Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leveraging microfinance to impact HIV and financial behaviors among adolescents and their mothers in West Bengal: a cluster randomized trial

Abstract Microfinance can be used to reach women and adolescent girls with HIV prevention education. We report findings from a cluster-randomized control trial among 55 villages in West Bengal to determine the impact of non-formal education on knowledge, attitudes and behaviors for HIV prevention and savings. Multilevel regression models were used to evaluate differences between groups for key outcomes while adjusting for cluster correlation and differences in baseline characteristics. Women and girls who received HIV education showed significant gains in HIV knowledge, awareness that condoms can prevent HIV, self-efficacy for HIV prevention, and confirmed use of clean needles, as compared to the control group. Condom use was rare and did not improve for women. While HIV testing was uncommon, knowledge of HIV-testing resources significantly increased among girls, and trended in the positive direction among women in intervention groups. Conversely, the savings education showed no impact on financial knowledge or behavior change.
Radio resource allocation in heterogeneous cellular networks based on effective capacity maximization: Perspective mobile data offloading

In this paper, a new radio resource allocation approach for mobile data offloading, by means of a local access point (LAP) in the heterogeneous cellular networks is proposed. We consider the uplink path in a single‐carrier frequency‐division multiple access–based multiuser system in a 2‐tier cellular network with a macro base station (BS) and set of LAPs. We assume that there is no internetwork interference between macro BS and LAPs due to the use of 2 different sets of frequencies. Our aim is to allocate resources to determine the best strategy for providing the required quality of service with the criterion of minimum delay in terms of effective capacity maximization. The basis of this work is optimization for the strategy selection. In other words, the selection of the best station and power allocation for offloading in a single‐carrier frequency‐division multiple access multiuser system and solving the problems using the nonlinear optimization with the mesh adaptive direct algorithm solver and the dual decomposition method, respectively. The numerical results validate our analytical outcomes. For example, system delay decreases approximately 10 times if the traffic load of macro BS is decreased by 50%. In addition, we present a comparison of the impact of traffic reduction and consumed bandwidth due to offloading by means of LAPs on the cellular network, which confirms the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Effects of preparation method, shear force, and exposure to collagen on release of growth factors from equine platelet-rich plasma.

OBJECTIVE To test the hypotheses that preparation method, exposure to shear force, and exposure to collagen affect the release of growth factors from equine platelet-rich plasma (PRP). SAMPLE POPULATION PRP obtained from 6 horses. PROCEDURES PRP was prepared via 2 preparation methods (tube and automated) and subjected to 6 treatment conditions (resting, detergent, exposure to shear via 21- and 25-gauge needles, and exposure to collagen [10 and 20 μg/mL]). Concentrations of platelet-derived growth factor, isoform BB (PDGF-BB); transforming growth factor β, isoform 1 (TGFβ₁); and insulin-like growth factor, isoform 1 (IGF-1) were quantified by use of ELISAs. Statistical analysis was conducted via repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS Platelet numbers were significantly higher in tube-prepared PRP than in automated-prepared PRP Growth factor concentrations did not differ significantly between preparation methods. Mean PDGF-BB concentration ranged from 134 to 7,157 pg/mL, mean TGFβ₁ concentration ranged from 1,153 to 22,677 pg/mL, and mean IGF-1 concentration ranged from 150 to 280 ng/mL. Shear force did not affect growth factor concentrations. Dose-dependent increases in PDGF-BB and TGFβ₁ were detected in response to collagen, but equalled only 10% of the estimated total platelet content. Concentrations of IGF-1 were not significantly different among treatments and negative or positive control treatments. Serum concentrations of PDGF-BB and TGFβ₁ exceeded concentrations in PRP for most treatment conditions. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Release of growth factors from equine PRP was negligible as a result of the injection process alone. Investigation of platelet-activation protocols is warranted to potentially enhance PRP treatment efficacy in horses.
A new method for detecting variable-size infrared targets

In this paper, a new method to detect small targets in infrared images is presented. The proposed method is based on the optical responses of infrared photodetectors, mainly point spread function (PSF). The effects of PSF on gray level and shape of the targets is used to distinguish the targets from background clutter. Also, a novel operator called Lapalacian of Point Spread Function (LoPSF) is proposed to identify location and size of the infrared targets. Since detecting the variable-size targets in infrared search and track systems (IRST) is of critical importance, unlike previous methods of target detection, the proposed method can robustly detect variable-size targets. The proposed algorithm is applied on a set of real infrared images which are captured under different conditions such as target size, target distance, background clutter etc. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and validity of the proposed method in comparison with the other conventional methods.
Differentiation of pulmonary bacterial pathogens in cystic fibrosis by volatile metabolites emitted by their in vitro cultures: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and the Burkholderia cepacia complex

As a contribution to the continuing search for breath biomarkers of lung and airways infection in patients with cystic fibrosis, CF, we have analysed the volatile metabolites released in vitro by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other bacteria involved in respiratory infections in these patients, i.e. those belonging to the Burkholderia cepacia complex, Staphylococcus aureus or Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. These opportunistic pathogens are generally harmless to healthy people but they may cause serious infections in patients with severe underlying disease or impaired immunity such as CF patients. Volatile organic compounds emitted from the cultures of strains belonging to the above-mentioned four taxa were analysed by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry. In order to minimize the effect of differences in media composition all strains were cultured in three different liquid media. Multivariate statistical analysis reveals that the four taxa can be well discriminated by the differences in the headspace VOC concentration profiles. The compounds that should be targeted in breath as potential biomarkers of airway infection were identified for each of these taxa of CF pathogens.
The structure of an RNA pseudoknot that causes efficient frameshifting in mouse mammary tumor virus.

The structure of a 34-nucleotide RNA pseudoknot that causes efficient -1 frameshifting in the messenger RNA of mouse mammary tumor virus has been investigated by NMR. Spectral assignment of the pseudoknot was facilitated by comparative NMR studies on the pseudoknot and on two smaller hairpin RNAs, and by using selective 13C labeling and 13C-edited NMR techniques. The three-dimensional structure of the pseudoknot has been determined. The frameshifter pseudoknot possesses structural features not observed in previously reported model pseudoknots. It has a compact structure with a pronounced bend at the junction of its G.C-rich stems. A single adenylate residue is intercalated between the two stems so that direct coaxial staking of the stems is not possible. The lack of an opposing nucleotide for the stacked, intervening adenylate creates a hinge in the pseudoknot. Most of the loop nucleotides are restrained by base staking interactions which keep the loops from adopting extended conformations. The sterically constrained loops direct the bending of the pseudoknot at the stem-stem junction. The roles of the intercalated adenylate and loop lengths in causing bending can explain their requirement for efficient frameshifting. Our NMR data also indicate that there are internal dynamics associated with the pseudoknot. The unique, compact structure and conformational flexibility of the pseudoknot may be required for recognition and favourable interaction with the translating ribosome, or with translation factors associated with the ribosome.
Elimination of bax expression in mice increases cerebellar purkinje cell numbers but not the number of granule cells

Cerebellar Purkinje cells and granule cells have been studied extensively as models for investigating neuron‐target interactions and the regulation of cell numbers in the developing central nervous system. Recent studies of transgenic mice that overexpress a human Bcl‐2 transgene in Purkinje cells suggest both that programmed cell death plays an unexpected role in regulating Purkinje cell number and that Purkinje cells influence the number of granule cells. The role of cell death‐related proteins and Purkinje‐granule cell interactions in cerebellar development was investigated further in this study by counting the number of Purkinje and granule cells in knockout mutants with a deletion in the proapoptotic gene, Bax. The total number of Purkinje cells was estimated using stereological counting principles in six adult wild type mice, four hemizygous Bax +/− controls, and six Bax −/− knockout mutants. The total number of granule cells per cerebellum was estimated in three adult wild type mice, three hemizygous Bax +/− controls, and three Bax −/− knockout mutants. The number of Purkinje cells increased significantly by over 30% in the Bax −/− knockout mutants compared with wild type and hemizygote controls, whereas the number of granule cells was unchanged in the Bax −/− mutants. There was no change in the volume of the cerebellar cortex or in the size of Purkinje cell bodies in the Bax −/− mutants, implying that Purkinje cell density was increased in the Bax −/− mutants. The increase in Purkinje cell numbers in the Bax −/− knockout mice supports previous evidence that Purkinje cells undergo a period of naturally occurring cell death that is mediated at least in part by the cell death proteins Bcl‐2 and Bax. The lack of an effect of Bax gene expression on granule cell numbers indicates that Bax is not an obligate participant in naturally occurring cell death in granule cells. J. Comp. Neurol. 436:82–91, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patient care delivery model improves nurse job satisfaction.

BACKGROUND Nurse job satisfaction was identified as an outcome measure for a project to develop and implement a patient care delivery model in an acute psychiatric setting. METHOD Seventy registered nurses were surveyed during 3 years, utilizing the Index of Work Satisfaction. RESULTS Nurse job satisfaction has improved significantly (14%) since model development began. Analysis of variance showed significant (p < .05) increases in all component mean scores in the second and third surveys. CONCLUSION The relationship-based nursing model empowers nurses who know the patient best to decide how to provide care. It affirms the values that are the foundation of nursing practice, creating an environment where nurses feel they make a difference.
Lysophosphatidic Acid‐Induced Neurite Retraction in PC12 Cells: Neurite‐Protective Effects of Cyclic AMP Signaling

Abstract: Effects of the cyclic AMP second messenger system were studied on the retraction of neurites elicited by the phospholipid mediator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) in PC12 cells. LPA stimulation inhibited adenylyl cyclase, indicating that the LPA receptor couples to the heterotrimeric Gi proteins. However, pertussis toxin or expression of dominant negative Ras did not prevent neurite retraction. In contrast, cholera toxin, forskolin, and application of dibutyryl‐cyclic AMP prevented neurite retraction. The neurite‐protective effect of forskolin was blocked by Rp‐adenosine 3′,5′‐phosphorothioate. Forskolin and dibutyryl‐cyclic AMP both failed to protect neurites in A126‐1B2 and 123.7 cells, which lack cyclic AMP‐activated protein kinase. Data indicate that elevation of cyclic AMP levels triggers a cyclic AMP‐activated protein kinase‐dependent mechanism that opposes the functioning of the morphoregulatory signaling activated by LPA. ADP‐ribosylation of Rho by the Clostridium botulinum C‐3 toxin in 123.7 cells caused neuronal differentiation, indicated by neurite extension, and blocked LPA‐induced neurite retraction. LPA activates Gq‐ and Gi‐linked signaling in parallel; therefore, a morphoregulatory signaling network hypothesis is proposed versus the simplistic approach of a signaling pathway. The signaling network integrates the receptor‐activated individual, sequential, and parallel signaling events into an interactive network whose individual components may fulfill required and permissive functions encoding the cellular response.
Isolation and molecular taxonomy of two predominant types of microflora in Kefir.

casian Mountains that can be prepared with fresh milk. It is known that Kefir is composed by a symbiotic association of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts living together into gelatinous and irregular materials secreted by them. This association sometimes is mistaken for mushrooms like Camella assamica and Cordyceps sinensis. Kefir is similar to products that exhibit some anti-bacterial, anti-mycotic, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory activity. Although Kefir and its related products (Tibetan mushrooms) are very similar in structure, microbial content, cultivation procedures and fermentation products, Kefir is usually reported to lead to health benefits of a probiotic nature (Cevikbas et al., 1994; Diniz et al., 2003). Microbial strains belonging to the genera, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus are known to exist in fermented products such as yoghurt, cheese, and kimchi, but there is no specific data on those involved in the fermentation of Kefir (Baruzzi et al., 2000; Simova et al., 2002). Therefore, the present study was undertaken to isolate and identify the predominant microflora involved in Kefir fermentation. In this work, we describe the phylogenetic characteristics of the two major microbes isolated from Kefir. The Kefir sample was obtained from Dominic Anfiteatro, a Kefir producer from Australia. The Kefir was washed twice from the white and gelatinous lump. The lump was added to commercial milk (5–10 fold of volume) every 3 days at room temperature in order to maintain the seed culture. The lump was split by vigorous mixing and suspended in phosphate-buffered saline. Each vial of cell clump (containing a final concentration of 50% glycerol) was stored at 196°C in a liquid nitrogen tank. Three types of media were used for the isolation of microbes. The predominant strains A and B were isolated from colonies cultured on PDA, PCA, and MRS medium (Difco, Detroit, MI, USA). To investigate their morphological and physiological characteristics, strains A and B were mainly cultivated aerobically at 30°C on MRS medium. The cells for DNA extraction were produced from liquid MRS medium. The strains were cultivated aerobically at 30°C on a horizontal shaker at 150 rpm. For fatty acids methyl ester (FAME) analysis, strains A and B were cultivated at 30°C for 3 days on MRS agar. The morphology of cells was examined using a scanning electron microscope (Hitachi S-2500, Tokyo, Japan) as described by the manufacturer’s manual. For the isolation of DNA, chromosomal DNA was isolated and purified according to the method previously described (Tamaoka and Komagata, 1984; Yoon et al., 1997), with the exception Isolation and molecular taxonomy of two predominant types of microflora in Kefir
Resiliency in the Victim-Offender Cycle in Male Sexual Abuse

The prevalence of childhood sexual abuse in child molesters is considerably higher than that in the general population. This finding had led to the "victim-offender cycle" being popularized as an explanation for sexual offending. However, not all child molesters were victimized as children, so it is of interest to examine the factors that contribute to the victim-offender cycle or, conversely, resiliency. This study examined the "moderating factors" that may prevent a male victim of sexual abuse from entering the victim-offender cycle. Two groups were interviewed as part of the study: a "resilient group" (n = 47) and a victim-offender group (n = 41). After correction for age and education level, the resilient group were less likely to have fantasized and masturbated about the abuse, less likely to report deriving pleasure from the abuse, more likely to have had frequent social contact with adolescent peers and to have had more family and nonfamily support during childhood. The findings support the need for multifactorial models of resiliency, the victim-offender cycle, and sexual offending. Recommendations about the prevention of the victim-offender cycle are made, including the need for a thorough systemic assessment of all male victims of sexual abuse and the involvement of their family system in counseling.
On the finite-difference modelling of electromagnetic problems in structured lattices

The thesis concentrates on the numerical analysis of electromagnetic fields with the finite difference method. Simple and fast approximative techniques are studied and developed for the estimation of the electromagnetic properties of various structures. Especially, techniques which preserve the simplicity of a structured lattice are explored. The emphasis in the thesis is put more into the rapid estimations than into the absolute accuracy of the studied parameters. Another goal is to give information about the characteristics of the studied structures: filters, dielectric mixtures and frequency selective surfaces. Filter structures are analysed with the finite-difference time-domain method. A simple trick is introduced to transform the curved shapes in a certain practical filter configuration into rectangular shapes to conform to the finite-difference computation lattice. Procedures which use finite difference methods to analyse dielectric mixtures are introduced. They are applied to calculate effective permittivities of two-phase random mixtures. The results are compared with theoretical mixing models with a conclusion that none of them agrees with the numerical results in the whole range of volume fraction. Therefore, a new empirical mixing model is created based on the numerical results. Polarisation transformation properties of frequency selective surfaces are also studied and some wide-band polariser structures are presented. It is shown how one-dimensional array models can give a good starting point for a two-dimensional array design.
Applications des graphes en traitement d'images

Les graphes sont des outils de representation des donnees tres puissants et universels, utiles dans divers domaines des sciences notamment le traitement d'images, la reconnaissance des formes ou la vision par ordinateur. Dans ces domaines, la mesure de similarite entre les objets est souvent une phase importante. Dans le cadre d'une representation sous forme de graphe cette phase se traduit par un appariement des graphes. Dans cet article nous passons en revue un ensemble de travaux base sur la theorie des graphes appliquee aux traitements d'images. Notamment les approches de representation en graphe et les differentes mesures de similarite de graphes. Egalement, nous presentons quelques applications des graphes dans l'analyse d'images et la recherche par le contenu.
Fully Computable Error Estimation of a Nonlinear, Positivity-Preserving Discretization of the Convection-Diffusion-Reaction Equation

This work is devoted to the proposal, analysis, and numerical testing of a fully computable a posteriori error bound for a class of nonlinear discretizations of the convection-diffusion-reaction equation. The type of discretization we consider is nonlinear, since it has been built with the aim of preserving the discrete maximum principle. Under mild assumptions on the stabilizing term, we obtain an a posteriori error estimator that provides a certified upper bound on the norm of the error. Under the additional assumption that the stabilizing term is both Lipschitz continuous and linearity preserving, the estimator is shown to be locally efficient. We present examples of discretizations that satisfy these two requirements, and the theory is illustrated by several numerical experiments in two and three space dimensions.
Integration of color, shape, and texture for image annotation and retrieval

We present algorithms for automatic image annotation and retrieval based on pixel- or region-based color; region-based shape; and block- or region-based texture features and several schemes for integrating them. Automatic region selection is accomplished by integrating color and spatial edge features. Color, shape, and texture indexing may be knowledge-based (using appropriate training sets) or by example. The multi-feature integration algorithms are designed to: (1) offer the user a wide range of options and flexibilities to enhance the outcome of the search and retrieval operations, and (2) provide a compromise between accuracy and computational complexity. One of the novel features of this system is its ability to automatically segment images into meaningful regions, and provide the option of region (object)-based image indexing without user interaction.
Materializing Distributed Skyline Queries

During the last decade, data management and storage have become increasingly distributed. Advanced query operators, such as skyline queries, are necessary in order to help users to manipulate the huge amount of available data by identifying a set of interesting data objects. The optimization of those queries becomes an open research area especially in distributed contexts. In this paper, we tackle the problem of efficient skycube computation in structured P2P systems. We introduce a top-down algorithm called Distributed-Top-Sky based on the recently introduced Top-Sky. Furthermore, we introduce two types of nodes namely the Scheduling-Node where the network is organized by assigning the computation of each cuboid to a Data-Node and the Data-Node which holds a part of the dataset used to compute the assigned cuboids. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of our approach, we have conducted extensive experiments on three real datasets over a simulated CAN (content addressable network) network.
Annotation of post‐translational modifications in the Swiss‐Prot knowledge base

High‐throughput proteomic studies produce a wealth of new information regarding post‐translational modifications (PTMs). The Swiss‐Prot knowledge base is faced with the challenge of including this information in a consistent and structured way, in order to facilitate easy retrieval and promote understanding by biologist expert users as well as computer programs. We are therefore standardizing the annotation of PTM features represented in Swiss‐Prot. Indeed, a controlled vocabulary has been associated with every described PTM. In this paper, we present the major update of the feature annotation, and, by showing a few examples, explain how the annotation is implemented and what it means. Mod‐Prot, a future companion database of Swiss‐Prot, devoted to the biological aspects of PTMs (i.e., general description of the process, identity of the modification enzyme(s), taxonomic range, mass modification) is briefly described. Finally we encourage once again the scientific community (i.e., both individual researchers and database maintainers) to interact with us, so that we can continuously enhance the quality and swiftness of our services.