Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of a proactive coping intervention targeting self-management in diabetes patients

Objective: The study’s aim was to investigate psychological, behavioral and medical long-term outcomes of an existing self-management intervention targeting the development of proactive coping skills (e.g. goal setting and identifying barriers) in type 2 diabetes patients. The study aimed to replicate prior research showing the intervention’s effectiveness, and to extend it by (a) adding booster sessions and (b) prolonging the period of follow-up measurement to capture long-term effects. Design/outcome measures: A total of 141 type 2 diabetes patients were included in the intervention. The intervention employed a 5-step approach to target proactive coping skills. Psychological (e.g. proactive coping and self-efficacy) and behavioural variables (e.g. self-care, diet and physical activity) were assessed at baseline (T1), after the initial phase of the intervention (T2), after the booster phase (T3) and at follow-up (T4), comprising a total period of 15 months. Medical variables were assessed at T1 and T4. Results: Employing piecewise Latent Growth Curve Modelling, results showed that participants improved on all psychological and behavioural variables during the initial phase and maintained these improvements over 12 months. The booster phase yielded no further improvements. Mixed findings were obtained on medical outcomes. Conclusion: The original intervention is effective, but the added value of the booster sessions is uncertain.
Determinants of high on-treatment platelet reactivity and agreement between VerifyNow and Multiplate assays

Abstract Dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel is a regimen used before and after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. Point-of-care platelet reactivity assays are easy-to-use methods to determine adequate response to the drug. The aim of this study was a comparison of the two platelet reactivity assays: Multiplate® and VerifyNow® and an identification of factors potentially influencing the results of these tests, including common genetic polymorphisms. The study included 39 patients receiving 75 mg clopidogrel daily before angioplasty with DES implantation. Platelet reactivity was measured with Multiplate and P2Y12 VerifyNow assays. Genetic polymorphisms of CYP2C19*2, ABCB1 3435C > T, and CYP3A4*1G were determined with PCR-RFLP method and CYP2C19*17 was determined by means of an allele-specific PCR. Agreement between Multiplate and VerifyNow assays was poor (Cohen’s κ = 0.056, p = .273). Hematocrit significantly negatively correlated with VerifyNow assayed platelet reactivity (r = −.487, p = .002). Female sex was significantly associated with higher VerifyNow assay results after adjustment to hematocrit (253.2 ± 47.6 PRU vs. 195.9 ± 56.9 PRU, p = .013) and the prevalence of high-on-treatment platelet reactivity (OR: 8.50; 95% CI 1.13–77.60, p = .024). Reactivity measured with Multiplate was lower in women (82.3 vs. 175.6 AU·min, p = .037) and in patients who received calcium channel blockers (74.7 vs. 191.7 AU·min, p = .002). None of the studied polymorphisms significantly influenced platelet aggregation measurements. In conclusion, different aspects modify between-patient variability of the Multiplate and VerifyNow assays and agreement between those two assays was poor.
Results From a Pilot Promotora Program to Reduce Depression and Stress Among Immigrant Latinas

The stressful experiences that Latino immigrants face throughout the migration process to the United States put them at increased risk for poor mental health. Latinas are at heightened risk due to stigma, limited access to mental health resources, domestic violence, and gender role expectations. In addition, for those who live in new immigrant settlement areas, such as the Southeast, these disparities are magnified by even fewer culturally appropriate services and limited social support. This study evaluates the impact of ALMA (Amigas Latinas Motivando el Alma/Latina Friends Motivating the Soul), a pilot promotora intervention offered in three North Carolina counties to improve mental health among Latinas by offering coping skills training. The intervention trained community-based promotoras to conduct outreach to Latina women in their social network (compañeras). Using a pre–post test design, we assessed the mental health outcomes of compañeras. Compañeras improved on the following outcomes: depressive symptoms, attitudes of depression treatment, perceived and acculturative stress, perceived social support, and positive coping responses. Our findings suggest that promotora interventions, such as ALMA, that focus on building self-care strategies can be valuable to reducing preclinical symptoms and addressing health care disparities that are exacerbated by unavailable or underused mental health services.
Tomato Root Penetration in Soil Requires a Coaction between Ethylene and Auxin Signaling1[C][W][OA]

During seed germination, emerging roots display positive gravitropism and penetrate into the soil for nutrition and anchorage. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seeds germinated in the presence of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), an inhibitor of ethylene action, failed to insert roots into Soilrite and grew in the air, forming loops. Time-lapse video imaging showed that 1-MCP-grown root tips retained positive gravitropism and made contact with the surface of Soilrite but failed to penetrate into the Soilrite. Time-course studies revealed that the effect of 1-MCP was most prominent when seed imbibition and germination were carried out in the continual presence of 1-MCP. Conversely, 1-MCP was ineffective when applied postgermination after penetration of roots in the Soilrite. Furthermore, treatment with 1-MCP caused a reduction in DR5::β-glucuronidase auxin-reporter activity and modified the expression of SlIAA3 and SlIAA9 transcripts, indicating interference with auxin signaling. The reduced ethylene perception mutant, Never-ripe, displayed decreased ability for root penetration, and the enhanced polar auxin transport mutant, polycotyledon, showed a nearly normal root penetration in the presence of 1-MCP, which could be reversed by application of auxin transport inhibitors. Our results indicate that during tomato seed germination, a coaction between ethylene and auxin is required for root penetration into the soil.
Canopy biochemistry estimation using spectrodirectional CHRIS data

Sun and sensor geometry cause spectrodirectional effects in remotely sensed reflectance data which can influence the estimation of biophysical and biochemical variables. Previous studies indicated that vegetation indices can be strongly influenced by such effects and thus impact the results. This study examined the uncertainty induced by changing view angles on statistical methods used for nitrogen concentration (CN) estimation. We analyzed data of the spaceborne ESA-mission CHRIS (Compact High Resolution Imaging Spectrometer) on-board PROBA-1, which provides hyperspectral and multi-angular data with a spatial resolution of 17 m. The images were acquired in June 2005 over a test site in Switzerland and subsequently preprocessed. Linear regression models (LM’s) were developed between laboratory-measured CN, reflectance and transformed reflectance (continuum-removed and normalized), respectively, using a subset selection algorithm. For each CHRIS observation angle a particular LM was built. All LM’s were evaluated using 10-fold cross-validation with random splitting order of the data. By considering the adjusted R2 (adj.-R2), the root mean square error (RMSE) and percent error (% error), the LM’s were finally compared. Best CN predictions were achieved with models calibrated on nadir data with R2 of 0.63 and 0.59 using the reflectance and transformed reflectance, respectively. Generally, better LM’s were attained with nadir and -36° data than with +36° data (forward scatter direction), for both, reflectance and transformed reflectance. Applying nadircalibrated LM’s to off-nadir data was not successful to estimate CN. The results suggest that the CHRIS/PROBA mission provides useful data for biochemistry estimation. Caution is required when applying statistical methods developed on nadir data to data with directional effects.
Improved MPPT short-circuit current method by a fuzzy short-circuit current estimator

Several Maximum Power Point Tracking MPPT methods have been proposed looking for more efficient Photovoltaic (PV) system. Some of them are simple but imply low efficiency compared with more sophisticated method. The short-circuit current is a simple method to achieve the maximum power point based on the fact that the current at the maximum power point is proportional to the short circuit current. Nevertheless, the measurement of the short circuit current implies high waste of energy. In this paper a short circuit current estimator based on a Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model of the PV array is proposed looking for overcoming the main disadvantages of the short circuit current method. The short-circuit current could be estimated under any weather condition in real time, without disconnecting the photovoltaic generator andmeasuring it. Simulation in a grid connected system shows attractive features such as high accuracy, and simple design. This method is validated by experiments using a two-stage single-phase, grid-connected inverter.
Passive Equalizer Design for Through Silicon Vias With Perfect Compensation

This paper proposes a novel passive equalizer which is composed of a parallel resistance-capacitance (RC) circuit and capable of perfect compensation for lossy effects of through silicon via (TSV). To design the equalizer, the conventional transmission line theory is utilized to derive an analytic circuit model of the TSV which is verified by numerical methods. Based on the analytic circuit model, the significance analysis is performed to acquire a much simplified capacitance-conductance circuit model which is employed to construct the design formula for the RC equalizer with perfect compensation. A ten-stacked TSV in series with the designed equalizer is taken as an example to demonstrate the resultant improvement in the eye diagram, namely, nearly zero timing jitter and three times enlarged eye opening.
Using a freshwater amphipod in situ bioassay as a sensitive tool to detect pesticide effects in the field

In situ testing represents an alternative to conventional laboratory toxicity testing of field samples. Juvenile Paramelita nigroculus (Crustacea: Amphipoda) were exposed in situ in two rivers downstream of fruit orchard areas in the Western Cape, South Africa. Exposure took place during six time intervals (3–7 d), of which three represented the first rainfall‐induced edge‐of‐field runoff events of the wet season, which was about two months after the last pesticide application. Survival rates were significantly reduced (35–70%) during runoff events 1 and 2 at both sites. No difference was observed from the respective no‐runoff survival rate (>90%) during event 3. Peak levels of total insecticides (azinphosmethyl, chlorpyrifos, endosulfan, and prothiofos) in samples taken with water level‐triggered samplers during the runoff events were between 0.03 and 0.26 μg/L in filtered water and between 305 and 870 μg/kg in suspended particles during runoff events 1 and 2 and only up to 0.01 μg/L and 101 μg/kg during event 3. Total suspended solids (TSS) varied between 400 and 700 mg/L during all three runoff events but never exceeded 65 mg/L during no‐runoff time intervals. A laboratory experiment revealed that uncontaminated TSS levels of 1,500 mg/L during a 7‐d exposure caused insignificant mortality (<2.5%) in P. nigroculus. No acute toxicity was observed in standard 48‐h toxicity tests with juvenile Daphnia pulex using the filtered water samples taken during runoff and no‐runoff conditions. It is concluded that the observed mortalities were caused by particle‐associated pesticides and that the present amphipod in situ bioassay represents a sound and sensitive tool to detect runoff‐related insecticide effects under field conditions.
Small-signal state-space modeling of an HVDC link with modular multilevel converters

The Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) represents the recent development among the diverse available topologies of VSC and is allegedly the most suitable solution for converters in HVDC transmissions. This paper presents an Average Value Model (AVM) of the MMC that still includes the characteristic internal dynamics that are non-existent in traditional 2-level VSCs. This AVM and its control are described and linearized in order to obtain a state-space model of the MMC that can easily be used as a subsystem for multi-terminal HVDC (MTDC) grids. A case study showing a 401-level MMC-based HVDC link simulated in the EMTP-RV software validates the proposed state-space representation of the MMC.
Detection of ciprofloxacin resistance mutations in Campylobacter jejuni gyrA by nonradioisotopic single‐strand conformation polymorphism and direct DNA sequencing

A total of 27 strains of Campylobacter jejuni (24 clinical strains and three laboratory strains) were examined for the presence of point mutations in the quinolone resistance determining region (QRDR) of gyrA gene by nonradioisotopic single‐strand conformation polymorphism (non‐RI SSCP) analysis with silver stain. Direct DNA sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐amplified DNA fragments confirmed the results obtained by non‐RI SSCP analysis and revealed that in clinical strains high‐level quinolone resistance [minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) to ciprofloxacin ≥ 16 μg/ml] was closely associated with one type of single‐point mutation at codon 86 (Thr‐lle). Two strains with MICs of 8 and 1 μg/ml showed point mutations at codons 86 and 70, respectively. Furthermore, transitions at codon 119 of the gyrA QRDR were identified in 17 strains. Six types of bands were separated in a single electrophoretic step with silver stain within 2 hours after PCR amplification of the gyrA QRDR as follows: type I associated to mutation at codon 70 (Ala‐Thr), type II to mutation at codon 90 (Asp‐Asn), type III to variant with transition at 119, type IV to wild‐type, type V to mutation at codon 86 (Thr‐lle), and type VI to mutation at codon 86 (Thr‐lle) and transition at codon 119. Using four DNA extracts from Cambylobacter coli organisms as templates for amplification of the gyrA QRDR, no PCR products were obtained. Non‐RI SSCP was proved to be a simple, rapid, and useful screening method for detecting gyrA mutations associated with ciprofloxacin resistance in C. jejuni. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genomewide Analysis of Reassortment and Evolution of Human Influenza A(H3N2) Viruses Circulating between 1968 and 2011

ABSTRACT Influenza A(H3N2) viruses became widespread in humans during the 1968 H3N2 virus pandemic and have been a major cause of influenza epidemics ever since. These viruses evolve continuously by reassortment and genomic evolution. Antigenic drift is the cause for the need to update influenza vaccines frequently. Using two data sets that span the entire period of circulation of human influenza A(H3N2) viruses, it was shown that influenza A(H3N2) virus evolution can be mapped to 13 antigenic clusters. Here we analyzed the full genomes of 286 influenza A(H3N2) viruses from these two data sets to investigate the genomic evolution and reassortment patterns. Numerous reassortment events were found, scattered over the entire period of virus circulation, but most prominently in viruses circulating between 1991 and 1998. Some of these reassortment events persisted over time, and one of these coincided with an antigenic cluster transition. Furthermore, selection pressures and nucleotide and amino acid substitution rates of all proteins were studied, including those of the recently discovered PB1-N40, PA-X, PA-N155, and PA-N182 proteins. Rates of nucleotide and amino acid substitutions were most pronounced for the hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and PB1-F2 proteins. Selection pressures were highest in hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, matrix 1, and nonstructural protein 1. This study of genotype in relation to antigenic phenotype throughout the period of circulation of human influenza A(H3N2) viruses leads to a better understanding of the evolution of these viruses. IMPORTANCE Each winter, influenza virus infects approximately 5 to 15% of the world's population, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Influenza A(H3N2) viruses evolve continuously by reassortment and genomic evolution. This leads to changes in antigenic recognition (antigenic drift) which make it necessary to update vaccines against influenza A(H3N2) viruses frequently. In this study, the relationship of genetic evolution to antigenic change spanning the entire period of A(H3N2) virus circulation was studied for the first time. The results presented in this study contribute to a better understanding of genetic evolution in correlation with antigenic evolution of influenza A(H3N2) viruses.
Computer Navigation versus Standard Instrumentation for TKA: A Single-Surgeon Experience

Component alignment errors in total knee arthroplasty greater than 3° can be associated with poorer outcomes. This retrospective study seeks to determine if computer navigation can improve accuracy of component alignment in comparable patient populations. The efficiency and safety of the navigated technique is also evaluated. Fifty total knee arthroplasties done using an imageless navigation system and 50 cases using standard instrumentation were compared. The same surgeon used a single system (Zimmer-Natural Knee™) in all cases. Long-standing radiographs collected at 6-week followup were measured for component orientation. When the navigation system was used 98% (49 of 50 cases) of all femoral components and 100% (50 of 50 cases) of all tibial components were placed within ± 3° of the radiographic goal position. There was a decrease in the standard instrumentation group to 90% (45 of 50 cases) and 92% (46 of 50 cases) within ± 3°, respectively. There was a difference in the standard deviations observed for the navigated cases and the conventional cases when femoral and tibial component position was considered. Average tourniquet time was 68 minutes in the navigated group and 57 minutes in the conventional group. There were no technique specific complications associated with the navigation system. This system affords the surgeon the potential to reduce outliers with regard to component position without an increase in complications. Tourniquet times were increased with the use of the computer. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level III-1 (retrospective comparative study). See the Guidelines for authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Characterization of a Selective Inhibitor of Inositol Hexakisphosphate Kinases

Inositol hexakisphosphate kinases (IP6Ks) phosphorylate inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6) to yield 5-diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate (5-[PP]-InsP5 or InsP7). In this study, we report the characterization of a selective inhibitor, N2-(m-(trifluoromethy)lbenzyl) N6-(p-nitrobenzyl)purine (TNP), for these enzymes. TNP dose-dependently and selectively inhibited the activity of IP6K in vitro and inhibited InsP7 and InsP8 synthesis in vivo without affecting levels of other inositol phosphates. TNP did not inhibit either human or yeast Vip/PPIP5K, a newly described InsP6/InsP7 1/3-kinase. Overexpression of IP6K1, -2, or -3 in cells rescued TNP inhibition of InsP7 synthesis. TNP had no effect on the activity of a large number of protein kinases, suggesting that it is selective for IP6Ks. TNP reversibly reduced InsP7/InsP8 levels. TNP in combination with genetic studies was used to implicate the involvement of two pathways for synthesis of InsP8 in yeast. TNP induced a fragmented vacuole phenotype in yeast, consistent with inhibition of Kcs1, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae IP6K. In addition, it also inhibited insulin release from Min6 cells in a dose-dependent manner further implicating InsP7 in this process. TNP thus provides a means of selectively and rapidly modulating cellular InsP7 levels, providing a new and versatile tool to study the biological function and metabolic relationships of inositol pyrophosphates.
Computing Area-Optimal Simple Polygonizations

We consider methods for finding a simple polygon of minimum (Min-Area) or maximum (Max-Area) possible area for a given set of points in the plane. Both problems are known to be NP-hard; at the center of the recent CG Challenge, practical methods have received considerable attention. However, previous methods focused on heuristic methods, with no proof of optimality. We develop exact methods, based on a combination of geometry and integer programming. As a result, we are able to solve instances of up to \( n=25 \) points to provable optimality. While this extends the range of solvable instances by a considerable amount, it also illustrates the practical difficulty of both problem variants.
Possible role of phosphatidylinositol 4,5, bisphosphate in luteinizing hormone releasing hormone‐mediated M‐current inhibition in bullfrog sympathetic neurons

Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) is a physiological modulator of neuronal excitability in bullfrog sympathetic ganglia (BFSG). Actions of LHRH involve suppression of the noninactivating, voltage‐dependent M‐type K+ channel conductance (gM). We found, using whole‐cell recordings from these neurons, that LHRH‐induced suppression of gM was attenuated by the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122 (10 µm) but not by the inactive isomer U73343 (10 µm). Buffering internal Ca2+ to 117 nm with intracellular 20 mm BAPTA + 8 mm Ca2+ or to < 10 nm with intracellular 20 mm BAPTA + 0.4 mm Ca2+ did not attenuate LHRH‐induced gM suppression. Suppression of gM by LHRH was not antagonized by the inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate (InsP3) receptor antagonist heparin (∼ 300 µm). Preventing phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) synthesis by blocking phosphatidylinositol‐4‐kinase with wortmannin (10 µm) or with the nonhydrolysable ATP analogue AMP‐PNP (3 mm) prolonged recovery of LHRH‐induced gM suppression. This effect was not produced by blocking phosphatidyl inositol‐3‐kinase with LY294002 (10 µm). Rundown of gM was attenuated when cells were dialysed with 240 µm di‐octanoyl PIP2 or 240 µm di‐octanoyl phosphatidylinositol‐3,4,5‐trisphosphate (PIP3) but not with 240 µm di‐octanoyl phosphatidylcholine. LHRH‐induced gM suppression was competitively antagonized by dialysis with 240 µm di‐octanoyl PIP2, but not with di‐octanoyl phosphatidylcholine. These results would be expected if LHRH‐induced gM suppression reflects a PLC‐mediated decrease in plasma membrane PIP2 levels.