Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
No evidence of an association between transient HIV viremia ("Blips") and lower adherence to the antiretroviral medication regimen.

BACKGROUND Transient human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viremia, a common phenomenon among patients taking antiretroviral therapy, is often attributed to lapses in adherence to the medication regimen. We investigated this relationship in a prospective observational cohort of 128 patients initiating a new regimen. METHODS A case of transient viremia was defined as an HIV RNA level of 40-1000 copies/mL ("blip") sandwiched between 2 months of HIV RNA levels <40 copies/mL ("pre" and "post"). Adherence was most often measured with a composite adherence score (CAS), which is primarily based on electronically measured adherence. Case subjects' adherence and dose-timing was compared with (1) that of other patients (control subjects), who had undetectable virus loads for 3 consecutive months, and (2) that during periods of sustained undetectable virus loads among the case subjects themselves, if available. RESULTS Among the 28 case subjects, mean CAS-measured adherence did not decrease before transient viremia; adherence during the pre, blip, and post periods were 86%, 84%, and 80%, respectively. Control subjects had lower adherence levels during the corresponding 3 months (77%, 79%, and 75%, respectively; P = .046). Among the 19 patients able to serve as their own controls, CAS-measured adherence was higher during the period of transient viremia than during control periods (P = .01). Similar relationships were found when comparing only electronically measured adherence on a week-wise basis. There were no significant differences in dose-timing error between case subjects and control subjects. CONCLUSIONS We found no evidence that transient HIV viremia is associated with decreases in adherence or differences in dose-timing. Other etiologies for transient viremia should be evaluated.
Optimization of desflurane administration in morbidly obese patients: a comparison with sevoflurane using an 'inhalation bolus' technique.

BACKGROUND The concept of an 'inhalation bolus' can be used to optimize inhaled drug administration. We investigated the depth of anaesthesia, haemodynamic stability, and recovery time in morbidly obese patients resulting from bispectral index (BIS)-guided sevoflurane or desflurane administration and BIS-triggered inhalation boluses of sevoflurane or desflurane combined with titration of remifentanil. METHODS Fifty morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic gastroplasty received either BIS-guided sevoflurane or desflurane anaesthesia in combination with a remifentanil target-controlled infusion. Intraoperative haemodynamic stability and BIS control were measured. Immediate recovery was recorded. RESULTS Intraoperatively, the BIS was between 40 and 60 for a greater percentage of time in the sevoflurane (78 (13)% of case time) than in the desflurane patients (64 (14)% of case time), owing to too profound anaesthesia in the desflurane patients at the start of the procedure. However, fewer episodes of hypotension were found in the desflurane group, without the occurrence of more hypertensive episodes. During immediate recovery, eye opening, extubation, airway maintenance, and orientation occurred sooner in the desflurane group. CONCLUSIONS Immediate recovery was significantly faster in the desflurane group. Overall hypnotic controllability measured by BIS was less accurate with desflurane. Overall haemodynamic controllability was better when using desflurane. Fewer episodes of hypotension were found in the desflurane group. The use of the inhalation bolus was found to be appropriate in both groups without causing severe haemodynamic side effects. Minimal BIS values were significantly lower after a desflurane bolus.
Formal analysis of software security system architectures

We present an approach for analysis of security system architecture. Constraint patterns are introduced to formally specify the generic form of security policies that all implementations of the system architecture must enforce. The analysis is driven by incrementally decomposing a system-wide constraint pattern into a set of constraint patterns of constituent components. Since there are potentially many ways to partition a security system, a key element of the analysis is to verify that the component constraint patterns are collectively consistent with the global constraint pattern under the given architecture. A "consistent" component constraint is then used as the basis for analyzing possible designs of the component. We show that our approach is both flexible and scalable, which not only ensures the consistency of critical early design decisions, but also provides a framework to guide correct implementations of the design.
CliqueSquare: Flat plans for massively parallel RDF queries

As increasing volumes of RDF data are being produced and analyzed, many massively distributed architectures have been proposed for storing and querying this data. These architectures are characterized first, by their RDF partitioning and storage method, and second, by their approach for distributed query optimization, i.e., determining which operations to execute on each node in order to compute the query answers. We present CliqueSquare, a novel optimization approach for evaluating conjunctive RDF queries in a massively parallel environment. We focus on reducing query response time, and thus seek to build flat plans, where the number of joins encountered on a root-to-leaf path in the plan is minimized. We present a family of optimization algorithms, relying on n-ary (star) equality joins to build flat plans, and compare their ability to find the flattest possibles. We have deployed our algorithms in a MapReduce-based RDF platform and demonstrate experimentally the interest of the flat plans built by our best algorithms.
“People with Real Experiences:” Using Mobile Devices in High School Social Studies

Mobile devices are increasingly prevalent and may have large ramifications for social studies education, but there has been limited research as to their effectiveness. This study utilized an Apple iPad to explore how a specific application (Explore 9/11) impacted secondary student interactions with primary source narratives and their influence on historical empathy during a War on Terrorism unit in a United States history course. Three sections utilized the iPad, while two used resources found on the iPad, but not the iPad itself. The study found that students using mobile devices had positive experiences in interacting with primary source documents. Students, further, were able to develop a sense of historical empathy as they came across the firsthand accounts of seven individuals’ experiences on September 11, 2001 regardless of whether or not they used the iPads. These findings, as well as their implications for social studies education are discussed.
The Symmetry Ratio of a Network

In this paper, we introduce a new measure of symmetry which we call the symmetry ratio of a network, defined to be the ratio of the number of distinct eigenvalues of the network to D+1, where D is the diameter. The symmetry ratio has utility in partially predicting the robustness of a network in the face of attack. We prove a number of results placing bounds on the symmetry ratio for several families of networks, including distance-transitive networks, prisms, twisted prisms, antiprisms, tori, Cayley graphs, and random graphs.
The ecological approach to cognitive–motor dual-tasking: findings on the effects of expertise and age

The underlying assumption of studies on cognitive–motor dual-tasking is that resources are limited, and when they have to be shared between a cognitive and a motor task, performances will suffer. Resource competition should therefore be particularly pronounced in children, older adults, or people who are just acquiring a new motor skill. The current review summarizes expertise and age comparative studies that have combined a cognitive and a motor task. Expertise studies have often assessed sports performances (e.g., golf putting, soccer dribbling, rugby drills) and have shown that experts are more successful than novices to keep up their performances in dual-task situations. The review also presents age-comparative studies that have used walking (on narrow tracks or on a treadmill) as the motor task. Older adults often show higher costs than young adults, and they tend to prioritize the motor domain. These findings are discussed in relation to the ecological approach to dual-task research originally introduced by Li et al. (2005). The approach proposes to study ecologically valid dual-task situations, and always to investigate dual-task costs for both domains (cognitive and motor performance) in order to assess potential tradeoffs. In addition, task difficulties should be individually adjusted, and differential-emphasis instructions should be included in the study design.
Molecular identification, abundance and distribution of the coral-killing sponge Terpios hoshinota in Bengkulu and Seribu Islands, Indonesia

Utami RT, Zamani NP, Madduppa HH. 2018. Molecular identification, abundance and distribution of the coral-killing sponge Terpios hoshinota in Bengkulu and Seribu Islands, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 2238-2246. Coral killing sponge Terpios hoshinota is one of threats to coral reefs. The outbreaks of T. hoshinota has been reported in the Indo-Pacific region. However, the current distribution of this species in Western of Sumatera Island is unknown, compared to Seribu Islands. This study aimed to identify coral-killing sponge molecularly and to compare the distribution and abundance of T. hoshinota in Bengkulu (Western of Sumatera) and in Seribu Islands (Northern of Java Island) and to record the preferences of coral substrate of T. hoshinota. Coral reefs and T. hoshinota data were collected using underwater photo transect method with 0.5x0. 5m2 quadrate transect. Coral reefs covered by T. hoshinota was analyzed by using Correspondence Analysis, while the determination of biophysical and chemical environment was analyzed by Principal Component Analysis. The identity of the sponge was T. hoshinota. T. hoshinota has been expanding in many reefs across Indonesia especially in Tikus Island and Belanda Island. The most prevalent coral genera in the Seribu Islands infected by T. hoshinota was Acropora while those in Bengkulu were Porites and Pocillopora. Pearson correlation between the live coral cover and T. hoshinota cover was revealed not significant, while T. hoshinota cover and orthophosphate was significant. This study suggests that orthophosphate may play a role invasion of T. hoshinota outbreaks.
The contribution of teacher effectiveness maps and the TACTICS framework to teacher leader professional learning

Improving the quality of learning outcomes for all learners represents a major target for the organisers of the 2015 World Education Forum in Korea. Enhancing the effectiveness of what teachers do in the classrooms is a key strategy for reaching this target. This paper seeks to provide some insights into the use of Teacher Effectiveness Maps (TEMs) and the associated targeting, analysing, contextualising, translating, interpreting, changing, suggesting (TACTICS) framework as strategies for educators and governments seeking to document the nature and impact of professional learning activities for improving the quality of learning outcomes for all learners. The USA’s concept of ‘Teacher Leader’ and principles teacher professional learning provide a conceptual lens for interpreting the impact of using these strategies. Despite the limitations of a pilot size of two, the results offer some useful insights about designing and documenting teacher leader professional learning activities for improving the quality of learning outcomes for all learners. The authors identify the integration of collaborative teacher leader professional learning and the use of TEMs as promising practices for improving the quality of learning for all learner in the post-2015 era among the benefits linked to this research agenda.
Syndecan‐1 interaction with the LG4/5 domain in laminin‐332 is essential for keratinocyte migration

Laminin 5/laminin 332 (LN332) is an adhesion substrate for epithelial cells. After secretion of LN332, a regulated cleavage occurs at the carboxy‐terminus of its alpha3 subunit, which releases a tandem of two globular modules named LG4/5. We show that the presence of the LG4/5 domain in precursor LN332 decreases its integrin‐mediated cell adhesion properties in comparison with mature LN332. Whereas cell adhesion to the recombinant LG4/5 fragment relies solely on the heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) receptor syndecan‐1, we reveal that both syndecan‐1 and the alpha3beta1 integrin bind to precursor LN332. We further demonstrate that syndecan‐1 mediated cell adhesion to the LG4/5 fragment and pre‐LN332 allows the formation of fascin‐containing protrusions, depending on the GTPases Rac and Cdc42 activation. Reducing syndecan‐1 expression in normal keratinocytes prevents cell protrusions on pre‐LN332 with subsequent failure of the peripheral localization of the alpha3beta1 integrin. We finally show that cell migration on pre‐LN332 requires syndecan‐1. Therefore, the LG4/5 domain in precursor LN332 appears to trigger intracellular signaling events, which participate in keratinocyte motility. J. Cell. Physiol. 214:238–249, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modelling and control of Hammerstein system using B-spline approximation and the inverse of De Boor algorithm

In this article a simple and effective controller design is introduced for the Hammerstein systems that are identified based on observational input/output data. The nonlinear static function in the Hammerstein system is modelled using a B-spline neural network. The controller is composed by computing the inverse of the B-spline approximated nonlinear static function, and a linear pole assignment controller. The contribution of this article is the inverse of De Boor algorithm that computes the inverse efficiently. Mathematical analysis is provided to prove the convergence of the proposed algorithm. Numerical examples are utilised to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Maximum-Likelihood Equalisation for STBC-MIMO on Test-Bed

paper deals with the design and implementation of Maximum Likelihood (ML) Estimation method for a MIMO system utilising Space-time block coding (STBC) based on Alamouti transmitter diversity scheme. The design is modelled using MATLAB to derive the required specifications. The code is simulated, synthesized and implemented on Test bed for real-time analysis. The performance of STBC- MIMO is evaluated on the basis of Bit Error Rate (BER) and Symbol Error Rate (SER) for different types of modulations.
Analysis and residue levels of forchlorfenuron (CPPU) in watermelons

This paper describes the application of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) for analysis of residues of forchlorfenuron (CPPU), a new plant growth regulator, in watermelons, after a sample preparation step based on the buffered Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe extraction method. Analytical determinations were carried out in a triple quadrupole system fitted with an electrospray interphase operating in the positive ionisation mode (ESI+). Three simultaneous MS-MS transitions of the quasi-molecular ion m/z 248 (precursor ion) were monitored for data adquisition (248 > 129, 248 > 155, and 248 > 248), using the transition 248 > 129 for quantitation. Recovery studies on watermelons at levels of 1–200 μ g/kg, performing five replicates at each level and using bracketing single-level calibration with matrix-matched standards for quantitation, gave forchlorfenuron mean recoveries ranging from 82 to 106% with relative standard deviations (RSD) lower than 18%. The limit of determination was established at 1 μ g/kg. The method was applied to evaluate the persistence of forchlorfenuron residues in watermelons grown in plastic greenhouses, after applying an individual spray treatment to the flower ovary at the anthesis stage (45 μ g/flower and 60 μ g/flower for cv “Extazy” and cv “reina de corazones” watermelons, respectively). One month after treatment, 20 “Extazy” watermelon units (1.5–2 kg/unit) and 20 “Reina de corazones” watermelon units (4–5 kg/unit) were collected and analyzed individually. None of the samples contained forchlorfenuron residues higher than 1 μ g/kg.
Do demographic patterns affect stock returns across industries ?

Do demographic patterns affect stock returns across industries? While there is a substantial literature on the impact of demographic fluctuations on aggregate stock returns (Gurdip S. Bakshi and Zhiwu Chen 1994; James M. Poterba 2001; Andrew B. Abel 2003; John Geanakoplos, Michael J. P. Magill, and Martine Quinzii 2004; Andrew Ang and Angela Maddaloni 2005), there is little evidence on the effect of demographics on cross-sectional returns. In this paper, we investigate this relationship. We analyze the impact of shifts in cohort sizes Demographics and Industry Returns
Dismantling sociocultural barriers to eye care with tele-ophthalmology: lessons from an Alberta Cree community.

PURPOSE There are significant disparities in access to health care amongst Aboriginal Canadians. The purpose of this study was to determine whether tele-ophthalmology services, provided to Aboriginal Canadians in a culturally-sensitive community-based clinic, could overcome social and cultural barriers in ways that would be difficult in the traditional hospital-based setting. METHODS The Aboriginal Diabetes Wellness Program of Alberta incorporates culturally-sensitive health-related activities and rituals as a component of a diabetic retinopathy tele-ophthalmology screening program. Metrics of program attendance were collected while stakeholders participated in a survey to identify barriers to healthcare delivery. RESULTS Aboriginal patients, cultural liaison, nurses and program administrators revealed economic, geographic, social and cultural barriers to healthcare faced by Aboriginal people. It was found that the introduction of culturally-sensitive programs led to increased appointment attendance; from 25% to 85%. Involvement of Aboriginal nurses, inclusion of culturally-sensitive activities and participation in spiritual ceremonies led to qualitative accounts of increased patient satisfaction, trust towards the healthcare team and communication amongst participants. CONCLUSIONS A culturally-sensitive model of healthcare delivery in a community-based health clinic improved access to tele-ophthalmology services. This was demonstrated by increased attendance at appointments and increased satisfaction amongst patients.
Modeling non-standard retinal in/out function using computer vision variational methods

We propose a computational approach using a variational specification of the visual front-end, where ganglion cells with properties of retinal Konio cells (K-cells), are considered as a network, yielding a mesoscopic view of the retinal process. The variational framework is implemented as a simple mechanism of diffusion in a two-layered non-linear filtering mechanism with feedback, as observed in synaptic layers of the retina, while its biological plausibility, and capture functionalities as (i) stimulus adapted response; (ii) non-local noise reduction (i.e. segmentation); (iii) visual event detection, taking several visual cues into account: contrast and local texture, color or edge channels, and motion base in natural images. Those functionalities could be implemented in the biological tissues We use computer vision methods to propose an effective link between the observed functions and their possible implementation in the retinal network base on a two-layers network with non-separable local spatio-temporal convolution as input, and recurrent connections performing non-linear diffusion before prototype based visual event detection. The numerical robustness of the proposed model has been experimentally checked on real natural images. Finally, we discuss in base of experimental biological and computational results the generality of our description.
The Development of Structure and Centrality in the Self System: Implications for Appearance Concerns

THE DEVELOPMENT OF STRUCTURE AND CENTRALITY IN THE SELF SYSTEM: IMPLICATIONS FOR APPEARANCE CONCERNS by Melanie Bowen Hoy Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Duke University Date: ______________________ Approved: ___________________________________ Philip R. Costanzo, Ph.D., Supervisor __________________________________ Nancy Hill, Ph.D. ___________________________________ Rick H. Hoyle, Ph.D. _____________________________________ Shari Miller-Johnson, Ph.D. An abstract of a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience in the Graduate School of Duke University
Contributory Role of Five Common Polymorphisms of RAGE and APE1 Genes in Lung Cancer among Han Chinese

Background Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in China. Given the ubiquitous nature of gene-to-gene interaction in lung carcinogenesis, we sought to evaluate five common polymorphisms from advanced glycosylation end product-specific receptor (RAGE) and apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) genes in association with lung cancer among Han Chinese. Methods and Results 819 patients with lung cancer and 803 cancer-free controls were recruited from Qiqihar city. Genotypes of five examined polymorphisms (RAGE gene: rs1800625, rs1800624, rs2070600; APE1 gene: rs1760944, rs1130409) were determined by ligase detection reaction method. Data were analyzed by R software and multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR). Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was satisfied for all five polymorphisms. Overall differences in the genotype and allele distributions were significant for rs1800625 (Pgenotype<0.0005; Pallele<0.0005), rs2070600 (Pgenotype = 0.005; Pallele = 0.004) and rs1130409 (Pgenotype = 0.009; Pallele = 0.004) polymorphisms. Haplotype C-A-A (alleles in order of rs1800625, rs1800624 and rs2070600) of RAGE gene was overrepresented in patients, and conferred a 2.1-fold increased risk of lung cancer (95% confidence interval: 1.52–2.91), independent of confounding factors. Further application of MDR method to five examined polymorphisms identified the overall best interaction model including rs2070600 and rs1130409 polymorphisms. This model had a maximal testing accuracy of 64.63% and a maximal cross-validation consistency of 9 out of 10 at the significant level of 0.006. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated a potential interactive contribution of RAGE and APE1 genes to the pathogenesis of lung cancer among Han Chinese. Further studies are warranted to confirm or refute these findings.
EzCatDB: the Enzyme Catalytic-mechanism Database

The EzCatDB (Enzyme Catalytic-mechanism Database) specifically includes catalytic mechanisms of enzymes in terms of sequences and tertiary structures of enzymes, and proposed catalytic mechanisms, along with ligand structures. The EzCatDB groups enzyme data in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and the SWISS-PROT database with identical domain compositions, Enzyme Commission (EC) numbers and catalytic mechanisms. The EzCatDB can be queried by the type of catalytic residue, name and type of ligand molecule that interacts with an enzyme as a cofactor, substrate or product. It can provide literature information, other database codes and EC numbers. The EzCatDB provides ligand annotation for enzymes in the PDB as well as literature information on structure and catalytic mechanisms. Furthermore, the EzCatDB also provides a hierarchic classification of catalytic mechanisms. This classification incorporates catalytic mechanisms and active-site structures of enzymes as well as basic reactions and reactive parts of ligand molecules. The EzCatDB is available at http://mbs.cbrc. jp/EzCatDB/.