Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developing an Integrated, Brief Biobehavioral HIV Prevention Intervention for High-Risk Drug Users in Treatment: The Process and Outcome of Formative Research

To date, HIV prevention efforts have largely relied on singular strategies (e.g., behavioral or biomedical approaches alone) with modest HIV risk-reduction outcomes for people who use drugs (PWUD), many of whom experience a wide range of neurocognitive impairments (NCI). We report on the process and outcome of our formative research aimed at developing an integrated biobehavioral approach that incorporates innovative strategies to address the HIV prevention and cognitive needs of high-risk PWUD in drug treatment. Our formative work involved first adapting an evidence-based behavioral intervention—guided by the Assessment–Decision–Administration–Production–Topical experts–Integration–Training–Testing model—and then combining the behavioral intervention with an evidence-based biomedical intervention for implementation among the target population. This process involved eliciting data through structured focus groups (FGs) with key stakeholders—members of the target population (n = 20) and treatment providers (n = 10). Analysis of FG data followed a thematic analysis approach utilizing several qualitative data analysis techniques, including inductive analysis and cross-case analysis. Based on all information, we integrated the adapted community-friendly health recovery program—a brief evidence-based HIV prevention behavioral intervention—with the evidence-based biomedical component [i.e., preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP)], an approach that incorporates innovative strategies to accommodate individuals with NCI. This combination approach—now called the biobehavioral community-friendly health recovery program—is designed to address HIV-related risk behaviors and PrEP uptake and adherence as experienced by many PWUD in treatment. This study provides a complete example of the process of selecting, adapting, and integrating the evidence-based interventions—taking into account both empirical evidence and input from target population members and target organization stakeholders. The resultant brief evidence-based biobehavioral approach could significantly advance primary prevention science by cost-effectively optimizing PrEP adherence and HIV risk reduction within common drug treatment settings.
The influence of warm versus cold climate on the effect of physiotherapy in multiple sclerosis

Smedal T, Myhr K‐M, Aarseth JH, Gjelsvik B, Beiske AG, Glad SB, Strand LI. The influence of warm versus cold climate on the effect of physiotherapy in multiple sclerosis. Acta Neurol Scand: 2011: 124: 45–52. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
HeadSPIN: a one-to-many 3D video teleconferencing system

When people communicate in person, numerous cues of attention, eye contact, and gaze direction provide important additional channels of information, making in-person meetings more efficient and effective than telephone conversations and 2D teleconferences. Two-dimensional video teleconferencing precludes the impression of accurate eye contact: when a participant looks into the camera, everyone seeing their video stream sees the participant looking toward them; when the participant looks away from the camera (for example, toward other participants in the meeting), no one sees the participant looking at them. In this work, we develop a one-to-many teleconferencing system which uses 3D acquisition, transmission, and display technologies to achieve accurate reproduction of gaze and eye contact. In this system, the face of a single remote participant is scanned at interactive rates using structured light while the participant watches a large 2D screen showing an angularly correct view of the audience. The scanned participant's geometry is then shown on the 3D display to the audience.
An assessment of the “too big to fail” problem for field dwarf galaxies in view of baryonic feedback effects

Recent studies have established that extreme dwarf galaxies --whether satellites or field objects-- suffer from the so called "too big to fail" (TBTF) problem. Put simply, the TBTF problem consists of the fact that it is difficult to explain both the measured kinematics of dwarfs and their observed number density within the LCDM framework. The most popular proposed solutions to the problem involve baryonic feedback processes. For example, reionization and baryon depletion can decrease the abundance of halos that are expected to host dwarf galaxies. Moreover, feedback related to star formation can alter the dark matter density profile in the central regions of low-mass halos. In this article we assess the TBTF problem for field dwarfs, taking explicitly into account the baryonic effects mentioned above. We find that 1) reionization feedback cannot resolve the TBTF problem on its own, because the halos in question are too massive to be affected by it, and that 2) the degree to which profile modification can be invoked as a solution to the TBTF problem depends on the radius at which galactic kinematics are measured. Based on a literature sample of about 90 dwarfs with interferometric observations in the 21cm line of atomic hydrogen (HI), we conclude that the TBTF problem persists despite baryonic effects. However, the preceding statement assumes that the sample under consideration is representative of the general population of field dwarfs. In addition, the unexplained excess of dwarf galaxies in LCDM could be as small as a factor of ~ 1.8, given the current uncertainties in the measurement of the galactic velocity function. Both of these caveats highlight the importance of upcoming uniform surveys with HI interferometers for advancing our understanding of the issue.
Epidemiology of culture isolates from peritoneal dialysis peritonitis patients in southern India using an automated blood culture system to culture peritoneal dialysate

Aim: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is a major form of therapy for chronic end stage renal disease patients, which may lead to CAPD‐associated peritonitis. The spectrum of organisms associated with CAPD peritonitis varies geographically. Not much data is available regarding this from southern India. The aim of this study was to characterize the spectrum of organisms associated with CAPD peritonitis in this region and observe the utility of automated blood culture systems to culture peritoneal dialysate.
Effects of nitric oxide-related agents on rat testicular function.

The effects of nitric oxide (NO)-related agents on testicular function were examined in male rats with measurements of serum luteinizing hormone, serum testosterone, testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) testosterone, and TIF volumes. Serum and TIF testosterone levels and luteinizing hormone secretion were significantly decreased by the NO donor, isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN), and the NO synthase (NOS) substrate, L-arginine methyl ester, a source for the endogenous production of NO. The effects of ISDN on TIF volumes were inconsistent, but L-arginine methyl ester decreased TIF formation in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, ISDN dose dependently suppressed testosterone secretion stimulated by human chorionic gonadotropin treatment, suggesting that the effects on testosterone secretion were independent of changes in secretion of the endogenous gonadotropin luteinizing hormone. ISDN, L-arginine methyl ester, and the endogenous NOS substrate L-arginine completely blocked testosterone secretion stimulated by the NOS inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (NAME), whereas the relatively inactive NOS substrate, D-arginine, only partially blocked NAME-stimulated testosterone secretion. Hydralazine and nicardipine, two vasodilators that do not exhibit prominent NO-related effects, also blocked basal testosterone secretion and testosterone secretion stimulated by the vasoconstrictor NAME. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Influence of optic-disc size on parameters of retinal nerve fibre analysis as measured using GDx VCC and ECC in healthy subjects

Background To date, there is no knowledge on the impact of optic-disc size on the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) as measured with GDx VCC or GDx ECC. Since the size of the optic disc is not taken into account for the analyses carried out by the GDx, it might affect sensitivity in large optic discs and specificity in small ones. Methods Topographic optic-disc measurements and RNFL thickness values of 80 healthy subjects were measured using HRT3 and GDx VCC and ECC. Subjects were divided into three equally large groups depending on optic-disc area. The authors used ANOVA to test the differences between groups of the GDx VCC and ECC parameters TSNIT average, superior average, inferior average and NFI. Results The mean optic-disc sizes of the three groups were 1.61, 2.00 and 2.61 mm2. The optic-disc area did not significantly affect any of the tested RNFL parameters of the GDx and HRT3. For all HRT3 parameters of optic-disc morphology, ANOVA showed statistical significance between the three groups of different optic-disc areas. Conclusion The authors could not find any significant impact of optic-disc size on any RNFL parameter measured with GDx VCC or ECC and with HRT3.
Constrained Capacities of DVB-S2 Constellations in Log-Normal Channels at Ka Band

Researchers have investigated the Shannon capacity of satellite links that have log-normal rain-fading channels in the Ka band (20-30 GHz). This paper uses information theoretic tools to expand on the previous work by computing the constrained capacity of log-normally distributed rain-fading channels in which practical constellations, such as those found in the DVB-S2 standard are used, as opposed to the Gaussian distribution assumed for the input signal in Shannon capacity calculations. Two types of rain environments are considered: a tropical environment and a fairly dry European environment. The results of this approach will help the satellite planner to determine realistic upper limits for the throughput of satellite links that use adaptive coded modulation to mitigate the effects of rain fades.
Tumor Recurrence and Complications of Parotidectomy Using the Marginal Mandibular Branch as a Landmark During the Retrograde Technique

PurposeTo investigate the recurrence of tumors and morbidity rates of postoperative complications associated with primary parotid pleomorphic adenomas treated with a parotidectomy using the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve as a landmark during the retrograde approach. Patients and MethodsOur study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data from 71 patients with a primary parotid pleomorphic adenoma who underwent a parotidectomy using the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve as a guide during the retrograde approach between November 2003 and August 2012. Three surgical modalities were involved in the study: a partial superficial parotidectomy was performed in 8 cases, a superficial parotidectomy was performed in 54 cases, and a total parotidectomy was performed in 9 cases. The recurrence of tumors and the morbidity rates of postoperative complications, such as transient facial nerve paralysis, permanent facial nerve paralysis, sensory deficiency, Frey syndrome, salivary fistulas, and xerostomia, were investigated. ResultsTumor recurrence occurred in only 1 case. Overall, the morbidity rates for transient facial nerve paralysis, permanent facial nerve paralysis, sensory deficiency, Frey syndrome, and xerostomia were 22.5%, 1.4%, 39.4%, 59.2%, and 8.5%, respectively. No cases developed a salivary fistula. ConclusionThe use of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve as a guide during the retrograde approach is a reliable and safe method for dissecting the facial nerve.
AIK1, A Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase, Modulates Abscisic Acid Responses through the MKK5-MPK6 Kinase Cascade1[OPEN]

An Arabidopsis MAPK kinase kinase (MAPKKK), AIK1, modulates ABA signaling by sequentially relaying and amplifying intracellular signals through the AIK1-MKK5-MPK6 cascade. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is an evolutionarily conserved signal transduction module involved in transducing extracellular signals to the nucleus for appropriate cellular adjustment. This cascade essentially consists of three components: a MAPK kinase kinase (MAPKKK), a MAPK kinase, and a MAPK, connected to each other by the event of phosphorylation. Here, we report the characterization of a MAPKKK, ABA-INSENSITIVE PROTEIN KINASE1 (AIK1), which regulates abscisic acid (ABA) responses in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). T-DNA insertion mutants of AIK1 showed insensitivity to ABA in terms of both root growth and stomatal response. AIK1 functions in ABA responses via regulation of root cell division and elongation, as well as stomatal responses. The activity of AIK1 is induced by ABA in Arabidopsis and tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana), and the Arabidopsis protein phosphatase type 2C, ABI1, a negative regulator of ABA signaling, restricts AIK1 activity by dephosphorylation. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis showed that MPK3, MPK6, and AIK1 interact with MKK5. The single mutant seedlings of mpk6 and mkk5 have similar phenotypes to aik1, but mkk4 does not. AIK1 was localized in the cytoplasm and shown to activate MKK5 by protein phosphorylation, which was an ABA-activated process. Constitutively active MKK5 in aik1 mutant seedlings complements the ABA-insensitive root growth phenotype of aik1. The activity of MPK6 was increased by ABA in wild-type seedlings, but its activation by ABA was impaired in aik1 and aik1 mkk5 mutants. These findings clearly suggest that the AIK1-MKK5-MPK6 cascade functions in the ABA regulation of primary root growth and stomatal response.
Effect of axillary nodal status on the long‐term survival following mastectomy for breast carcinoma: Nodal metastases may not always suggest systemic disease

Records of 215 patients receiving radical mastectomies from 1958 to 1968 at Roswell Park Memorial Institute were reviewed for the significance of axillary nodal status on long‐term survival and recurrence. Ten‐year disease‐free interval rates were 83%, 47%, and 17%, respectively, for patients with negative nodes, 1–3 positive nodes, and ≥ 4 positive nodes. Fifteen‐year rates were 80%, 37%, and 8%, respectively. Survival and disease‐free interval curves for the 3 nodal status groups were significantly different from each other (P<0.0001). Curves for three subclasses of the ≥ 4 positive node group (4–6, 7–12, and ≥ 13) were similar in overall survival, but were significantly (P=0.04) different for disease‐free interval, due to a rapid rate of recurrence in the ≥ 13 positive node group. Hazard rates of treatment failure during each successive 3‐year period for 9 years following mastectomy for those with 1–3 positive nodes or ≥ 4 positive nodes decreased with time, whereas the rates for those with negative nodes were low and relatively constant throughout follow‐up. These findings support the thesis that a significant proportion of negative nodes patients are cured by mastectomy and that a smaller group of node‐positive patients have regional disease with a chance of cure by mastectomy.
Characterization of an Indoor-Resting Population of Anopheles arabiensis (Diptera: Culicidae) and the Implications on Malaria Transmission in Tubu Village in Okavango Subdistrict, Botswana

Abstract Comprehensive knowledge on vector dynamics is lacking in Botswana and yet essential for effective indoor residual spraying. This study assessed some of the entomological indices that contribute to malaria transmission by an indoor-resting population of Anopheles arabiensis Patton (Diptera: Culicidae) in Tubu village, Okavango subdistrict. The pyrethroid space-spray technique and hut searches were used to sample mosquitoes. Species and bloodmeal source identification were done using the polymerase chain reaction techniques. The infective status was determined by the enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay test. The human blood indices (HBI), human-biting rates (HBR), and vector densities were computed. Anopheles arabiensis was the sole vector and member of the Anopheles gambiae Giles complex identified. Significant changes in vector densities were observed over seasons, while nonsignificant differences were observed among the huts (P > 0.05). The main source of bloodmeal was cattle (46.8% [65]). There were no significant differences in HBI (P > 0.05) and HBR (P > 0.05) between the seasons. All the 271 mosquitoes tested for sporozoite infection were negative. The results showed that seasonal variations in vector densities corresponded to the traditional malaria and nonmalaria seasons. The vector population was relatively more zoophagic. The HBI and HBR were not influenced by the seasons. None of the endophilic mosquitoes tested (N = 271) was positive for sporozoites. Our study provided some relevant basic information to the local malaria control program that may be used to strategize their operations if malaria elimination has to be achieved by 2017.
Multidirectional left ventricular performance detected with three-dimensional speckle-tracking strain in patients with chronic right ventricular pacing and preserved ejection fraction.

AIMS Although right ventricular (RV) pacing has a detrimental effect on global left ventricular (LV) function even in some patients with preserved ejection fraction (EF), its mechanism remains unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS We studied 116 subjects; 56 patients with RV pacing and preserved EF (all ≥50%), 30 EF-matched controls, and 30 heart failure (HF) patients with RV pacing and reduced EF (all ≤35%). Radial, circumferential, and longitudinal dyssynchrony and function were quantified as standard deviations of the time-to-peak strain and global peak strain from all 16 LV segments using three-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking strain. The degree of radial and circumferential dyssynchrony and function were similar for patients with RV pacing and preserved EF and controls. However, patients with RV pacing and preserved EF showed a greater longitudinal dyssynchrony of 46 ± 14 vs. 31 ± 9 ms (P < 0.01) and lower global longitudinal strain at 25 ± 4 vs. 34 ± 7% compared with controls (P < 0.001). Furthermore, longitudinal strain at the apical level was significantly lower than that at the mid- and basal level (20 ± 4 vs. 27 ± 5 and 26 ± 5%, P < 0.001), and longitudinal dyssynchrony at the apical level was significantly larger than at the mid- and basal level (44 ± 19 vs. 36 ± 20 and 32 ± 15 ms, P < 0.05) in patients with RV pacing and preserved EF. In contrast, HF patients with RV pacing and reduced EF showed greater radial, circumferential, and longitudinal dyssynchrony, and lower global radial, circumferential, and longitudinal strain than did controls (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Three-dimensional speckle-tracking strain was found to be useful for evaluating early subtle changes associated with chronic RV pacing, and may thus play a clinical role in predicting future global LV dysfunction.
Spine kinematics and trunk muscle activity during bipedal standing using unstable footwear

The current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of unstable footwear on spine kinematics and trunk muscle activity during bipedal stance. Therefore, spinal alignment and concurrent angular velocity measures were assessed in 27 asymptomatic adults while standing with unstable Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) shoes and standard footwear, respectively, employing a multisegmental three‐dimensional trunk model. Electromyographic (EMG) analyses included recordings of the rectus abdominis, internal oblique, external oblique, upper thoracic paraspinals, lower thoracic erector spinae, and lumbar erector spinae. Kinematic and EMG variables were compared for the two shoe conditions via paired Student's t‐tests (α = 0.05). Results showed that wearing unstable MBT shoes increased flexion at the mid‐thoracic level (0.8°; P = 0.001) and led to greater mean velocities of angular displacement at the thoracolumbar (11.2%; P = 0.003) and at the lumbopelvic (10.8%; P = 0.02) regions, accompanied by more lumbar erector spinae activity (18.2%; P = 0.003). Accordingly, using MBT shoes may have potential implications in promoting spine tissue health, notably at the low back area, through expected improvements in terms of muscle conditioning and/or motor performance. However, additional investigations are warranted to further examine the framework of unstable footwear constructions within prevention and rehabilitation settings.
Memristor-based cellular nonlinear networks with belief propagation inspired algorithm

Neural Networks trained with the Belief Propagation Inspired (BPI) algorithm are able to learn a number of associations close to the theoretical limit in time that is sublinear in the number of input. Using binary synapses, implemented by a memristor, a single layer perceptron with BPI has been proposed. It well know that perceptrons with step function type nonlinearity can be implemented by a suitable class of Cellular Neural/Nonlinear Networks. This paper aims to present a statistical analysis on the learning efficiency of Memristor-based Cellular Nonlinear Networks (M-CNNs) with Belief Propagation Inspired (BPI) algorithm. Monte Carlo simulations permit to assess that the learning efficiency of M-CNNs with BPI is not regardless of the input signals given to train the perceptron.
SAR target recognition via linear t-stochastic neighbor embedding and sparse representation

In this paper, a novel technique based on linear t-stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) and sparse representation is presented for target recognition in SAR images. Though t-SNE has a powerful performance on dimension reduction and visualization task, the lack of a parametric mapping makes t-SNE less suitable for using in target recognition. Here we extent t-SNE toward an efficient linear projection to solve the out-of-sample problem. What's more, the projection preserves the local structure characteristic of SAR images in a manifold. Specifically, each class belongs to each sub-manifold. Then, the test sample is represented by sparse linear combination of the training samples in the feature space. The best class estimation of the test sample corresponds to the least distances between the test sample and training samples with a certain sub-manifold. Experimental results on moving and stationary target automatic recognition (MSTAR) database evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method.