Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Minorities, the Poor, and Survivors of Abuse: HIV-Infected Patients in the US Deep South

Background: The HIV/AIDS epidemic in the U.S. South is undergoing a marked shift toward a greater proportion of new HIV/AIDS cases in women, African-Americans, and through heterosexual transmission. Methods: Using consecutive sampling, 611 participants were interviewed from eight Infectious Diseases clinics in five southeastern states in 2001 to 2002. Results: Sixty four percent of participants were African-American, 31% were female, and 43% acquired HIV through heterosexual sex; 25% had private health insurance. Eighty-one percent were on antiretroviral therapy, and 46% had HIV RNA viral loads (VL) <400. Women and racial/ethnic minorities were less likely to be on antiretrovirals and to have VL <400. Probable psychiatric disorders (54%) and history of childhood sexual (30%) and physical abuse (21%) were common. Conclusions: Prevention and care systems need to address the HIV epidemic’s shift into poor, minority, and female populations. High levels of trauma and probable psychiatric disorders indicate a need to assess for and address these conditions in HIV clinical care.
Mentally Retarded Children and Deficits in Daily Living Skills: Case Study of Calabar Municipality Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

The measurability of the extent at which a child with mental retardation is affected remains one of the most challenging problems in the field of special education, psychology, sociology, and medicine and of such a Public Health issue of concern. Mental retardation is a disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social and practical adaptive skills. The study area was Calabar Municipality with an area of 331,551 square Kilometers whose estimated population is 137,165; 70,065 males and 65,098 females. With the view that living an independent life constitutes a great problem to mentally retarded individuals, investigating the impact of perceived deficits in daily living skills on the severity of mentally retarded children was set as a goal. Using Language Adaptation Method (LAM) a structured questionnaire of 25 items was developed and used for data collection among 40 mentally retarded children who were purposively sampled. Data obtained was analyzed and descriptively presented for clarity purpose. Result reveals that there is a significant relationship between mental retardation and deficit in daily living skills like; toileting, dressing, feeding, personal hygiene, et al., but as recommended, they can live a normal life just like other children through effective training, counseling, motivation and close supervision.
Modeling the switching dynamics of programmable-metallization-cell (PMC) memory and its application as synapse device for a neuromorphic computation system

A physical model is developed to investigate the switching dynamics of programmable-metallization-cell (PMC) memory. Both “quasi-DC” and time-dependent transient characteristics of PMC are captured by this model in good agreement with the experimental data from Cu/SiO2 and Ag/Ge0.3Se0. 7 cells. For the first time, the time-dependent switching process of PMC is quantified, thus paving the way for a compact SPICE model for circuit simulation. This model reveals that experimentally measured switching parameters such as threshold voltage and cell resistance are dynamic quantities that depend on the programming pulse shape and not the pulse amplitude alone. Using this model, we show that the PMC has the potential to emulate the function of a biological synapse and exhibit the spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) behavior for emerging neuromorphic computation system designs.
Repeated inspiratory occlusions acutely impair myocardial function in rats

Repeated episodes of hypoxia and sympathetic activation during obstructive sleep apnoea are implicated in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular diseases, but the acute effects are unknown. We hypothesized that repeated inspiratory occlusions cause acute myocardial dysfunction and injury. In 22 spontaneously breathing pentobarbital‐anaesthetized rats, inspiration was occluded for 30 s every 2 min for 3 h. After ∼1.5 h, mean arterial pressure started to fall; heart rate between occlusions was stable throughout, consistent with only transient increases in sympathetic activity during each occlusion. Three hours of occlusions resulted in ventricular diastolic dysfunction (reduced peak rate of change of ventricular pressure and slower relaxation). Post‐occlusions, the left ventricular contractile response to dobutamine was blunted. After 1 h of recovery, left ventricular pressure generation had returned to values no different from those in sham animals in 5 of 9 of the animals. Cardiac myofibrils from rats subjected to occlusions had depressed calcium‐activated myosin ATPase activity, indicating myofilament contractile dysfunction that was not due to breakdown of contractile proteins. Haematoxylin and eosin‐stained cross‐sections revealed multifocal areas of necrosis within the septum and both ventricles. Repeated inspiratory occlusions, analogous to moderately severe obstructive sleep apnoea, acutely cause global cardiac dysfunction with multifocal myocardial infarcts.
Task allocation using inherited area density multiobjective particle Swarm Optimization

In this paper, we present a new approach that helps managers to optimize task allocation and work load distribution using multiobjective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO). A new algorithm has been introduced to increase number of nondominated solutions (Pareto front size), by using inheritance of nondominated solutions density estimators and modifying density estimation algorithm. The performance of the new algorithm is evaluated on test functions and metrics from literature. The results show that the proposed algorithm is competitive in converging towards the Pareto front and generates a well distributed set of nondominated solutions. The new approach helps managers to avoid juggling many objectives to develop a project plan. These include minimizing cost, defects, and completion time; and maximizing worker utilization and customer satisfaction. Many of these objectives are conflicting. For example, a demand to decrease completion time clashes with a goal to minimize defects.
Screening Performance of the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale—Spanish Version

The purpose of this study was to further assess measures of validity for the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS)- Spanish Version on sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. The convenience sample consisted of 150 Hispanic mothers from New England and Texas. Each woman first completed the PDSS-Spanish Version followed by a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) diagnostic interview. For analysis purposes, the Hispanic women were divided into three subgroups: Puerto Rican/Caribbean (n = 68), Mexican (n = 64), and Central/South American (n = 18). For the three subgroups, the PDSS total score alpha reliabilities were . 96, . 95, and . 95, respectively. Based on the reciever operating characterisitc (ROC) curve analysis, a cutoff score of 60 is recommended as a positive screen for combined major and minor depression. This cutoff point obtained a sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 84%. When compared to the original English version of the PDSS, the psychometrics for the Spanish version were slightly lower but well within the acceptable range.
Engulfment of Axon Debris by Microglia Requires p38 MAPK Activity*

The clearance of debris after injuries to the nervous system is a critical step for restoration of the injured neural network. Microglia are thought to be involved in elimination of degenerating neurons and axons in the central nervous system (CNS), presumably restoring a favorable environment after CNS injuries. However, the mechanism underlying debris clearance remains elusive. Here, we establish an in vitro assay system to estimate phagocytosis of axon debris. We employed a Wallerian degeneration model by cutting axons of the cortical explants. The cortical explants were co-cultured with primary microglia or the MG5 microglial cell line. The cortical neurites were then transected. MG5 cells efficiently phagocytosed the debris, whereas primary microglia showed phagocytic activity only when they were activated by lipopolysaccharide or interferon-β. When MG5 cells or primary microglia were co-cultured with degenerated axons, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was activated in these cells. Engulfment of axon debris was blocked by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, indicating that p38 MAPK is required for phagocytic activity. Receptors that recognize dying cells appeared not to be involved in the process of phagocytosis of the axon debris. In addition, the axons undergoing Wallerian degeneration did not release lactate dehydrogenase, suggesting that degeneration of the severed axons and apoptosis may represent two distinct self-destruction programs. We observed regrowth of the severed neurites after axon debris was removed. This finding suggests that axon debris, in addition to myelin debris, is an inhibitory factor for axon regeneration.
Development and characterization of hepatitis C virus genotype 1‐7 cell culture systems: Role of CD81 and scavenger receptor class B type I and effect of antiviral drugs

Six major hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and numerous subtypes have been described, and recently a seventh major genotype was discovered. Genotypes show significant molecular and clinical differences, such as differential response to combination therapy with interferon‐α and ribavirin. Recently, HCV research has been accelerated by cell culture systems based on the unique growth capacity of strain JFH1 (genotype 2a). By development of JFH1‐based intergenotypic recombinants containing Core, envelope protein 1 and 2 (E1, E2), p7, and nonstructural protein 2 (NS2) of genotype 6a and 7a strains, as well as subtype 1b and 2b strains, we have completed a panel of culture systems for all major HCV genotypes. Efficient growth in Huh7.5 cells depended on adaptive mutations for HK6a/JFH1 (6a/2a, in E1 and E2) and J4/JFH1 (1b/2a, in NS2 and NS3); viability of J8/JFH1 (2b/2a) and QC69/JFH1 (7a/2a) did not require adaptation. To facilitate comparative studies, we generated virus stocks of genotype 1–7 recombinants with infectivity titers of 103.7 to 105.2 50% tissue culture infectious dose/mL and HCV RNA titers of 107.0 to 107.9 IU/mL. Huh7.5 cultures infected with genotype 1–6 viruses had similar spread kinetics, intracellular Core, NS5A, and lipid amounts, and colocalization of Core and NS5A with lipids. Treatment with interferon‐α2b but not ribavirin or amantadine showed a significant antiviral effect. Infection with all genotypes could be blocked by specific antibodies against the putative coreceptors CD81 and scavenger receptor class B type I in a dose‐dependent manner. Finally, neutralizing antibodies in selected chronic phase HCV sera had differential effects against genotype 1–7 viruses. Conclusion: We completed and characterized a panel of JFH1‐based cell culture systems of all seven major HCV genotypes and important subtypes and used these viruses in comparative studies of antivirals, HCV receptor interaction, and neutralizing antibodies. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
Carbon Dioxide Exchange and Acidity Levels in Detached Pineapple, Ananas comosus (L.), Merr., Leaves during the Day at Various Temperatures, Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Concentrations.

The effects of temperature, O(2), and CO(2) on titratable acid content and on CO(2) exchange were measured in detached pineapple (Ananas comosus) leaves during the daily 15-hour light period. Comparative measurements were made in air and in CO(2)-free air. Increasing the leaf temperature from 20 to 35 C decreased the total CO(2) uptake in air and slightly increased the total CO(2) released into CO(2)-free air. Between 25 and 35 C, the activation energy for daily acid loss was near 12 kcal mol(-1), but at lower temperatures the activation energy was much greater.Increasing O(2) or decreasing the CO(2) concentration decreased the total CO(2) fixation in air, whereas the total CO(2) released in CO(2)-free air was increased. The total acid content remained constant at 20 C, but it decreased progressively with increasing temperature both in air and in CO(2)-free air. The total acid content at 30 C remained constant in 2% O(2) irrespective of CO(2) concentration. The total acid content decreased in 21 and 50% O(2) as the CO(2) increased from 0 to 300, and 540 mul/l of CO(2). The data indicate that photorespiration is present in pineapple. The lack of acid loss in 2% O(2) suggests that light deacidification is dependent upon respiration and that higher O(2) concentrations are required to saturate deacidification.
hUTP24 is essential for processing of the human rRNA precursor at site A1, but not at site A0

Production of ribosomes relies on more than 200 accessory factors to ensure the proper sequence of steps and faultless assembly of ribonucleoprotein machinery. Among trans-acting factors are numerous enzymes, including ribonucleases responsible for processing the large rRNA precursor synthesized by RNA polymerase I that encompasses sequences corresponding to mature 18S, 5.8S, and 25/28S rRNA. In humans, the identity of most enzymes responsible for individual processing steps, including endoribonucleases that cleave pre-rRNA at specific sites within regions flanking and separating mature rRNA, remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of hUTP24 in rRNA maturation in human cells. hUTP24 is a human homolog of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae putative PIN domain-containing endoribonuclease Utp24 (yUtp24), which was suggested to participate in the U3 snoRNA-dependent processing of yeast pre-rRNA at sites A0, A1, and A2. We demonstrate that hUTP24 interacts to some extent with proteins homologous to the components of the yeast small subunit (SSU) processome. Moreover, mutation in the putative catalytic site of hUTP24 results in slowed growth of cells and reduced metabolic activity. These effects are associated with a defect in biogenesis of the 40S ribosomal subunit, which results from decreased amounts of 18S rRNA as a consequence of inaccurate pre-rRNA processing at the 5′-end of the 18S rRNA segment (site A1). Interestingly, and in contrast to yeast, site A0 located upstream of A1 is efficiently processed upon UTP24 dysfunction. Finally, hUTP24 inactivation leads to aberrant processing of 18S rRNA 2 nucleotides downstream of the normal A1 cleavage site.
RNASEL Gene Polymorphisms and the Risk of Prostate Cancer: a Meta-analysis

Purpose: Studies revealing conflicting results on the role of RNASEL polymorphisms Glu265X, Arg462Gln, and Asp541Glu on prostate cancer risk led us to perform a meta-analysis to investigate the association of these polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk. Experimental Design: Relevant studies were selected by searching PubMed from January 1996 to August 2005 using keywords “RNASEL gene AND prostate cancer. ” For each study, odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated to estimate the gene effect. Pooled estimates of the OR were computed using the random effects model. Results: Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall results suggested no major influence of these variants on prostate cancer risk. However, analysis of the Asp541Glu polymorphism by ethnic populations showed that Asp/Glu (familial cases versus control: OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.04-1.82; sporadic cases versus control: OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.07-1.48; prostate cancer versus control: OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.12-1.48) and Asp/Glu + Glu/Glu (familial cases versus control: OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.10-1.70; sporadic cases versus control: OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.07-1.44; prostate cancer versus control: OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.13-1.44) increased prostate cancer risk in Caucasians, thus suggesting a dominant model for the Glu variant. Conclusions: Compared with the genotype Asp/Asp, the Glu variant at the Asp541Glu polymorphism increases prostate cancer risk by <2-fold in Caucasians, regardless of family history of the disease. This suggests that genuine genetic effects of this polymorphism may account for only a part of prostate cancer in the Caucasian population.
Automatic determination of synergies by radial basis function artificial neural networks for the control of a neural prosthesis

This paper describes an automatic method for synthesizing the control for a neural prosthesis (NP) that could augment elbow flexion/extension and forearm pronation/supination in persons with hemiplegia. The basis for the control was a synergistic model of reaching and grasping that uses temporal and spatial synergies between the arm and body segments. The synergies were determined from the movement data measured in nondisabled persons during the performance of functional tasks. The work space was divided into six zones: distance (two attributes) and laterality (three attributes). Radial basis function artificial neural networks (RBF ANN) were used to determine synergies. Sets of RBF ANN characterized with good generalization were selected as control laws for elbow flexion/extension and forearm pronation/supination. The validation was performed for three categories: inter-subject, distance, and laterality generalization. For all of the defined spatial synergies, the correlation was high for inter-subject and distance, yet low for the laterality scenario. This suggests the necessity for implementing different maps for different directions, but the same maps for different distances. The natural movements of the upper arm then drive the lower arm (elbow flexion/extension and forearm pronation/supination) in a way that is very well suited for the administration of functional electrical therapy (FET) in persons with hemiplegia soon after the onset of impairment.
The use of metamodeling for VoIP over WiFi capacity evaluation [Transactions Letters]

The increasing popularity of wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks at home, in public areas and in the enterprise motivates extensive modeling and analysis of their performance measures, such as network capacity and quality of service (QoS) capabilities. Some of the easier performance problems can be solved by analytical modeling methods, but most of the complicated ones, involving several design parameters from multiple layers, can only be answered through simulation studies that are typically implicit and less suitable for design and optimization. Hence, we believe it is crucial to obtain explicit mathematic models, that are effective in representing system behavior and a basis for performance optimization. Here, we first advocate the application of formal empirical modeling techniques to performance studies of Wi-Fi networks, in order to find usable, if approximate, closed-form mathematical models. Subsequently, by applying these metamodeling techniques, we perform a case study with very useful results: our VoWiFi (voice over Wi-Fi) admission capacity metamodel gives a much tighter bound than those existing in the literature and leads to a more effective admission control scheme. Our work, therefore, points out a new direction for future performance studies of Wi-Fi networks.
How Technological Frames influence Benefits achievement from Information Systems in the Healthcare Sector

Technology adoption has been perceived as a way to improve organizational performance and quality of patient care. However, notwithstanding the high expectations for the value added by Healthcare Information Technology (HIT), the implementation of many projects has failed. A case study analysis of two public Portuguese hospitals was undertaken, focusing on understanding how stakeholders’ technological frames influence their commitment to the Information Systems and Information Technology (IS/IT) and the achievement of business benefits. An understanding is sought of the perceptions, assumptions, knowledge and commitment that health professionals hold regarding IT adoption. A qualitative and interpretative approach is used employing semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The Technological Frames of Reference (TFR) provided the theoretical basis for analysing the data. Findings revealed that some users’ frames alone or combined with some commitment antecedents can be particularly important to the commitment of users in achieving the expected IS benefits
Examining Teachers' Perceptions and Adaptations Related to the First-Year of Implementation of the Common Core State Standards in a Rural Elementary School in Central Illinois

This study examined the latest mandated government policy of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), which fully took effect during the 2014-2015 school year. The study sought to look at these changes through the eyes of a group of elementary teachers in rural Illinois as they worked with and through these policy mandates during their initial year of implementation. The study was conducted over the course of the 2014-2015 school year. Data were gathered through a three interview sequence, site visits and the administration of the SOCQ 75 instrument before and at the conclusion of the school year. All three data sources were triangulated to see if they indicated the same perceptions. The findings were that in this district the teachers were not experiencing negative perceptions of the CCSS, in fact it was quite the opposite. The teachers were in favor of the new standards. They generally felt they were vastly superior to the old Illinois Learning Standards and preferred to work with them. In comparison to the positive perceptions of the CCSS, the perceptions of PARCC were overwhelmingly negative. As far down as Pre-K the teachers felt that the PARCC was an overbearing influence on not only what they teach, but the emphasis on PARCC created undue stress on the teachers, and is a negative influence on the atmosphere of the school. As mentioned previously, the focus of this study were the perceptions of teachers concerning both the CCSS and PARCC. During the course of the study themes emerged that warrant further research. The most notable is the role that the administrators in the district played in the adoption of the CCSS in the district. The teachers indicated that the administrators in the district made the adoption of the CCSS easy for them.
Generating HRD Related 'General Knowledge' from Mode 2 'Design Science' Research: A Cumulative Study of Manager and Managerial Leader Effectiveness

This paper illustrates how Mode 2 ‘design science’ research can generate HRD related ‘general knowledge’ in support of evidence-based practice. It describes a ‘derived-etic’ study that compares and contrasts the findings of six previous ‘emic’ studies previously carried out within six different public and private/corporate sector organizations in the UK. The results of the study have led to the emergence of seventeen ‘generic behavioral criteria’ of manager and managerial leader effectiveness.