATERIAL AND METHOD Computerized delivery records, collected between January 2002 and December 2012 at Rajavithi Hospital, were retrospectively reviewed We compared the condition of women of maternal age > or = 45 years with singleton delivery and beyond 24 weeks of gestation (n = 82) in a 1:4 ratio with those women age 20 to 29 years (n = 328). RESULTS Extremely advanced maternal age was significantly associated with a higher incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (OR = 5.33; CI = 1.90-14.95), preeclampsia (OR = 4; CI = 1.99-8.06), preterm birth (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.15-2.62), cesarean delivery (OR = 4.18; 95% CI = 2.52-6.93), postpartum hemorrhage (OR = 6.5; CI = 2.79-15.16), blood transfusion (3.7% vs. 0%; p = 0.008), placenta previa (OR = 16; 95% CI = 1.18-141.25), low birth weight (OR = 2.77; 95% CI = 1.23-6.25), very low birth weight (OR = 3.00; 95% CI = 1.07-8.4), low Apgar scores at 5 minutes (OR = 2.77; 95% CI 1.23-6.25), and perinatal death (OR = 6.00; 95% CI = 1.73-20.77). CONCLUSION Women aged 45 or more experienced increased maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes when compared with younger women. Women in an extreme age group are advised that although they might face a significantly increased risk of complications, most of them could have successful outcomes. An extremely advanced age is not contradicted for pregnancy. Obstetricians must be especially careful when taking care of extremely advanced age pregnancy.
Intervention with linguistically diverse preschool children: a focus on developing home language(s).

PURPOSE This article addresses a series of questions that are critical to planning and implementing effective intervention programs for young linguistically diverse learners with primary language impairment (LI). Linguistically diverse learners in the United States include children whose families speak languages such as Spanish, Korean, Cantonese, Hmong, Vietnamese, or any language other than, or in addition to, English. METHOD A narrative review of the relevant literature addresses clinical questions including (a) Why support the home language when it is not the language used in school or the majority community? (b) Does continued support for the home language undermine attainment in a second language? (c) Should we support the home language when it includes the code switching or mixing of two traditionally separate languages? and (d) What are some strategies that can be used to support the home language when it is a language that the speech-language pathologist (SLP) does not speak? CONCLUSION SLPs should provide services to linguistically diverse preschool-age children with LI in a manner that effectively supports the development of the home language. Parent and paraprofessional training along with peer-mediated models of intervention are presented as two possible methods for facilitating the home language in children with LI.
Influence of registered nurses' attitudes toward bariatric patients on educational programming effectiveness.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE This study describes registered nurses' (RNs') attitudes toward obese adult patients using the Attitudes Toward Obese Adult Patients Instrument. METHODS Full-time RNs (N = 119) employed in a medical center, acute rehabilitation institution, and skilled nursing facility participated in the study. RESULTS Findings revealed that RNs have positive attitudes toward obese adults. RNs were concerned about personal and patient safety. Respondents recognized the complex care needs of bariatric patients and the increased workload associated with meeting these demands. There were differences in attitudes between medical center RNs and acute rehabilitation RNs, possibly related to differences in workload and length of stay. CONCLUSIONS The effectiveness of bariatric educational programming may be improved if RN attitudes and concerns are measured and addressed.
Transmembrane Segment 11 Appears to Line the Purine Permeation Pathway of the Plasmodium falciparum Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter 1 (PfENT1)*

Purine transport is essential for malaria parasites to grow because they lack the enzymes necessary for de novo purine biosynthesis. The Plasmodium falciparum Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter 1 (PfENT1) is a member of the equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT) gene family. PfENT1 is a primary purine transport pathway across the P. falciparum plasma membrane because PfENT1 knock-out parasites are not viable at physiologic extracellular purine concentrations. Topology predictions and experimental data indicate that ENT family members have eleven transmembrane (TM) segments although their tertiary structure is unknown. In the current work, we showed that a naturally occurring polymorphism, F394L, in TM11 affects transport substrate Km. We investigated the structure and function of the TM11 segment using the substituted cysteine accessibility method. We showed that mutation to Cys of two highly conserved glycine residues in a GXXXG motif significantly reduces PfENT1 protein expression levels. We speculate that the conserved TM11 GXXXG glycines may be critical for folding and/or assembly. Small, cysteine-specific methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagents reacted with four TM11 Cys substitution mutants, L393C, I397C, T400C, and Y403C. Larger MTS reagents do not react with the more cytoplasmic positions. Hypoxanthine, a transported substrate, protected L393C, I397C, and T400C from covalent modification by the MTS reagents. Plotted on an α-helical wheel, Leu-393, Ile-397, and Thr-400 lie on one face of the helix in a 60° arc suggesting that TM11 is largely α helical. We infer that they line a water-accessible surface, possibly the purine permeation pathway. These results advance our understanding of the ENT structure.
Brief Multi-Disciplinary Treatment for Torture Survivors in Nepal: a Naturalistic Comparative Study

Background: Little is known about the effectiveness of treatment for torture survivors in low-income settings. Multi-disciplinary treatment is an often used approach for this target group. Aims: This study was aimed at examining the effectiveness of brief multi-disciplinary treatment for torture survivors in Nepal. Methods: A naturalistic comparative design with help-seeking torture survivors and internally displaced persons assigned to a treatment and a comparison group respectively ( n = 192; treatment group n = 111, comparison group n = 81), with baseline measurements on psychiatric symptomatology, disability, and functioning and a five-month follow-up (n = 107; treatment group n = 62; comparison group n = 45), was employed. Intervention consisted of brief psychosocial services, minimal medical services and/or legal assistance. Results: Study groups were generally comparable and non-completers did not significantly differ from completers. The treatment group improved more than the comparison group on somatic symptoms, subjective well-being, disability and functioning, with mostly moderate effect sizes. Conclusion: Treatment was moderately effective, with regards to reducing the nonspecific mental health consequences of torture, but disability scores remained high. For clients presenting with more severe mental health problems, other treatments that are realistic in the resource-poor Nepali context need to be sought.
Role of low Km cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase inhibition in tracheal relaxation and bronchodilation in the guinea pig.

This study evaluated the relationship between inhibition of the rolipram-sensitive and the CI-930-sensitive low Km cyclic AMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) isozymes (PDE IIIRO and PDE IIIc, respectively) and bronchomotor tone in the guinea pig. Rolipram and CI-930 exhibited biphasic concentration-response relationships for relaxation of carbachol-, histamine- and leukotriene D4-contracted trachea. However, each agent produced a monophasic (sigmoidal) concentration-response curve when tested in the presence of a fixed concentration (3 microM) of the other. The same relationships were observed for inhibition of tracheal peak III PDE isolated via diethylaminoethyl-cellulose chromatography. Whereas CI-930 was approximately equipotent inhibiting PDE IIIc and relaxing rolipram-pretreated trachea, rolipram was substantially more potent (EC50 = 0.02 microM) in relaxing CI-930-pretreated trachea than in inhibiting CI-930-pretreated PDE III (PDE IIIRO, IC50 = 2.6 microM). Among a series of PDE inhibitors, there was a highly significant correlation (r = 0.89, P less than .01) between PDE IIIc inhibition (i.e., PDE III in the presence of rolipram) and rolipram-pretreated tracheal relaxation, but not between PDE IIIRO inhibition and CI-930-pretreated tracheal relaxation (r = 0.23). Nine of the PDE inhibitors used in this study have been reported to displace rolipram from a high-affinity binding site in rat brain. A highly significant correlation between relaxation of CI-930-pretreated trachea and displacement of rolipram binding by these agents was observed (r = 0.97, P less than .0001). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Mental Health Issues

SUMMARY This study examines mental health issues among women of different sexual orientations. An anonymous survey was administered at 33 health care sites across the United States; the sample (N = 1304) included lesbians (n = 524), bisexual (n = 143) and heterosexual women (n = 637). Not only did sexual orientation influence the probability of experiencing emotional stress, but also whether a bisexual woman or lesbian had disclosed her sexual orientation (was “out”) impacted the likelihood of having or having had mental health problems. Bisexual women and lesbians experienced more emotional stress as teenagers than did heterosexual women. Bisexual women were more than twice as likely to have had an eating disorder compared to lesbians. If a bisexual woman reported being out she was twice as likely to have had an eating disorder compared to a heterosexual woman. Lesbians who were not out and bisexual women who were out were 2-2.5 times more likely to experience suicidal ideation in the past 12 months. Lesbians and bisexual women who were not out were more likely to have had a suicide attempt compared to heterosexual women. Lesbians used psychotherapy for depression more commonly than did heterosexual or bisexual women. This is one of the few studies that compares lesbians, bisexual and heterosexual women. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Detection of virulent Escherichia coli O157 strains using multiplex PCR and single base sequencing for SNP characterization

Aims: To compare 167 Norwegian human and nonhuman Escherichia coli O157:H7/NM (nonmotile) isolates with respect to an A/T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the tir gene and to detect specific SNPs that differentiate STEC O157 into distinct virulence clades (1–3 and 8).
Molecular characterization of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis isolates from sheep, goats, and cattle by hybridization with a DNA probe to insertion element IS900

Mycobactin J-dependent mycobacterial isolates from sheep, goat, and cattle herds with Johne's disease in Morocco, South Africa, the United States, and Germany were tested for the repetitive insertion sequence IS900 of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis by PCR. The IS900 PCR target sequence was detected in 90 of 93 fecal culture isolates tested (96.8%). Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) and in vitro growth characteristics were studied in 46 of the IS900-positive isolates and in two bovine vaccine strains of M. paratuberculosis. Five different RFLP types were identified in PvuII digests of genomic DNA by Southern hybridization with a DNA probe specific for IS900. All isolates of M. paratuberculosis could be classified into two major clusters by their growth rates as well as the relatedness of their PvuII-RFLP hybridization patterns. All of the sheep isolates were classified into cluster I (extremely slow growth), while all cattle and goat isolates were members of cluster II (moderately slow growth). Different PvuII-RFLP patterns were detected in different sheep flocks from Morocco and South Africa. Our results demonstrate that genetically and phenotypically different strains of M. paratuberculosis were present in ruminant populations. The strains from sheep in Morocco and South Africa tested in the study appeared to belong to a unique group of M. paratuberculosis strains that might have adapted to this host species. The presence of several genetically distinct strains in different sheep flocks suggested that analysis of IS900-specific RFLP patterns may provide a useful tool for the epidemiologic investigation of ovine paratuberculosis outbreaks.