Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impaired sexual function in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study

Objective The objectives of this paper are to compare sexual function and distress in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in healthy controls; to determine the association between disease characteristics, quality of life, psychopathology and sexual function; and to compare sexual function and distress of women according to age (reproductive and nonreproductive-age women). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 120 participants; 65 women had SLE (aged 18–65), and 55 were healthy, age-matched controls. The assessment included the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), Short Form 36 health survey (SF-36), socio-demographic characteristics and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) and SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) in SLE patients only. Results Of 65 eligible patients with SLE, 61 (94%) responded; of 55 control subjects, 53 (96%) responded. The FSFI total score and subscale scores for desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm and pain were significantly lower in patients with SLE. More somatization, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobia, paranoid ideation, psychoticism, the Positive Symptom Total (PST), Positive Score Discomfort Index (PSDI), the use of psychotropic drugs, general health, vitality, social function, emotional role and mental health were significantly associated with changes in the patient group’s sexuality. Multivariate analysis indicated that depression, PSDI and vitality were the variables significantly associated with low sexual function in patients with SLE. Conclusions Women with SLE reported significantly impaired sexual function compared with healthy controls. Impaired sexual function was associated with somatization, obsessive-compulsive behavior, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, hostility, paranoid ideation, psychoticism, PST, higher scores in the PSDI subscale, vitality, social functioning and mental health. These results indicate that, in daily practice, inquiring about sexuality and quality of life and screening for psychopathology are important for every patient with SLE, irrespective of their clinical characteristics.
Reaching out: Social Support and Mental Health Problems of Bosnian Immigrants in Switzerland

A state of well being in which one realizes own potentials, can cope with every day stressors, can work productively and is able to constructively contribute to community is called mental health. Many stressful and negative events can interfere with these abilities and thus endanger someone’s mental health. Migration is one of them. With its’ pre and post phases/stages, migration represents great sources of stress and stressors. Immigrants need good personal and social resource in order to lessen down negative effects of migration on their mental health. The aim of this study is to explore presence of mental health problems in non clinical population of Bosnian immigrants (N=101, F=48, M=53) in Switzerland. It was assumed that migration stress acts negatively on immigrant’s mental health. General health questionnaire was used to test this hypothesis. Participants mean score results on total GHQ28 questionnaire were M=51.06, S.D. =14.30, its subscales on depression M=10.12 S.D. =3.75, somatic complaints M=13.04 S.D. =4.5, anxiety/insomnia M=13.34 S.D. 4.8, and social dysfunction M=14.37 S.D. =3.5. This indicates presence of mental health problems among Bosnian immigrants. At the same time, the study shows presence of social support seeking (N=83 subjects listed family and friends) as primary coping strategy used by Bosnian immigrants while dealing with difficulties and problems rather than seeking professional help (N=3 subjects listed professional help seeking). Thus, social support seeking acts positively on mental health of Bosnian immigrants.
Space vector PWM for a three-phase to six-phase direct AC/AC converter

In this paper a generalized multi-phase space vector theory is considered for developing the space vector modulation of a three-phase to six-phase AC to AC converter. The modulation is based on the control of the voltage vectors in the first d-q plane, while imposing the remaining voltage vectors in the second and the third planes (x-y, 0+-0-), being zero. The duty cycles of the bidirectional switches are obtained using space vector modulation theory. The proposed converter system offers full control of the input power factor, no limitation on the output frequency range and nearly sinusoidal output voltage. The proposed space vector algorithm can be fully implemented on a digital platform. The theoretical analysis is confirmed by digital simulations which is further verified using real time implementation.
Monte Carlo Evaluation of In Vivo Neuroimaging Using Quantum Dots with Fluorescence in the Second Window of Near Infrared Region

Recent advances in in vivo neuroimaging have encouraged the development of noninvasive methods using near-infrared (NIR) light. The low resolution images through the skull with traditional NIR-I (700– 1000 nm) were improved by the use of NIR-II (1000–1400 nm) because of reduced light scattering, weak autouorescence, and low light absorption by intrinsic molecules such as hemoglobin and water. Nevertheless, there are few reports on the photon behaviors for this wavelength range within the brain. Using a Monte Carlo model, we analyzed the photon behaviors of NIR-II uorescence within a heterogeneous medium that simulates the complex system of the brain and its surrounding structures. The system was modeled as a three-layered medium having optical parameters speci c to skull, cerebrospinal uid, and cortex. Photons that were assigned a weight equal to unity entered vertically through the skull surface. The weight of photons in a 100-μm depth from the cortex surface was evaluated. Quantum dots within a limited area were most ef ciently excited by photons at 785 nm among three excitation wavelengths. Excitation ef ciency of 670 nm against 785 nm was 93%. In the case of 488 nm, the ef ciency was 73%. When quantum dots emitted uorescence dependent on the excitation ef ciency, on-axis coaxial uorescence at 1300 nm was most ef ciently detected by the image sensor. Emission ef ciency of 720 nm against 1300 nm was 75%. In the case of 520 nm, the ratio was 48%. Furthermore, the angular dependence indicated more near ballistic uorescence photons at 1300 nm than at 720 and 520 nm. Therefore, uorescence photons at 1300 nm allow brighter and clearer imaging of vascular system in a 100-μm depth from the cortex surface using this optical system, compared with photons at 720 and 520 nm. The results obtained from this simulation are consistent with imaging data through intact mouse skull in a previous report.
Representations and Cognitive Evo- lution: Towards an Anthropology of Pictorial Representation

In this paper I will argue for the possibility of a kind of evolutionary anthropology of images. I will rely on the notion of cognitive evolution as Merlin Donald construed it, on the one hand, and on the enactive account of vision, on the other hand. The two approaches can be seen as divergent, since the Donaldian theory is based on the evolution of representational capabilities, while enactivism (both conservative and radical wings) challenges the necessity of mental representation, at least in certain cases. But, as I suggest, this divergence does not lead to a contradiction, rather both illuminate the importance of the extra-cranial context, and the importance of the representational techniques that make ideas, fears, etc. manifest.
A computational model of open-irrigated electrode for endocardial RF catheter ablation

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is an important curative treatment for cardiac arrhythmias. However, during RFCA thrombus formation can occur when the electrode-tissue interface temperature exceeds 80°C. Open-irrigated electrodes reduce the risk of such side-effect. No computational model of an open-irrigated electrode in endocardial RFCA accounting for both the saline irrigation flow and the blood motion in the cardiac chamber has been proposed yet. Our aim was to introduce the first computer model including both effects. The model has been validated against existing experimental results. Computational results showed that the surface lesion width and blood temperature are affected by the irrigation flow rate. Smaller surface lesion widths and blood temperatures are obtained with higher irrigation flow rate, while the lesion depth is not affected by changing the irrigation flow rate. Larger lesions are obtained when electrode is placed horizontally. Overall, the computational findings are in close agreement with previous experimental results.
1 SPATIAL VARIATION IN FORECLOSURES IN LOS ANGELES

Research on the initial stage of the current mortgage foreclosure crisis focuses on its causes, scope and economic impact. This study contributes to the emerging literature by showing how the crisis plays out differently across urban neighborhoods. Clearly, the two most immediate causal factors are the relative size of the housing bubble and the number of risky loans. Yet, neighborhoods also are defined by demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, among other factors—conditions that may shape their experience of regional housing market dynamics. This study examines variation in first quarter 2008 foreclosure rates for 262 zip codes in Los Angeles County. Using a recursive model and weighted least squares regression, we find that the exurbs and communities with more subprime loans, bigger housing bubbles, lower current demand, and fewer college-educated residents have higher foreclosure rates. Race and poverty indirectly affect foreclosure rates through subprime lending and housing bubble size. Our findings illustrate the complex relationships between neighborhood economic, socioeconomic and demographic factors and foreclosure and suggest ways that policymakers in sprawling, high growth, multiracial regions can target remedial measures, as well as prevent future housing crises.
Moving Vehicle Recognition and Feature Extraction From Tunnel Monitoring Videos

In recent decades, many government agencies and famous universities are researching the intelligent traffic video monitoring system. According to the tunnel monitoring video, this paper uses the combination of background subtraction method and three frame differencing method for moving vehicle detection , and designs the geometric parameters and combined parameters for vehicle classification, finally makes up a vehicle classifier, based on these characteristics parameters. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.11591/telkomnika.v11i10. 3465
ADVANCED RESIDUAL PREDICTION IN 3 D-HEVC

Inter-view residual prediction (IVRP) is employed to efficiently code non-base texture views by exploiting the correlation of residues between two views in 3D video coding extension of HEVC (3D-HEVC). To further improve the performance of texture coding, advanced residual prediction (ARP) is proposed in this paper. In IVRP, residues in a non-base view are predicted from decoded residues in base view. In contrast, ARP makes the residual predictor for the non-base view block based on newly generated base-view residues by applying motion vector at the non-base view to the base view. Moreover, an adaptive weighting factor is applied to reduce prediction error. Comprehensive simulations show that up to 6.0% luma BDrate reduction was obtained over IVRP in the reference software of 3D-HEVC.
GermOnline 4.0 is a genomics gateway for germline development, meiosis and the mitotic cell cycle

GermOnline 4.0 is a cross-species database portal focusing on high-throughput expression data relevant for germline development, the meiotic cell cycle and mitosis in healthy versus malignant cells. It is thus a source of information for life scientists as well as clinicians who are interested in gene expression and regulatory networks. The GermOnline gateway provides unlimited access to information produced with high-density oligonucleotide microarrays (3′-UTR GeneChips), genome-wide protein–DNA binding assays and protein–protein interaction studies in the context of Ensembl genome annotation. Samples used to produce high-throughput expression data and to carry out genome-wide in vivo DNA binding assays are annotated via the MIAME-compliant Multiomics Information Management and Annotation System (MIMAS 3.0). Furthermore, the Saccharomyces Genomics Viewer (SGV) was developed and integrated into the gateway. SGV is a visualization tool that outputs genome annotation and DNA-strand specific expression data produced with high-density oligonucleotide tiling microarrays (Sc_tlg GeneChips) which cover the complete budding yeast genome on both DNA strands. It facilitates the interpretation of expression levels and transcript structures determined for various cell types cultured under different growth and differentiation conditions. Database URL: www.germonline. org/
Compositional Abstraction-Based Controller Synthesis for Continuous-Time Systems

Controller synthesis techniques for continuous systems with respect to temporal logic specifications typically use a finite-state symbolic abstraction of the system model. Constructing this abstraction for the entire system is computationally expensive, and does not exploit natural decompositions of many systems into interacting components. We describe a methodology for compositional symbolic abstraction to help scale controller synthesis for temporal logic to larger systems. We introduce a new relation, called (approximate) disturbance bisimulation, as the basis for compositional symbolic abstractions. Disturbance bisimulation strengthens the standard approximate alternating bisimulation relation used in control. It extends naturally to systems which are composed of weakly interconnected sub-components possibly connected in feedback, and models the coupling signals as disturbances. After proving this composability of disturbance bisimulation for metric systems we apply this result to the compositional abstraction of networks of input-to-state stable deterministic non-linear control systems. We give conditions that allow to construct finite-state abstractions compositionally for each component in such a network, so that the abstractions are simultaneously disturbance bisimilar to their continuous counterparts. Combining these two results, we show conditions under which one can compositionally abstract a network of non-linear control systems in a modular way while ensuring that the final composed abstraction is disturbance bisimilar to the original system. We discuss how we get a compositional abstraction-based controller synthesis methodology for networks of such systems against local temporal specifications as a by-product of our construction.
Haemophilus influenzae Type b Carriage and Novel Bacterial Population Structure among Children in Urban Kathmandu, Nepal

ABSTRACT Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a major cause of invasive bacterial infection in children that can be prevented by a vaccine, but there is still uncertainty about its relative importance in Asia. This study investigated the age-specific prevalence of Hib carriage and its molecular epidemiology in carriage and disease in Nepal. Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from children in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 3 different settings: a hospital outpatient department (OPD), schools, and children's homes. Hib was isolated using Hib antiserum agar plates, and serotyping was performed with latex agglutination. Hib isolates from children with invasive disease were obtained during active microbiological surveillance at Patan Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. Genotyping of disease and carriage isolates was undertaken using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Swabs were taken from 2,195 children, including 1,311 children at an OPD, 647 children attending schools, and 237 children in homes. Overall, Hib was identified in 5.0% (110/2,195; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 3.9% to 6.4%). MLST was performed on 108 Hib isolates from children carrying Hib isolates and 15 isolates from children with invasive disease. Thirty-one sequence types (STs) were identified, and 20 of these were novel STs. The most common ST isolates were sequence type 6 (ST6) and the novel ST722. There was marked heterogeneity among the STs from children with disease and children carrying Hib. STs identified from invasive infections were those commonly identified in carriage. This study provides evidence of Hib carriage among children in urban Nepal with genetically diverse strains prior to introduction of universal vaccination. The Hib carriage rate in Nepal was similar to the rates observed in other populations with documented high disease rates prior to vaccination, supporting implementation of Hib vaccine in Nepal in 2009.
A register allocation algorithm in the presence of scalar replacement for fine-grain configurable architectures

The aggressive application of scalar replacement to array references substantially reduces the number of memory operations at the expense of a possibly very large number of registers. We describe a register allocation algorithm that assigns registers to scalar replaced array references along the critical paths of a computation, in many cases exploiting the opportunity for concurrent memory accesses. Experimental results, for a set of image/signal processing code kernels, reveal that the proposed algorithm leads to a substantial reduction in the number of execution cycles for the corresponding hardware implementation on a contemporary field-programmable-gate-array (FPGA) when compared to other greedy allocation algorithms, in some cases, using even fewer registers.
Novel video coding paradigm with reduction/restoration processes

To optimally design distortions in lossy video coding, we propose the use of a novel coding paradigm with adaptive nonlinear transforms as pre/post-processors of a conventional video codec. The preprocessor decimates less important pixels based on an image analysis. A conventional video encoder such as MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 further eliminates the redundancy of the decimated images. On the decoder side, the postprocessor restores small decoded images of the conventional decoder to the original resolution using an inverse mapping including a super-resolution technique that uses a priori knowledge on the decimation in the preprocessing. Results of the experiments showed the proposed coding scheme poses distortion that has a more straightforward appearance than that of a directly encoded/decoded image by a sole conventional H.264 codec.
A Framework for Self-adaptive Collaborative Computing on Reconfigurable Platforms

As the number and complexity of computing devices in the environment around us increases, it is interesting to see how we could exploit that and glue them together to create larger co-operative distributed systems. This paper describes a framework for dynamically aggregating and configuring processing resources in order to meet local requirements and constraints. The capability of this framework is demonstrated by a case study using an adaptive least mean squares filter (ALMS) application. ALMS improves convergence of least mean squares filters at the cost of more resources, and allows us to demonstrate abilities of the framework such as task offloading and run-time adaptation to available resources.
Electro-gustometry: a method for clinical taste examinations.

The construction of an apparatus for electrical taste stimulation for clinical use is described. Investigations were carried out on 140 normal persons to determine the gustatory thresholds by an electric stimulus on the right and left sides of the anterior and posterior parts of the tongue. The results show that the thresholds in all age groups vary within very wide ranges, while there is no significant difference in thresholds determined on the right or left sides of the tongue. The method would appear to yield better results than does a semi-quantitative test using taste solutions of different concentrations.
LA FORMACIÓN CONTINUA COLABORATIVA A TRAVÉS DE LA INVESTIGACIÓN-ACCIÓN. UNA FORMA DE CAMBIAR LAS PRÁCTICAS DE AULA

The ongoing education training for teachers can be done through different models that could only report or also accompany the process of implementing innovations. The training through reflection processes is presented as essential to make changes in the classroom; also, if it is done collectively with other teachers or between centers, transformations will not only occur in the classroom, but in the whole context. One way leading to a collaborative ongoing education is through action research groups, considering a set of ethical practices whose characteristics allow participants to be trained according to their needs, and through support with other teachers, in order to transform the context. The research we present here is framed in a Teaching Innovation Project, University of Valladolid, through which teachers from three schools that have been trained in inclusive education through action research implementing in their classrooms interactive groups. This collaborative process played by teachers themselves has changed the thinking of teachers, their classroom and their educational contexts in which they work.
Geography-aware active data dissemination in mobile social networks

In mobile social networks (MSNets), data dissemination is an important topic, which has not been widely investigated yet. Active data dissemination is a networking paradigm where a superuser intentionally facilitates the connectivity in the network. One of the key challenges under this paradigm is how to design the most efficient superuser route to achieve certain properties of end-to-end connectivity. Most existing solutions only focus on the network with stationary users or strongly constrained node mobility, and assume the superuser always moves with a fixed route. In this paper, we propose a flexible approach to design the superuser routes, considering the realistic user movements in MSNets. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first to study active data dissemination from the social network perspective. We explore the geographic regularity of human mobility in the network, employ a semi-Markov analytical model to describe such mobility pattern, and hence formulate the superuser route design as a combinational optimization problem of Convex Optimization and Traveling Salesman Problem by exploiting social network concepts including communities and centrality. Extensive trace-driven simulations show that our approach consistently outperforms other existing superuser route design algorithms in terms of delivery ratio and energy efficiency.