Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of HIV-1 load and CD4 lymphocyte count with mortality among untreated African children over one year of age

ObjectiveTo examine the association of viral load and CD4 lymphocyte count with mortality among HIV-infected children over one year of age. DesignA prospective study. HIV-infected children were enrolled during the first year of life and followed for more than 2 years at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi (southeast Africa). MethodsMorbidity and mortality information was collected every 3 months, and physical examination and blood testing (for viral level and CD4 cell percentage) were performed every 6 months. Kaplan–Meier analyses and proportional hazards models were used to estimate survival and to examine the association of primary predictors with mortality. ResultsOf 155 HIV-infected children originally enrolled, 115 (74%) had viral load testing and 82 (53%) had both viral load and CD4 cell percentage testing after their first year. Among children over one year of age, significant associations were found between mortality and the log10 viral load and CD4 cell percentage in both univariate and multivariate models. Independent of the CD4 cell value, a one unit log10 increase in HIV RNA level increased the hazard of child mortality by more than twofold. Children with low CD4 cell counts (< 15%) and high viral loads (⩾ 250 000 copies/ml median value) had the worst survival; children with high CD4 cell counts (⩾ 15%) and low viral loads (< 250 000 copies/ml) had the best survival. ConclusionAs in developed countries, viral load and CD4 cell count are the main predictors of mortality among African children. Making these tests available adds to the challenges to be considered if antiviral therapies were to be adopted in these countries.
PREVALENCE OF TREATMENT ADHERENCE AMONG ATTENDANCE AT HEMODIALYSIS IN MAKAH

Background: There are remarkable paucity in the studies which identify prevalence of adherence and non-adherence risk factors in hemodialysis patients in Saudi Arabia. Despite the importance of this issue, there are very limited studies which discuss our topic in Saudi Arabia. Aims & Objective: To identify the prevalence of adherence to (hemodialysis attendance, medications, fluid restrictions, and diet restrictions) among hemodialysis patients at governmental kidney centers in Makah city in Saudi Arabia in the year 2013. Materials and Methods: Based on a cross section study design, a sample of 361 hemodialysis patients were selected randomly (stratified random sample) from the list of available patients in three hemodialysis centers at three major governmental hospitals in Makah city, and they were invited to be enrolled in the study after taking their consent. Clinical measures and a valid, reliable Questionnaire (ESRD-AQ) were used to assess adherence of patients to (hemodialysis attendance, medications, fluid restrictions, and diet restrictions). Results: The prevalence of hemodialysis patients’ adherence to Dietary, fluid restrictions recommendations and medication prescription were 88.37%, 87.78% and 87.99%, respectively and nearly half of patients were adherent to dialysis sessions (55.96%). The highest adherence rate was for diet restriction (88.37%) and the lowest was for attendance to dialysis sessions (55.96%). Conclusion: The overall adherence rates in our study population were thought to be within the range of most published international studies.
Role of specific muscarinic receptor subtypes in cholinergic parasympathomimetic responses, in vivo phosphoinositide hydrolysis, and pilocarpine‐induced seizure activity

Muscarinic agonist‐induced parasympathomimetic effects, in vivo phosphoinositide hydrolysis and seizures were evaluated in wild‐type and muscarinic M1–M5 receptor knockout mice. The muscarinic agonist oxotremorine induced marked hypothermia in all the knockout mice, but the hypothermia was reduced in M2 and to a lesser extent in M3 knockout mice. Oxotremorine‐induced tremor was abolished only in the M2 knockout mice. Muscarinic agonist‐induced salivation was reduced to the greatest extent in M3 knockout mice, to a lesser degree in M1 and M4 knockout mice, and was not altered in M2 and M5 knockout mice. Pupil diameter under basal conditions was increased only in the M3 knockout mice. Pilocarpine‐induced increases in in vivo phosphoinositide hydrolysis were completely absent in hippocampus and cortex of M1 knockout mice, but in vivo phosphoinositide hydrolysis was unaltered in the M2–M5 knockout mice. A high dose of pilocarpine (300 mg/kg) caused seizures and lethality in wild‐type and M2–M5 knockout mice, but produced neither effect in the M1 knockout mice. These data demonstrate a major role for M2 and M3 muscarinic receptor subtypes in mediating parasympathomimetic effects. Muscarinic M1 receptors activate phosphoinositide hydrolysis in cortex and hippocampus of mice, consistent with the role of M1 receptors in cognition. Muscarinic M1 receptors appear to be the only muscarinic receptor subtype mediating seizures.
On the Approximation Quality of Markov State Models

We consider a continuous-time Markov process on a large continuous or discrete state space. The process is assumed to have strong enough ergodicity properties and to exhibit a number of metastable sets. Markov state models (MSMs) are designed to represent the effective dynamics of such a process by a Markov chain that jumps between the metastable sets with the transition rates of the original process. MSMs have been used for a number of applications, including molecular dynamics, for more than a decade. Their approximation quality, however, has not yet been fully understood. In particular, it would be desirable to have a sharp error bound for the difference in propagation of probability densities between the MSM and the original process on long timescales. Here, we provide such a bound for a rather general class of Markov processes ranging from diffusions in energy landscapes to Markov jump processes on large discrete spaces. Furthermore, we discuss how this result provides formal support or shows the limitations of algorithmic strategies that have been found to be useful for the construction of MSMs. Our findings are illustrated by numerical experiments.
Compressed Sensing Based Adaptive-Resolution Data Recovery in Underwater Sensor Networks

—With marine development thriving today, underwater acoustic sensor networks have become a vital method in exploring and monitoring the ocean. In this paper, a data recovery scheme with adaptive resolution based on compressed sensing theory is proposed, aiming at acclimating to the atrocious conditions under the water. The fundamental thought of the scheme is to achieve better quality of recovered data at the sacrifice of data resolution. Data resolution adjusting method is raised firstly, then a recovered data quality evaluation algorithm and an adaptive resolution selecting strategy are proposed. The experimental results show that schemes presented are able to evaluate the quality of the recovered data accurately and adaptively select the resolution. Accordingly, recovery resolution is modified triumphantly to achieve higher accuracy on the premise of acceptable data resolution.
Hyperthermia impaired human visual short-term memory: An fMRI study

Abstract Purpose: In order to investigate the effects of hyperthermia conditions on human cognitive performance, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was employed to investigate human brain activation during visual short-term memory (VSTM) tasks under modulated hyperthermia conditions. Materials and methods: A total of 38 right-handed healthy young male participants were randomly divided into control and hyperthermia groups who underwent VSTM tasks by using block design. Results: Compared with that of the control group, the reaction time of the hyperthermia group was longer in VSTM tasks (p = 0.019), but there was no significant difference between the two groups for the accuracy rate (p > 0.85). The fMRI data showed that the processing advantage of the right hemisphere was notably enhanced and that activity strength of the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right intra-parietal sulcus were significantly enhanced in the hyperthermia group. Conclusions: These data provided neuroimaging evidence of the effect of hyperthermia conditions on the brain regions and also proved heat load decreases cognitive performance.
Importance Sampled Stochastic Optimization for Variational Inference

Variational inference approximates the posterior distribution of a probabilistic model with a parameterized density by maximizing a lower bound for the model evidence. Modern solutions fit a flexible approximation with stochastic gradient descent, using Monte Carlo approximation for the gradients. This enables variational inference for arbitrary differentiable probabilistic models, and consequently makes variational inference feasible for probabilistic programming languages. In this work we develop more efficient inference algorithms for the task by considering importance sampling estimates for the gradients. We show how the gradient with respect to the approximation parameters can often be evaluated efficiently without needing to re-compute gradients of the model itself, and then proceed to derive practical algorithms that use importance sampled estimates to speed up computation.We present importance sampled stochastic gradient descent that outperforms standard stochastic gradient descent by a clear margin for a range of models, and provide a justifiable variant of stochastic average gradients for variational inference.
A Survey of Visualization for Live Cell Imaging

Live cell imaging is an important biomedical research paradigm for studying dynamic cellular behaviour. Although phenotypic data derived from images are difficult to explore and analyse, some researchers have successfully addressed this with visualization. Nonetheless, visualization methods for live cell imaging data have been reported in an ad hoc and fragmented fashion. This leads to a knowledge gap where it is difficult for biologists and visualization developers to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different visualization methods, and for visualization researchers to gain an overview of existing work to identify research priorities. To address this gap, we survey existing visualization methods for live cell imaging from a visualization research perspective for the first time. Based on recent visualization theory, we perform a structured qualitative analysis of visualization methods that includes characterizing the domain and data, abstracting tasks, and describing visual encoding and interaction design. Based on our survey, we identify and discuss research gaps that future work should address: the broad analytical context of live cell imaging; the importance of behavioural comparisons; links with dynamic data visualization; the consequences of different data modalities; shortcomings in interactive support; and, in addition to analysis, the value of the presentation of phenotypic data and insights to other stakeholders.
Design and characterization of an integrated CMOS gate driver for vertical power MOSFETs

Currently, the trends in energy management are performance enhancement and increase in system reliability for the reduction of energy consumption. In this context, the integration of the gate driver within power transistors is particularly appropriate. This integration offers multiple advantages, from electrical and EMI performance improvement to power module size reduction, and reliability and functionality increase. This article presents a power MOSFET gate driver system developed with an approach which consists in including all the circuits required to drive a power switch on a single CMOS chip. The CMOS driver chip functionalities will be presented in this paper, and its design will be explained. Finally, experimental results of the fabricated chip used in a buck converter topology will be shown and discussed.
A New Approach to Obtain Subpixel Corner Point Coordinates Based on Position from Cornerness Map Refinement

This paper deals with a proposing a new approach to specify corner points coordinates in subpixel accuracy. The describing algorithm uses the regular cornerness map obtained from the usual corner detectors as initial step. The main idea is to consider the cornerness values from a neighboring area around found corner point as a 3D profile object and to find the coordinates of its centroid. The part of an article is dedicated to the comparisons of this method with the traditional pixel detector and two other subpixel detectors, which refine the coordinates using the overlaying of cornerness map with curve and 2D quadratic function. The all results were statistically analyzed and are listed in the tables and turned into corresponding findings and conclusions. Keywords— corner detection; subpixel detectors; Harris detector; homography
Differences in Erythrocyte Receptor Specificity of Different Parts of the Plasmodium falciparum Reticulocyte Binding Protein Homologue 2a

ABSTRACT The Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding-like protein homologue (RH) and erythrocyte binding-like (EBL) protein families play important roles during invasion, though their exact roles are not clear. Both EBL and RH proteins are thought to directly bind different receptors on the surface of the erythrocyte, and the binding properties for a number of EBLs and RHs have been described. While P. falciparum RH1 (PfRH1) and PfRH4 have been shown to act directly in two alternative invasion pathways used by merozoites, the functions of PfRH2a and PfRH2b during invasion are less defined. Here, using monoclonal antibodies raised against a unique region of PfRH2a, we show that PfRH2a moves from the rhoptry neck to the moving junction during merozoite invasion. The movement of PfRH2a to the junction is independent of the invasion pathway used by the merozoite, suggesting an additional function of the protein that is independent of receptor binding. We further show that PfRH2a is processed both in the schizont and during invasion, resulting in proteins with different erythrocyte binding properties. Our findings suggest that PfRH2a and, most likely, the other members of the RH family, depending on their processing stage, can engage different receptors at different stages of the invasion process.
Sociologie des prénoms

Pour quelles raisons le prenom que l'on porte dit autant de choses sur nous-memes. et sur les personnes qui nous l'ont donne ? Comment sont-ils choisis et utilises ? Comment l'empire de la mode (c'est a dire des variations du gout socialement determine) a-t-il remplace l'emprise de la parente ? Pourquoi les " Lea " de maintenant seront-elles, demain, les " Mauricette " d'aujourd'hui ? En deux siecles, le prenom, outil etatique d'identification, est devenu support personnel d'identite : le prenom de l'etat civil est de plus en plus percu comme exprimant le moi profond. Et en meme temps la ronde des prenoms obeit a la mode : certains prenoms sont propres a une epoque ou a une classe sociale. Les sociologues s'en sont donc souvent servis : au niveau macro-social pour etudier l'affaiblissement des identites religieuses, la dilution de caracteristiques liees a la migration ou certaines formes de segregation ; au niveau micro-social pour comprendre la repartition du pouvoir dans la famille ou le monde du travail a partir des usages quotidiens du prenom.
Projection Clutching System for Force Transmission System based on Tulip-shaped Electrostatic Clutch

We have previously proposed an arrayed vertical motion system based on a tulip-shaped electrostatic clutch for producing haptic displays. The system has an advantage in that it is able to individually operate arrayed minute projection with high-power and large strokes (Output: 600 mN and displacement: 60 mum). This time, we added a new electrostatic latch mechanism to the system to individually control the projection state. We used MEMS technologies to fabricate a 4x4 array electrostatic latch mechanism. The total size of the mechanism was 6.0 x 6.0 x 0.5 mm. We evaluated the relationship between the applied voltage and a holding force of a few mN was obtained for the spring device.
Evolution of the SPX gene family in plants and its role in the response mechanism to phosphorus stress

Molecular and genomic studies have shown the presence of a large number of SPX gene family members in plants, some of which have been proved to act in P signalling and homeostasis. In this study, the molecular and evolutionary characteristics of the SPX gene family in plants were comprehensively analysed, and the mechanisms underlying the function of SPX genes in P signalling and homeostasis in the model plant species Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and rice (Oryza sativa), and in important crops, including wheat (Triticum aestivum), soya beans (Glycine max) and rapeseed (Brassica napus), were described. Emerging findings on the involvement of SPX genes in other important processes (i.e. disease resistance, iron deficiency response, low oxygen response and phytochrome-mediated light signalling) were also highlighted. The available data suggest that SPX genes are important regulators in the P signalling network, and may be valuable targets for enhancing crop tolerance to low P stress. Further studies on SPX proteins should include more diverse members, which may reveal SPX proteins as important regulatory hubs for multiple processes including P signalling and homeostasis in plants.
Information Bias Inside English Words*

Abstract Previous works in cognitive science have reported that human cognition of words includes two preferences: a locational preference, by which word prefixes are remembered better than suffixes, and suffixes better than infixes; and a consonantal preference, by which consonants are remembered better than vowels. In this paper, the ambiguity with respect to prefix/infix/suffix and consonant/vowel is compared in terms of conditional entropy, by using large-scale data from English. The results show that consonants indeed have less ambiguity than vowels, and also, that the locational preference holds if word middles are considered as wholes.
Neural network based aircraft control

This paper presents a technique of landing control, roll control, pitch control and altitude hold control of an airplane using neural networks. Firstly the neural network is trained from available flight data and then that trained neural network controls the landing, roll, pitch and altitude hold of the airplane. The neural network control has been implemented in MATLAB and the data for training have been taken from Flight Gear Simulator. The neural network control has been simulated for commercial airplane i.e. Cessna 172 using the Flight Gear Simulator. The trained neural network control detects variations from the Flight Gear Simulator and supplies back the corrective signals to aileron, elevator, throttle, and rudder. The flight performance has been shown in the Flight Gear Simulator. The objective is to improve the performance of conventional landing, roll, pitch and altitude hold controllers. Simulated results show that control for different flight phases is successful and the neural network controllers provide the robustness to system parameter variation.
Applying the Health Belief Model to Analyze Intention to Participate in Preventive Pulmonary Tuberculosis Chest X-Ray Examinations Among Indigenous Nursing Students

&NA; The purpose of this study was to investigate knowledge, perceptions of tuberculosis (TB) and intent to receive chest X-ray screening among indigenous (Taiwanese of ethnic Malayo-Polynesian descent) nursing students in Taiwan. A convenience sample was chosen from an technical institute in northern Taiwan that maintained admission quotas and provided scholarships for indigenous students. This school had over 150 classes and around 7,000 students, about 20%-25% of whom were ethnically indigenous. A power analysis based on a pilot study showed that a large effect size required a minimum sample of 485. To attain this number, 50 classes from years one through five were randomly selected based on an expected sampling of 20 students per classroom. In all, 1,000 questionnaires were distributed and 865 returned, for a response rate of 86.5%. A cross-sectional study design was used, and this study was run between the months of February and June 2003. Survey responses were self-reported in two questionnaires that gathered information on respondent knowledge and perceptions regarding TB and intent to take chest X-ray tests. Study results showed a moderate level of general knowledge about TB, misunderstandings regarding transmission vectors, and low perceptions regarding susceptibility. The knowledge score was associated with perceived benefits and barriers to preventing TB. Different places of residence influenced perceived barriers to preventing and treating TB. Age was negatively associated with the perceived benefits of receiving a chest X-ray exam for TB. Indigenous nursing students with higher perceptions of susceptibility and severity and lower perception of barriers on preventing TB had a higher level of intent to take the X-ray exam. Nursing schools must address the subject of TB in-depth and design age-specific curricula that incorporate multifaceted strategies for different students. Additionally, health educators should design health education programs targeted to dispel misconceptions and improve both knowledge and levels of awareness of tuberculosis among the indigenous population in order to enhance their willingness and ability to detect TB.
Multi-physics modeling and optimization of a multi-V-shape IPM with concentrated winding

In this paper a coupled multi-physics model is proposed for a multi-V-shape Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) motor with concentrated winding. A non-linear magnetic model computes the flux density in the stator and the rotor and delivers the torque, the internal power factor and the internal voltage. It is coupled with an electrical model that computes the power factor and the voltage at the motor terminals by considering the resistance and the leakage inductance. A loss model is developed in order to calculate the copper and the iron losses. They are used as inputs to a thermal model that computes the temperature of the motor. Finally, a multi-objective optimization is carried out in order to design the motor for a high torque and low speed application.
Evolutionary games and the study of cooperation: Why has so little progress been made?

Natural selection acts as a culling force that favors highly fit organisms. There are numerous examples ranging from bacteria through humans showing fitness can sometimes improve if individuals cooperate. Yet despite the widespread evidence of cooperation throughout nature, we still do not fully understand how it evolves. Over the past 10-15 years a large number of theoretical (computer) models have been created, analyzed and published to try and get some answers. Unfortunately, little progress has been made despite all of this time and effort. In this paper we review what has been done and explain why the current directions of research in modeling cooperation in populations is unlikely to provide any insight. We make recommendations on the proper path for future research efforts.