Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Abortion as agentive action: reproductive agency among young women seeking post-abortion care in Uganda

Abstract Unsafe abortion in Africa continues to be a major contributor to the global maternal mortality which affects young women in particular. In Uganda, where abortion is legally restricted and stigmatised, unsafe abortion is a major public health issue. We explored reproductive agency in relation to unsafe abortion among young women seeking post-abortion care. Through in-depth interviews we found that reproductive agency was constrained by gender norms and power imbalances and strongly influenced by stigma. Lack of resources and the need for secrecy resulted in harmful abortion practices and delayed care-seeking. Women did not claim ownership of the abortion decision, but the underlying meaning in the narratives positioned abortion as an agentive action aiming to regain control over one′s body and future. Women′s experiences shaped contraceptive intentions and discourse, creating a window of opportunity that was often missed. This study provides unique insight into how young women negotiate and enact reproductive agency in Uganda. Health systems need to strengthen their efforts to meet young women’s sexual and reproductive health needs and protect their rights. Enabling young women’s agency through access to safe abortion and contraception is paramount.
Chronic Proctalgia from Leg Length Discrepancy Relieved by a Shoe Insole

Background: The pathophysiological mechanism behind chronic proctalgia is not fully understood. The study investigated whether treatment of lower limb length discrepancy (anisomelia) with an insole could relieve levator ani syndrome and chronic proctalgia. Patients and Methods: Nine patients with proctalgia were identified as also having anisomelia. The patients underwent clinical evaluation, including proctoscopy, flexible endoscopy, anal ultrasound and a digital rectal examination to identify tenderness of the levator ani muscle. The patients were treated with an insole worn in the footwear of the short leg, and the effect was observed on proctalgia and tenderness of the levator ani muscle. Results: The patients had experienced proctalgia for a mean of 41.8 months. The leg length discrepancy ranged from 1-3 cm. Eight patients had left-sided tenderness of the levator ani muscle. The tender levator ani muscle was on the same side as the short leg in five patients and the long leg in four. Two patients showed tenderness on both sides of the levator ani muscle, and three had additional tenderness from behind the rectum to the apex of the coccyx. All patients except one were completely relieved of proctalgia after treatment with a permanent insole worn in the footwear of the short leg, and digital examination showed no more tenderness of the levator ani muscle. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that chronic proctalgia may be due to the levator ani muscle that has become strained and tender because of pelvic tilting from lower limb length discrepancy, a relationship which until now has been undiscovered. The pain was resolved by wearing a permanent shoe insert to compensate for the short leg. Patients with proctalgia should be examined for leg length discrepancy.
The packing problem of uncertain multicasts

Multicast performs better than unicast in delivering the same content from a fixed single source to a set of destinations. Many efforts have been made to optimize such kind of deterministic multicast, such as minimizing the transmission cost of each multicast session. In practice, it is not necessary that the source of each multicast session has to be in a specific location, as long as certain constraints are satisfied. Accordingly, applications usually meet a novel multicast with uncertain sources, ie, uncertain multicast. That is, multiple nodes have the responsibility to act as the root node of a multicast session. Prior proposals have addressed an uncertain multicast by constructing the minimum cost forest. However, it is still unknown how to efficiently share the network resources, when a set of uncertain multicast occupies the network simultaneously. To tackle such a challenging issue, we present the packing problem of uncertain multicasts (MPU) to minimize the total transmission cost, under the constraint of link capacity. We prove that the MPU problem is NP‐hard. An intrinsic solution is constructing the minimum cost forest for each uncertain multicast individually. This method, however, is inefficient and may be infeasible because of the constraint of link capacity. Thus, we design 2 dedicated greedy methods, named priority‐based and adjusting congested link, to approximate the optimal solution. The comprehensive results indicate that both of our 2 methods can find a feasible solution for the MPU problem. Moreover, given a set of uncertain multicasts, the adjusting congested link method can generate a desired transmission structure for each uncertain multicast and achieve the least total cost when packing them.
Sensory-driven and spontaneous gamma oscillations in V 1 1 1 2 Sensory-driven and spontaneous gamma oscillations engage distinct cortical circuitry 3 4

15 16 Gamma oscillations are a robust component of sensory responses but are also part of the 17 background spontaneous activity of the brain. To determine whether the properties of gamma 18 oscillations in cortex are specific to their mechanism of generation, we compared in mouse 19 visual cortex in vivo, the laminar geometry and single neuron rhythmicity of oscillations 20 produced during sensory representation with those occurring spontaneously in the absence of 21 stimulation. In mouse visual cortex under anesthesia (isoflurane and xylazine), visual stimulation 22 triggered oscillations mainly between 20-50 Hz, which, because of their similar functional 23 significance to gamma oscillations in higher mammals, we define here as gamma range. Sensory 24 representation in visual cortex specifically increased gamma oscillation amplitude in the 25 supragranular (L2/3) and granular (L4) layers, and strongly entrained putative excitatory and 26 inhibitory neurons in infragranular layers, while spontaneous gamma oscillations were 27 distributed evenly through the cortical depth, and primarily entrained putative inhibitory neurons 28 in the infragranular (L5/6) cortical layers. The difference in laminar distribution of gamma 29 oscillations during the two different conditions may result from differences in the source of 30 excitatory input to the cortex. In addition, modulation of superficial gamma oscillation 31 amplitude did not result in a corresponding change in deep layer oscillations, suggesting that 32 superficial and deep layer of cortex may utilize independent, but related networks for gamma 33 generation. These results demonstrate that stimulus-driven gamma oscillations engage cortical 34 circuitry in a manner distinct from spontaneous oscillations and suggest multiple networks for 35 the generation of gamma oscillations in cortex. 36 37
MIMO OTA test for a mobile station performance evaluation

The antenna is one of the most important components of mobile stations, since antenna design has a significant effect on mobile station performance and the end user's experience. The industry therefore needs effective test methods to evaluate the mobile station's overall radiated end-to-end performance. Traditional receiver testing used cabled signals which bypass the antennas, but over the air (OTA) testing evaluates the device's overall radiated performance, including the impact of the antennas. Conformance tests for single antenna devices have been in existence since 2001. These tests measure the total radiated sensitivity (TRS) of the receiver and the total radiated power (TRP) of the transmitter. TRS is also known as total isotropic sensitivity (TIS).
Slice‐thickness artifacts in gray‐scale ultrasound

We have become increasingly aware of the presence of a type of image artifact normally appearing in anechoic areas (eg, cyst, bladder, gallbladder) and giving the appearance of “sludge” or “debris. ” These artifactual echoes may be caused by the fact that the finite width of the transducer beam pattern produces a finite thickness of the patient scan plane. All echoes produced in this “thick” scan plane are misinterpreted as being due to structures in the normally assumed “thin” scan plane. We have tested and verified this hypothesis by simulating soft tissue interfaces with 400 grit silicon carbide sandpaper in a water tank. A set of clues are proposed to enable the rapid identification of these artifacts.
Splitting the pie: rent distribution in alliances and networks

This paper addresses the issue of how relational rents, generated through alliances, are distributed to the participating firms. We argue that rent distribution is influenced by factors affecting both jointly generated common benefits and private benefits gained from the alliance relationship. We draw on four perspectives to explain these various effects. The first three, namely the resource dependence perspective, related resources perspective, and structural holes perspective, essentially highlight the private 'exploitation' opportunities that a firm's alliance network presents the focal firm. In contrast, the resource development perspective underscores the private 'exploration' benefits a firm potentially derives from its alliance network. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of DNA phosphorothioate modifications by the transcriptional regulator DptB in Salmonella

DNA phosphorothioate (PT) modifications, with one non‐bridging phosphate oxygen replaced with sulfur, are widely but sporadically distributed in prokaryotic genomes. Short consensus sequences surround the modified linkage in each strain, although each site is only partially modified. The mechanism that maintains this low‐frequency modification status is still unknown. In Salmonella enterica serovar Cerro 87, PT modification is mediated by a four‐gene cluster called dptBCDE. Here, we found that deletion of dptB led to a significant increase in intracellular PT modification level. In this deletion, transcription of downstream genes was elevated during rapid cell growth. Restoration of dptB on a plasmid restored wild‐type levels of expression of downstream genes and PT modification. In vitro, DptB directly protected two separate sequences within the dpt promoter region from DNase I cleavage. Each protected sequence contained a direct repeat (DR). Mutagenesis assays of the DRs demonstrated that each DR was essential for DptB binding. The observation of two shifted species by gel‐shift analysis suggests dimer conformation of DptB protein. These DRs are conserved among the promoter regions of dptB homologs, suggesting that this regulatory mechanism is widespread. These findings demonstrate that PT modification is regulated at least in part at the transcriptional level.
Extended event-driven modeling of a ΣΔ-fractional-N PLL including non-ideal effects

In modern systems PLLs are widely used e.g. for frequency synthesis. Since this feedback control system exhibits a mixed-signal nature, it is challenging to use general theory to characterize its dynamic behavior. Additionally, due to the low and high frequency parts, simulations utilizing either a behavioral or transistor-level model are not computer resource efficient. To overcome this the modular and enhanced Event-Driven Model can be used. Since the existing Event-Driven Model is neither applicable to take different divider delays into account nor to consider a ΣΔ-Modulator, this work focuses on the extension of this modeling approach considering a ΣΔ-Fractional-N PLL with non-ideal effects like dead zone, leakage current and different divider delays. This extended model is validated with transistor-level simulations and is used to explore the impact of non-ideal effects on the loop characteristics.
Identification of Ruminococcus flavefaciens as the Predominant Cellulolytic Bacterial Species of the Equine Cecum

ABSTRACT Detection and quantification of cellulolytic bacteria with oligonucleotide probes showed that Ruminococcus flavefaciens was the predominant species in the pony and donkey cecum. Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus albus were present at low levels. Four isolates, morphologically resembling R. flavefaciens, differed from ruminal strains by their carbohydrate utilization and their end products of cellobiose fermentation.
Apoptotic Activity of REAPER Is Distinct from Signaling by the Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 Death Domain*

REAPER (RPR) is a 65-amino acid protein that is critical activator of programmed cell death in Drosophila. On the basis of sequence alignment data, it was recently proposed that RPR might represent an ancestral molecule from which the death domain in a number of proteins may have evolved. We tested this idea by examining the activity of mutations in RPR that parallel inactivation mutations of the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 death domain. The RPR mutants retained potent apoptotic function, suggesting that cell death activity mediated by RPR is distinct from signaling by the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 death domain.
Conduct problems and symptoms of sleep disorders in children.

OBJECTIVE Conduct problems and hyperactivity are frequent among children referred for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), restless legs syndrome, or periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMS), but children not referred to sleep centers have received little study. METHOD Parents of children aged 2 to 14 years were surveyed at two general clinics between 1998 and 2000. A Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire generated validated scores for SDB and PLMS. The Conners Parent Rating Scale (CPRS-48) produced an age- and sex-adjusted Conduct Problem Index (CPI) and Hyperactivity Index. RESULTS Parents of about 1,400 children were approached; those of 872 (62%) completed the surveys. Bullying and other specific aggressive behaviors were generally two to three times more frequent among 114 children at high risk for SDB than among the remaining children. An association between high CPI and SDB scores (p <.0001) retained significance after adjustment for sleepiness, high Hyperactivity Index, stimulant use, or PLMS scores. Analogous results were obtained for the association between high CPI and PLMS scores. CONCLUSIONS Conduct problems were associated with symptoms of SDB, restless legs syndrome, and PLMS. Although these results cannot prove a cause-and-effect relationship, assessment for sleep disorders may provide a new treatment opportunity for some aggressive children.
Cerebral oximetry and thoracic surgery

Purpose of review Cerebral oximetry, though first described for clinical use in cardiac surgery, has been increasingly used in the setting of thoracic surgery. Research focusing on the use of cerebral oximetry in this setting is relatively sparse. This review outlines our current understanding of the use of cerebral oximetry for thoracic surgery. Recent findings Cerebral desaturation, though variably defined, is a relatively common occurrence during thoracic surgery. The reasons for this desaturation largely relate to perioperative hypoxemia, but may also be related to other physiologic disturbances such as lateral decubitus positioning, one-lung ventilation, as well as other nonhypoxemia-related mechanisms. It is unlikely to result from specific reductions in cardiac output. There is some preliminary data suggesting a relationship between cerebral desaturation and various adverse postoperative outcomes. Summary Although it is clear that cerebral desaturation can commonly occur during thoracic surgery, it is partly dependent upon how desaturation is defined. The relationship between cerebral desaturation and adverse outcomes after thoracic surgery, as well as the potential ability for cerebral oximetry to guide therapeutic modalities, awaits much needed additional research before being more widely accepted.
Mood and Stereotyping: Affective States and the Use of General Knowledge Structures

We review how affective states moderate the impact of stereotypes in social judgment. The reported evidence suggests that stereotypes have more impact on judgments formed by individuals in a happy mood rather than sad mood, whereas the reverse holds for individuating information. We trace these effects to mood-dependent differences in processing style. Extending previous theorizing, we suggest that individuals are more likely to process new information in a bottom-up fashion when the situation is perceived as problematic, which is partially a function of being in a sad mood. In contrast, individuals are more likely to rely on pre-existing general knowledge structures when the situation is perceived as safe, which is partially a function of being in a happy mood. The available evidence indicates that the differential impact of general knowledge structures is not mediated by mood effects on processing capacity or motivation, in contrast to what previous theorizing suggested.
Walking control on uneven terrain with short cycle pattern generation

This paper addresses sensor feedback control methods that are used with short cycle walking pattern generation and realize walking on uneven terrains which are not modelled in advance. We have proposed an online walking control system that generates a dynamically stable motion pattern in short cycles, such as 20 [ms]. The system is capable of reflecting the actual motion status which is modified from the previously generated pattern by sensor feedback to the pattern generation of the next period so that the long-term stability of the walking is maintained using the dynamic model. Two new functions are introduced into the system in this paper. One is posture control and absolute motion estimation by using attitude measurement sensor mounted on the waist link. The other is center of pressure control for each foot which realizes the stable contact of the foot to the terrain. The proposed system is implemented on HRP-2 and verified. Finally an experiment of walking on the terrain on which plates with up to 14[mm] thickness are scattered is shown. The robot was able to walk through the terrain even when it stepped on the edge of a plate.
Validation of a food-frequency questionnaire assessment of methyl-group donors using estimated diet records and plasma biomarkers: the method of triads

Abstract In this study, the intake of methyl-group donors (methionine, folate, betaine, and choline) among Flemish women of reproductive age (n = 30) assessed by a 7-d estimated diet record (7 d EDR) and food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was compared with plasma S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), and SAH:SAM ratio. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between each of the dietary methods and the validity coefficient was calculated using the method of triads. Correlations were higher between intake assessed by the FFQ and biomarkers than between 7 d EDR and biomarkers. The validity coefficients of the FFQ, when using SAH as a biomarker, were high (0.86 for methionine to 0.94 for folate), when the SAH:SAM ratio was used as a biomarker the validity coefficients ranged from 0.63 to 1.00. These data indicate that the FFQ is a reliable tool to estimate the intake of the methyl-group donors in women of reproductive age.
Methane retrievals from Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) shortwave infrared measurements: Performance comparison of proxy and physics retrieval algorithms

We compare two conceptually different methods for determining methane column-averaged mixing ratios image from Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) shortwave infrared (SWIR) measurements. These methods account differently for light scattering by aerosol and cirrus. The proxy method retrieves a CO_2 column which, in conjunction with prior knowledge on CO_2 acts as a proxy for scattering effects. The physics-based method accounts for scattering by retrieving three effective parameters of a scattering layer. Both retrievals are validated on a 19-month data set using ground-based X_CH_4 at 12 stations of the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON), showing comparable performance: for the proxy retrieval we find station-dependent retrieval biases from −0.312% to 0.421% of X_CH_4 a standard deviation of 0.22% and a typical precision of 17 ppb. The physics method shows biases between −0.836% and −0.081% with a standard deviation of 0.24% and a precision similar to the proxy method. Complementing this validation we compared both retrievals with simulated methane fields from a global chemistry-transport model. This identified shortcomings of both retrievals causing biases of up to 1ings and provide a satisfying validation of any methane retrieval from space-borne SWIR measurements, in our opinion it is essential to further expand the network of TCCON stations.
Uso de Trichoderma spp. para o Manejo da Podridão do Pé do Mamoeiro Causada por Phytophthora palmivora Butler

Quarenta e tres isolados de Trichoderma foram avaliados in vitro (culturas pareadas) e em casa de vegetacao quanto ao seu potencial antagonico a Phytophthora palmivora. Mediram-se comprimento e diâmetro das colonias de P. palmivora aos 7 e 10 dias apos o pareamento. As culturas tambem foram avaliadas conforme a escala: 1 (>95% da placa com micelio/esporos de Trichoderma); 1,5 (>95% da placa com Trichoderma, mas com baixa esporulacao); 2 (51% - 95% da placa com Trichoderma); 3 (ate 50% da placa com Trichoderma); 4 (2/3 da placa coberta pelo patogeno); 5 (100% da placa coberta pelo patogeno). Em relacao ao diâmetro, somente os isolados cen144, cen203, cen219, cen162 e cen266 diferenciaram-se do controle. Os isolados cen254, cen262, cen151, cen234, cen235 e cen219 (nota 1 na primeira avaliacao segundo a escala acima) foram considerados os mais agressivos na colonizacao da placa. Esses dez isolados foram testados em experimentos em vasos contendo solo naturalmente infestado com P. palmivora. As avaliacoes foram diarias e se basearam no percentual medio de plantas mortas em cada tratamento (6 plantas/repeticao; 4 repeticoes). Em ambos os experimentos os isolados cen162 e cen235 foram os mais efetivos quando comparados ao controle.
Exercise intervention for the treatment of trismus in head and neck cancer

Abstract Background. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of structured exercise with jaw mobilizing devices on trismus and its effect on trismus symptomatology and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in head and neck (H&N) cancer patients. Material and methods. Fifty patients with H&N cancer and trismus, i.e. maximum interincisal opening (MIO) ≤ 35 mm participated in a structured intervention program with jaw exercise. The patients in the intervention group underwent a 10-week exercise program with regular follow-up. A control group comprising of 50 patients with trismus and H&N cancer were matched to the intervention group according to gender, tumor location, tumor stage, comorbidity and age. HRQL and trismus-related symptoms were assessed. Results. The mean MIO improvement was 6.4 mm (4.8–8.0) and 0.7 (−0.3–1.7) mm in the intervention group and control group respectively, three months post-intervention commencement (p < 0.001). The intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in Role functioning, Social functioning and Global quality of life (EORTC QLQ C30) and in all Gothenburg Trismus Questionnaire (GTQ) domains, i.e. jaw-related problems (p < 0.001), eating limitation (p < 0.05) and muscular tension (p < 0.001). Conclusion. We found that a structured jaw exercise program was effective and improved the mouth opening capacity significantly. The objective effect on trismus (MIO) was also reflected in the patient-reported outcome questionnaires where the patients who underwent the structured exercise program after cancer treatment reported improvements in HRQL and less trismus-related symptoms compared to the control group.