Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HIV-related knowledge, stigma, and willingness to disclose: A mediation analysis

Abstract Increasing HIV knowledge is a focus of many HIV education and prevention efforts. While the bivariate relationship of HIV serostatus disclosure with HIV-related knowledge and stigma has been reported in the literature, little is known about the mediation effect of stigma on the relationship of HIV knowledge with HIV serostatus disclosure. Data from 4,208 rural-to-urban migrants in China were analyzed to explore this issue. Overall, 70% of respondents reported willingness to disclose their HIV status if they were HIV-positive. Willingness to disclose was negatively associated with misconceptions about HIV transmission and stigma. Stigma mediated the relationship between misconceptions and willingness to disclose among women but not men. The mediation effect of stigma suggests that stigmatization reduction would be an important component of HIV prevention approaches. Gender inequality needs to be addressed in stigmatization reduction efforts.
Z/AP, a double reporter for cre-mediated recombination.

The Cre/loxP site-specific recombination system combined with embryonic stem cell-mediated technologies has greatly expanded our capability to address normal and disease development in mammals using genetic approaches. The success of this emerging technology hinges on the production of Cre-expressing transgenic lines that provide cell type-, tissue-, or developmental stage-specific recombination between loxP sites placed in the genome. Here we describe and characterize the production of a double-reporter mouse line that provides a convenient and reliable readout of Cre recombinase activity. Throughout all embryonic and adult stages, the transgenic animal expresses the lacZ reporter gene before Cre-mediated excision occurs. Cre excision, however, removes the lacZ gene, allowing expression of the second reporter, the human alkaline phosphatase gene. This double-reporter transgenic line is able to indicate the occurrence of Cre excision in an extremely widespread manner from early embryonic to adult lineages. It will be a valuable reagent for the increasing number of investigators taking advantage of the powerful tools provided by the Cre/loxP site-specific recombinase system.
Identifying the types of major El Niño events since 1870

This study develops a pattern correlation method to determine the type of major El Niño events since 1870 from a reconstructed sea surface temperature dataset. Different from other identification methods, this method allows an El Niño event to be of the Central‐Pacific (CP) type, the Eastern‐Pacific (EP) type, or the Mixed type (i.e. the both types coexist). Application of this method to the 39 major El Niño events identified by the Ocean Niño Index during the period 1870–2010 results in 8 events that are categorized to be of the EP type, 16 of the CP type, and 15 of Mixed type. Before the 1910s, the El Niño events are mostly of the EP type, but are mostly the CP type after 2000, while in between both types occurred. The consistencies and inconsistencies between the El Niño types identified by this method and other three methods, which have been proposed recently for El Niño‐type classification, are examined and discussed. All four methods consistently identify the El Niño events occurring in the following years to be of the EP types: 1876–1877, 1881, 1884–1885, 1895–1896, 1896–1897, 1918–1919, 1982–1983, and 1997–1998; and the events occurring in the following years to be of the CP type: 1968–1969, 1977–1978, 1994–1995, 2004–2005, and 2009–2010. It is evident that the characteristics of the EP type of El Niño are more robust in the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century, whereas the characteristics of the CP type of El Niño is more robust in the late 20th century and the early 21st century. The list of the El Niño types produced by this study can be used for selecting El Niño events to further study the dynamics and climate impacts of the EP, CP, and Mixed types of El Niño. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
CONFOCAL MICROENDOSCOPY : FROM THE PROXIMAL BRONCHUS DOWN TO THE PULMONARY

In vivo endoscopic microscopy aims to provide the clinician with a tool to assess architecture and morphology of a living tissue in real time, with an optical resolution similar to standard histopathology. To date, available microendoscopic devices use the principle of fl uorescence confocal microscopy, and thereby mainly analyse the spatial distribution of specifi c endogenous or exogenous fl uorophores. Fluorescence microendoscopes devoted to respiratory system exploration use a bundle of optical fi bres, introduced into the working channel of the bronchoscope. This miniprobe can be applied in vivo onto the bronchial inner surface or advanced into a distal bronchiole down to the acinus, to produce in situ, in vivo microscopic imaging of the respiratory tract in real time. Fluorescence confocal microendoscopy has the capability to image the epithelial and subepithelial layers of the proximal bronchial tree, as well as the more distal parts of the lungs, from the terminal bronchioles down to the alveolar ducts and sacs. Potential applications include in vivo microscopic assessment of early bronchial cancers, bronchial wall remodelling evaluation and diffuse peripheral lung disease exploration, as well as in vivo diagnosis of peripheral lung nodules. The technique has also the potential to be coupled with fl uorescence molecular imaging. This chapter describes the capabilities and possible limitations of confocal microendoscopy for proximal and distal lung exploration.
Aerobic exercise capacity in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis.

OBJECTIVE To examine the feasibility of maximum exercise testing in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), characterize the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2peak) of these patients, and determine if exercise time could be used as an surrogate index for VO2peak. METHODS Fifteen patients diagnosed with JDM (age 5-14) performed a graded, maximum exercise test using a motor driven treadmill and metabolic cart to volitional exhaustion conforming to the Bruce protocol. RESULTS All patients were able to perform the exercise test. Ten of the 15 patients performed a maximal effort (heart rate > 180 beats/min or respiratory exchange ratio > 1.0). The patients who had a maximal exercise performance, the mean absolute VO2peak, relative VO2peak (related to body mass), and exercise time were respectively -1.82 (+/- 1.5), -2.83 (+/- 1.9), and -3.65 (+/- 1.9) standard deviations lower compared to age and sex matched reference values (p < 0.05). Z scores for exercise time were significantly lower compared to Z scores for absolute and relative VO2peak, an indication of reduced muscular economy. When exercise time was converted to VO2peak using the equation: VO2peak = 0.1583 (exercise time) + 0.0828, the VO2peak values were not significantly different from the measured VO2peak values. CONCLUSION Aerobic exercise testing on a treadmill was possible in patients with JDM and revealed an impairment in their maximal aerobic exercise capacity. Exercise time can be used as an indicator of VO2peak, when converted to VO2peak using a regression equation. VO2peak, measured or estimated, has the potential to be a good indicator of muscle function in patients with JDM.
A Novel EGFR Extracellular Domain Mutant, EGFRΔ768, Possesses Distinct Biological and Biochemical Properties in Neuroblastoma

EGFR is a popular therapeutic target for many cancers. EGFR inhibitors have been tested in children with refractory neuroblastoma. Interestingly, partial response or stable disease was observed in a few neuroblastoma patients. As EGFR mutations are biomarkers for response to anti-EGFR drugs, primary neuroblastoma tumors and cell lines were screened for mutations. A novel EGFR extracellular domain deletion mutant, EGFRΔ768, was discovered and the biologic and biochemical properties of this mutant were characterized and compared with wild-type and EGFRvIII receptors. EGFRΔ768 was found to be constitutively active and localized to the cell surface. Its expression conferred resistance to etoposide and drove proliferation as well as invasion of cancer cells. While EGFRΔ768 had similarity to EGFRvIII, its biologic and biochemical properties were distinctly different from both the EGFRvIII and wild-type receptors. Even though erlotinib inhibited EGFRΔ768, its effect on the mutant was not as strong as that on wild-type EGFR and EGFRvIII. In addition, downstream signaling of EGFRΔ768 was different from that of the wild-type receptor. In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate that neuroblastoma express not only EGFRvIII, but also a novel EGFR extracellular domain deletion mutant, EGFRΔ768. The EGFRΔ768 also possesses distinct biologic and biochemical properties which might have therapeutic implications for neuroblastoma as well as other tumors expressing this novel mutant. Implications: Neuroblastoma expressed a novel EGFR mutant which possesses distinct biologic and biochemical properties that might have therapeutic implications. Mol Cancer Res; 14(8); 740–52. ©2016 AACR.
Design high-directivity parallel-coupled lines using quadrupled inductive-compensated technique

A high-directivity parallel-coupled lines based on an inductive compensation technique, which is achieved by connecting the optimum inductors at all coupler's ports, is presented in this paper. Based on a quasi-static model, the optimum inductor and the coupler's electrical length are given. Analysis, simulated, and measured results of a 0.9 GHz 10-dB uncompensated and quadrupled inductive-compensated couplers are compared. The measured results obtained from the proposed coupler exhibit more than 25 dB improvement of the directivity over the uncompensated design at the operating frequency.
Transmission of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection by leukoreduced blood products not tested for CMV antibodies: a single‐center prospective study in high‐risk patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (CME)

BACKGROUND: Measures to prevent transfusion‐transmitted cytomegalovirus (TT‐CMV) infection after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) include transfusion of CMV antibody–negative blood units and/or transfusion of leukoreduced cellular blood products. We assessed the incidence of TT‐CMV in CMV‐seronegative patients receiving CMV‐seronegative HSC transplants, who were transfused with leukoreduced cellular blood products not tested for anti‐CMV.
Evaluation of SVM Binary Spatial Classification with Nonparametric Conditional Stochastic Simulations

The qualit y of Support Vector Machines (SVM) binary classifi cation of spatial environmental data is evaluated with geostatistical nonparametric conditional stochastic simulations a spatial Monte Carlo model based on sequential indicator simulation algorithm. Equally probable reali zations are generated and compared with SVM classifi cation. Uncertainty of predictions is described by conditional standard deviations. Case study is based on the classifi cation of porosity data. Only binary problem is considered. Results obtained confirm the efficiency of the SVM binary classifi cation of spatial data.
Application-aware MIMO Video Rate Adaptation

High data rates and multiple channel profiles of a MIMO system are naturally well-suited to carry video content. However, a video communication scheme to exploit these desirable properties of MIMO systems is widely unexplored. Even the most sophisticated MIMO rate adaptation methods rely on channel BER which shows a monotonic decrease as the channel quality improves. However, video quality, for which PSNR is a better measure than BER, does not show a proportional increase with improved channel quality because of error concealment. In this paper, we present a novel application-aware rate adaptation method which can detect variations in a MIMO channel at a video receiver, quantify the impact of these variations on the received video quality, and adaptively select a transmission profile (consisting of modulation, coding and MIMO mode) to provide unprecedented improvements in video quality. The proposed application-aware MIMO Video Rate Adaptation (MVRA) method relies on a comprehensive model of source- and channel-induced distortions in video quality. Using this model, a MIMO receiver can select an appropriate transmission profile on a per-GOP basis. Trace-driven evaluations over an 802.11n channel show that the proposed MVRA method's PSNR is very close to the PSNR of an optimal RA scheme. Comparison with state-of-the-art MIMO RA methods shows that the proposed MVRA method provides consistently better PSNR, with an average improvement of 19.29% (5.5486 dBs) over the best existing MIMO RA scheme.
High-Performance Multiresponsive Paper Actuators.

There is an increasing demand for soft actuators because of their importance in soft robotics, artificial muscles, biomimetic devices, and beyond. However, the development of soft actuators capable of low-voltage operation, powerful actuation, and programmable shape-changing is still challenging. In this work, we propose programmable bilayer actuators that operate based on the large hygroscopic contraction of the copy paper and simultaneously large thermal expansion of the polypropylene film upon increasing the temperature. The electrothermally activated bending actuators can function with low voltages (≤ 8 V), low input electric power per area (P ≤ 0.14 W cm-2), and low temperature changes (≤ 35 °C). They exhibit reversible shape-changing behavior with curvature radii up to 1.07 cm-1 and bending angle of 360°, accompanied by powerful actuation. Besides the electrical activation, they can be powered by humidity or light irradiation. We finally demonstrate the use of our paper actuators as a soft gripper robot and a lightweight paper wing for aerial robotics.
A Guide to Treatments That Work (2nd ed.)

some puzzling findings (e.g., Mastery Scale scores were not related to clinical outcome for Axis I patients). The clinician side of me, however, is disappointed. For example, Grenyer claims his book can serve as a guide to determine the appropriateness of certain interventions depending on the patient’s level of mastery. His recommendations, although clinically sound, are so general as to not add much over the well-established approach of using supportive techniques with lower functioning patients (i.e., those with symptoms and defenses, or low mastery) and more challenging and exploratory interventions with higher functioning patients (i.e., those with self-understanding and self-control, or high mastery). In keeping with his argument that mastery is a common factor, Grenyer proposes that his scale may be “readily applied to many clinical research investigations from different orientations” (p. 57). However, a number of the items on the scale are only applicable for those with a psychodynamic orientation. Similarly, Grenyer is embedding his work within Freudian drive theory at a time when most psychoanalytic schools are becoming less drive oriented and more relational for various cultural, social, clinical, and scientific reasons (Levenson, Butler, Powers, & Beitman, 2002; Messer & Warren, 1995). Nonetheless, Grenyer’s work has focused our attention on this most important construct, and for this we are indebted. I look forward to additional discoveries of a theoretical, empirical, and clinical nature from both Grenyer and others.
Contribution to confirmed & synthesized on mycorrhizae of Tuber indicum s.l. with two dominated & subalpine broadleaf trees in southwestern China.

The ascomata and mycorrhizae of Tuber indicum s.l. were collected under the forest of broad-leaf species Populus yunnanensis and Quercus pannosa in the field respectively. The symbiotic relationships of both trees with T. indicum were examined and affirmed based on morphology and ITS-rDNA sequences. These two mycorrhizal combinations were successfully produced on artificially controlled substrates and cultural condition. This is the first report of a mycorrhizal association and synthesis between Chinese black truffles and poplars. A hyphal net covering the mantle’s surface of the mycorrhizae was detected in both mycorrhizal combinations. The mycorrhizal colonization of P. yunnanensis and Q. pannosa suggests that T. indicum s.l. has a broader host range and that additional corresponding wood species would be used as candidates for the cultivation of T. indicum. The nuclear-ITS sequences of the mycorrhizae included in the phylogeny of the T. indicum complex revealed that the two clades within the complex do not markedly differ with respect to their preferences for host species or geographical origin. Our results help to explain the wide distribution of both clades of the T. indicum complex. It would be more important for truffle conservation and Chinese black truffle plantation development with these two dominated & alpestrine Populus yunnanensis and Quercus pannosa at subalpine limestone areas in China.
Testing the validity of ensemble descriptions of intrinsically disordered proteins

Understanding biological function in the profusion of proteins containing significant levels of intrinsic disorder depends on how accurately we can describe their conformational behavior (1). Recently, Wang et al. used molecular dynamics (MD) techniques to study the molecular recognition element of the C-terminal domain of the measles virus nucleoprotein (MeV-NTAIL), an example of this enigmatic family of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) (2). In justifying their approach, the authors state that “in general, it is not feasible to characterize IDPs by an ensemble averaged method due to the underlying structural heterogeneity. ” Although the potential advantages of restraint-free MD in terms of dynamic time scales are evident, numerous developments in the field also exploit ensemble-averaged NMR data to derive molecular descriptions of IDPs.
Qualitative and Quantitative Temporal Constraints and Relational Databases: Theory, Architecture, and Applications

Many different applications in different areas need to deal with both: databases, in order to take into account large amounts of structured data; and quantitative and qualitative temporal constraints about such data. We propose an approach that extends: temporal databases and artificial intelligence temporal reasoning techniques and integrate them in order to face such a need. Regarding temporal reasoning, we consider some results that we proved recently about efficient query answering in the Simple Temporal Problem framework and we extend them in order to deal with partitioned sets of constraints and to support relational database operations. Regarding databases, we extend the relational model in order to consider also qualitative and quantitative temporal constraints both in the data (data expressiveness) and in the queries (query expressiveness). We then propose a modular architecture integrating a relational database with a temporal reasoner. We also consider classes of applications that fit into our approach and consider patient management in a hospital as an example.
Post-trench processing of silicon deep trench capacitors for power electronic applications

Silicon deep trench capacitors represent a promising alternative to surface-mounted capacitors, which are typically used in high power applications. Using these devices, modules with significantly lower parasitic inductances as well as a lower thermal impedance can be realized. It is demonstrated that the high aspect ratio trenches enlarge the surface area of the substrate, which yields an increase in capacitance per surface area by a factor of about 39 in comparison with planar silicon capacitors of comparable design. Moreover, high temperature post-trench processing in argon atmosphere is shown to enhance the dielectric breakdown voltage of the devices and to yield a significantly lower leakage current. Only a small deviation in capacitance of about 3.2% across the wafer and a high voltage stability indicates the high homogeneity and the good quality both of the dielectric layer and the post-trench process.
Automatic Mode Matching in MEMS Vibrating Gyroscopes Using Extremum-Seeking Control

In order to enhance the sensitivity and to reduce the readout circuit complexity of any angular velocity microsensor (vibrating gyroscope), it is crucial to reduce the frequency mismatch of its resonant modes of vibration. Achieving a good matching accuracy during fabrication is rather difficult because of tolerances and process variations that detrimentally affect the manufacturing precision. Moreover, even assuming to achieve a good frequency matching through fabrication or postfabrication calibration, it is very likely that parametric variations induced by the external environment during the normal operation of the device disrupt any initial tuning. For these reasons, in this paper, an alternative way to accomplish the frequency-matching condition is suggested, which exploits a real-time adjusting mechanism based on an automatic mode-matching control loop. In particular, this paper describes the details of an adaptive controller capable of automatically matching the resonant frequencies of the two main modes of vibration of a single-axis vibrating microgyroscope, under the provision that there is an underlying mechanism through which the frequency mismatch can be controlled by adjusting a suitable tunable parameter. The controller is designed by considering the requirement of reducing its complexity, so that it can be easily implemented on cheap sensors. Owing to a key observation that allows the recast of the frequency-matching problem as a maximization problem, the proposed mode-matching controller is actually designed as a standard perturbation-based extremum-seeking controller, which can be implemented by using few analog electronic components. The proposed solution has been tested on the LISY300AL yaw-rate microelectromechanical system gyroscope manufactured by STMicroelectronics, showing that a mode matching of nearly 1 Hz or less can be easily attained.
Routinely collected data may usefully supplement randomised controlled data on treatment effects for mortality

Hemkens and colleagues investigated the effects of treatment on mortality in routinely collected data and subsequent randomised trials.1 They found that observational studies with routinely collected data substantially overestimated the effects of treatment, despite the use of propensity scores to address confounding bias. This overestimation might, however, be partially due to the selection of studies. In randomised controlled trials, a pitfall is choosing a control that reflects the realities of medical care, and a major …
Food calorie measurement using deep learning neural network

Accurate methods to measure food and energy intake are crucial for the battle against obesity. Providing users/patients with convenient and intelligent solutions that help them measure their food intake and collect dietary information are the most valuable insights toward long-term prevention and successful treatment programs. In this paper, we propose an assistive calorie measurement system to help patients and doctors succeed in their fight against diet-related health conditions. Our proposed system runs on smartphones, which allow the user to take a picture of the food and measure the amount of calorie intake automatically. In order to identify the food accurately in the system, we use deep convolutional neural networks to classify 10000 high-resolution food images for system training. Our results show that the accuracy of our method for food recognition of single food portions is 99%. The analysis and implementation of the proposed system are also described in this paper.