Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HIV control in postpartum mothers: a turbulent time

We conducted an audit looking at the management of HIV-positive women in the postpartum period. We found that of the women with a previous AIDS-defining condition or a CD4 count <350 cells/µL, 83% were correctly continued on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 84.1% of these had good virological control. ART was correctly stopped in 100% of women who had always had a CD4 count >500 cells/µL. A significant finding from our audit was that all of the women who had poor virological control or stopped ART against medical advice had social issues or self-reported depression. The main recommendation was to extend the pregnancy multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting to include the 12-month postpartum period to offer support to women to try to improve treatment outcomes.
Problems and results in Extremal Combinatorics , Part

Extremal Combinatorics is an area in Discrete Mathematics that has developed spectacularly during the last decades. This paper contains a collection of problems and results in the area, including solutions or partial solutions to open problems suggested by various researchers in Extremal Graph Theory, Extremal Finite Set Theory and Combinatorial Geometry. This is not meant to be a comprehensive survey of the area, it is merely a collection of various extremal problems, which are hopefully interesting. The choice of the problems is inevitably somewhat biased, and as the title of the paper suggests I hope to write a related paper in the future. Each section of this paper is essentially self contained, and can be read separately.
Maximizing GFLOPS-per-Watt : High-Bandwidth , Low Power Photonic On-Chip Networks

As high-performance processors move towards multicore architectures, packet-switched on-chip networks are gaining wide acceptance as interconnect solutions that can directly address the bandwidth and latency requirements as well as provide partial relief to the broader challenge of power dissipation. Still, studies show that the power consumed by on-chip networks will remain a major issue that has to be addressed to enable a true leap in future multi-core processors performance. Based on recent and expected technological advances in the integration of silicon photonic elements with CMOS electronics, we consider the usage of photonics to construct an on-chip network, offering unique advantages in terms of energy, bandwidth, and latency. We propose a novel architecture for a photonic on-chip network based on a hybrid approach: a network of wideband photonic switches combined with a parallel electronic control network. A high-level power analysis and comparison with electronic on-chip networks show that some of the advantages that have made photonics ubiquitous in long-haul transmission systems can be leveraged to construct photonic on-chip networks, delivering unprecedented computational capabilities, while operating at a fraction of the power of their electronic counterparts.
Multiple feed transmit-array antennas with reduced focal distance

The performances of a single- and a quadruple-feed transmit-array are compared in X-band. The study has been carried out using an in-house CAD tool based on analytical formulas, and ideal focal source and unit-cells in order to provide generic results. We show that a quadruple-feed configuration leads to a reduction of the focal length by about a factor two, with similar performance in terms of gain and aperture efficiency. In the case of quadruple-feed transmit-array, the 3-dB gain bandwidth is improved as compared to the single-feed case from 40% to 65%.
A comparison of five probabilistic view-size estimation techniques in OLAP

A data warehouse cannot materialize all possible views, hence we must estimate quickly, accurately, and reliably the size of views to determine the best candidates for materialization. Many available techniques for view-size estimation make particular statistical assumptions and their error can be large. Comparatively, unassuming probabilistic techniques are slower, but they estimate accurately and reliability very large view sizes using little memory. We compare five unassuming hashing-based view-size estimation techniques including Stochastic Probabilistic Counting and LogLog Probabilistic Counting. Our experiments show that only Generalized Counting, Gibbons-Tirthapura, and Adaptive Counting provide universally tight estimates irrespective of the sizeof the view; of those, only Adaptive Counting remains constantly fast as we increasethe memory budget.
Ablation of ALCAT1 Mitigates Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy through Effects on Oxidative Stress and Mitophagy

ABSTRACT Oxidative stress causes mitochondrial dysfunction and heart failure through unknown mechanisms. Cardiolipin (CL), a mitochondrial membrane phospholipid required for oxidative phosphorylation, plays a pivotal role in cardiac function. The onset of age-related heart diseases is characterized by aberrant CL acyl composition that is highly sensitive to oxidative damage, leading to CL peroxidation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Here we report a key role of ALCAT1, a lysocardiolipin acyltransferase that catalyzes the synthesis of CL with a high peroxidation index, in mitochondrial dysfunction associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We show that ALCAT1 expression was potently upregulated by the onset of hyperthyroid cardiomyopathy, leading to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Accordingly, overexpression of ALCAT1 in H9c2 cardiac cells caused severe oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion. Conversely, ablation of ALCAT1 prevented the onset of T4-induced cardiomyopathy and cardiac dysfunction. ALCAT1 deficiency also mitigated oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and mitochondrial dysfunction by improving mitochondrial quality control through upregulation of PINK1, a mitochondrial GTPase required for mitochondrial autophagy. Together, these findings implicate a key role of ALCAT1 as the missing link between oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in the etiology of age-related heart diseases.
Molecular Recognition of Paired Receptors in the Immune System

Cell surface receptors are responsible for regulating cellular function on the front line, the cell membrane. Interestingly, accumulating evidence clearly reveals that the members of cell surface receptor families have very similar extracellular ligand-binding regions but opposite signaling systems, either inhibitory or stimulatory. These receptors are designated as paired receptors. Paired receptors often recognize not only physiological ligands but also non-self ligands, such as viral and bacterial products, to fight infections. In this review, we introduce several representative examples of paired receptors, focusing on two major structural superfamilies, the immunoglobulin-like and the C-type lectin-like receptors, and explain how these receptors distinguish self and non-self ligands to maintain homeostasis in the immune system. We further discuss the evolutionary aspects of these receptors as well as the potential drug targets for regulating diseases.
Applying Multiclass Bandit algorithms to call-type classification

We analyze the problem of call-type classification using data that is weakly labelled. The training data is not systematically annotated, but we consider we have a weak or lazy oracle able to answer the question “Is sample x of class q? ” by a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. This situation of learning might be encountered in many real-world problems where the cost of labelling data is very high. We prove that it is possible to learn linear classifiers in this setting, by estimating adequate expectations inspired by the Multiclass Bandit paradgim. We propose a learning strategy that builds on Kessler's construction to learn multiclass perceptrons. We test our learning procedure against two real-world datasets from spoken langage understanding and provide compelling results.
Progress of the development and calibration of needle-type ultrasonic hydrophone

To evaluate the sound field characteristic of ultrasonic diagnostic and therapy equipment and industrial ultrasonic transducer, ultrasonic hydrophone such as needle-type hydrophone, membrane hydrophone and fiber optic hydrophone are always needed. The needle-type hydrophone has been widely used for its property of small size, high signal to noise ratio, good directivity, wide frequency response, ability for near field continuous acoustic measurement. Firstly this paper presents the development progress of the needle-type hydrophone in details, including structure and its improvement, focusing on the development of needle-type hydrophone sensing element and the evolving structure progress. Secondly the calibration methods of needle hydrophone, including reciprocity method, field scanning method, optical interfereometry method, are compared and analyzed. Currently hydrophone calibration capability of National Institute of Metrology China is introduced in the last section.
El primado del relato

Comprender (interpretativamente) y explicar (causalmente) apuntan a la manera primera y principal de dar cuenta de la temporalidad: narrandola. Son, como narrar, verbos de uso generalizado que -conjugados de maneras cultivadas o silvestres- comparten los periodistas con los actores de la interaccion noticiable, con sus fuentes de informacion y con los lectores de sus textos publicados o emitidos. El primado del relato, que pasa inadvertido en la comunicacion intra e interpersonal, se vuelve epifanico en la comunicacion mediatica.
A Novel Entamoeba histolytica Cysteine Proteinase, EhCP4, Is Key for Invasive Amebiasis and a Therapeutic Target*

Entamoeba histolytica cysteine proteinases (EhCPs) play a key role in disrupting the colonic epithelial barrier and the innate host immune response during invasion of E. histolytica, the protozoan cause of human amebiasis. EhCPs are encoded by 50 genes, of which ehcp4 (ehcp-a4) is the most up-regulated during invasion and colonization in a mouse cecal model of amebiasis. Up-regulation of ehcp4 in vivo correlated with our finding that co-culture of E. histolytica trophozoites with mucin-producing T84 cells increased ehcp4 expression up to 6-fold. We have expressed recombinant EhCP4, which was autocatalytically activated at acidic pH but had highest proteolytic activity at neutral pH. In contrast to the other amebic cysteine proteinases characterized so far, which have a preference for arginine in the P2 position, EhCP4 displayed a unique preference for valine and isoleucine at P2. This preference was confirmed by homology modeling, which revealed a shallow, hydrophobic S2 pocket. Endogenous EhCP4 localized to cytoplasmic vesicles, the nuclear region, and perinuclear endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Following co-culture with colonic cells, EhCP4 appeared in acidic vesicles and was released extracellularly. A specific vinyl sulfone inhibitor, WRR605, synthesized based on the substrate specificity of EhCP4, inhibited the recombinant enzyme in vitro and significantly reduced parasite burden and inflammation in the mouse cecal model. The unique expression pattern, localization, and biochemical properties of EhCP4 could be exploited as a potential target for drug design.
Effect of Non-soluble Contaminants on The Flashover Voltages of Hydrophobic Polymer Insulators

Different non-soluble materials are used as non-soluble contaminants in the contamination flashover voltage tests of insulators. Flashover voltage of a porcelain insulator is influenced by the kind of non-soluble contaminants. Kind of non-soluble contaminants may have a significant effect on the flashover voltage performance of polymer insulators. In this paper we present comparative investigation results of the flashover voltage and hydrophobicity recovery characteristics among three most common non soluble contaminants like Tonoko, Kieselguhr and Kaolin
A successive coordinated power allocation water-filling algorithm for heterogeneous OFDMA cellular systems

This paper proposes a successive coordinated power allocation (SCPA) scheme for orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems based on the water-filling algorithm. The model assumes two transmitters belonging to heterogeneous cells, i.e. a macro cell and a micro/pico cell with predefined different power capabilities that cover a common geographical area over a channel that includes path loss and shadowing. The main idea is the reduction of the computation complexity and the minimization of information exchange between the two transmitters while preserving similar performance with the optimal cooperative power allocation (OCPA) joint transmission algorithm, recently proposed in the literature. The algorithms are evaluated via extensive Monte-Carlo simulations. The results show that the proposed algorithm provides similar sum rate than OCPA and presents a higher mean number of serving mobile units while reducing, at the same time, the complexity by roughly to orders of magnitude.
Market Power in the German Wholesale Electricity Market

This paper quantifies the degree of market power in the German wholesale electricity market. A fundamental model is used to derive competitive marginal cost estimators which are compared with observed electricity prices. Marginal costs are calculated focusing on market fundamentals such as plant capacities, fuel prices, and load structures. In addition, international power exchange and dynamic effects like start-up costs and hydro storage plant dispatch are incorporated. The comparison of marginal costs and prices reveals significant market power in the German electricity market, mainly exhibited during peak periods. Producer surplus is significantly increased by market power.
Hemolysis induced pancreatitis after orbital atherectomy in a heavily calcified superficial femoral artery

Orbital atherectomy represents a newly developed technology for the endovascular treatment of peripheral artery disease. There is currently limited data with regards to the safety and efficacy of this treatment. Herein, we describe a case where orbital atherectomy was utilized to treat a heavily calcified superficial femoral artery, and describe a previously unreported side effect of orbital atherectomy, hemolysis induced pancreatitis. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TIPS for the treatment of refractory ascites, hepatorenal syndrome and hepatic hydrothorax: a critical update

Refractory ascites is a frequent complication of advanced cirrhosis and is associated with hepatorenal syndrome and hepatic hydrothorax. Large volume paracentesis and pleurodesis are regarded as first-line treatments in patients who do not respond adequately to diuretics. These treatments, however, do not prevent recurrence and carry the risk of worsening of the circulatory dysfunction leading to hepatorenal syndrome. The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been proposed as an alternative to paracentesis. TIPS reduces the rate of ascites recurrence mainly due to the reduction in the filtration pressure. In addition, TIPS results in a positive effect on renal function, including hepatorenal syndrome, demonstrated by a rapid increase in urinary sodium excretion, urinary volume, and improvement in plasma creatinine concentration. Furthermore, plasma renin activity, aldosterone, and noradrenalin concentrations improve gradually after TIPS insertion suggesting a positive effect on systemic underfilling, the factor of hepatorenal syndrome. As demonstrated recently in two meta-analyses including five randomised studies, TIPS also improves survival when compared with paracentesis. However, the evidence is based on relatively few studies with only 305 patients included. The positive effects of the TIPS are opposed by an increased frequency and severity of episodes of hepatic encephalopathy which may be reduced by both patient selection and reduced shunt diameter. Based on the present knowledge the recommended hierarchy of treatments for refractory ascites may be reconsidered upgrading TIPS in suitable candidates.
The contemporary US digital divide: from initial access to technology maintenance

As US Internet penetration rates have climbed, digital divide researchers have largely shifted attention to differences in Internet skills. Interviews with 72 low-income US residents from both a large metropolitan city and a medium-sized Midwestern town, however, reveal that many people still struggle to maintain physical access, supporting technology maintenance theory. Technology maintenance theory argues that although most of the US poor now use digital technology, access is unstable and characterized by frequent periods of disconnection. As a result, low-income users must work to maintain access, often experiencing cycles of dependable instability. In these interviews, nearly all used the Internet, but technology maintenance practices were widespread, including negotiation of temporarily disconnected service, broken hardware, and logistic limitations on public access. As a result, participants had limited access to health information and employment, and biased attitudes toward technology. That is, in some cases, negative attitudes toward Internet adoption reflected a rational response to disconnection rather than cultural norms or fears of the Internet, as suggested by previous research. Findings support and extend the theory of technology maintenance by emphasizing a shift in the US digital divide from issues of ownership to issues of sustainability; they also provide insight into the interrelated nature of access and attitudes toward technology. This new theoretical approach complements other theoretical approaches to the digital divide that foreground a contextualized understanding of digital disparities as embedded within a history of broad social disparities.
Large-scale population screening for spinal muscular atrophy: Clinical implications

Purpose: To determine the frequency of SMN1 deletion carriers in the Israeli population and to assess the feasibility of population screening for spinal muscular atrophy.Methods: A total of 6394 individuals without family history of spinal muscular atrophy underwent genetic screening by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, designed to detect SMN1 exon 7 and exon 8 copy number.Results: One hundred fifty-nine individuals carried an SMN1 heterozygous exon 7 deletion, yielding a carrier frequency of 1:40. About 10.8% of individuals were found to carry two or more SMN1 exon 7 copies on the same chromosome (cis configuration). This implies that some deletion carriers may not be detected by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification or similar quantitative methods. The acceptance of spinal muscular atrophy screening among women undergoing testing for fragile X syndrome and cystic fibrosis reached 93%. Conclusions: Currently used molecular techniques cannot detect about 5% of spinal muscular atrophy carriers with a cis configuration or individuals with SMN1 sequence mutations and de novo deletions. Thus, it is estimated that the spinal muscular atrophy carrier detection rate is about 90%. Given the severity of spinal muscular atrophy, the relatively high carrier frequency, and the estimated detection rate, we conclude that population-based screening for spinal muscular atrophy is feasible and acceptable.
Clinical applications of next generation sequencing in cancer: from panels, to exomes, to genomes

This article will review recent impact of massively parallel next-generation sequencing (NGS) in our understanding and treatment of cancer. While whole exome sequencing (WES) remains popular and effective as a method of genetically profiling different cancers, advances in sequencing technology has enabled an increasing number of whole-genome based studies. Clinically, NGS has been used or is being developed for genetic screening, diagnostics, and clinical assessment. Though challenges remain, clinicians are in the early stages of using genetic data to make treatment decisions for cancer patients. As the integration of NGS in the study and treatment of cancer continues to mature, we believe that the field of cancer genomics will need to move toward more complete 100% genome sequencing. Current technologies and methods are largely limited to coding regions of the genome. A number of recent studies have demonstrated that mutations in non-coding regions may have direct tumorigenic effects or lead to genetic instability. Non-coding regions represent an important frontier in cancer genomics.
Dream groups versus interpersonal groups: A comparison of two approaches to eating disorder prevention among sorority women

Title of Document: DREAM GROUPS VERSUS INTERPERSONAL GROUPS: A COMPARISON OF TWO APPROACHES TO EATING DISORDER PREVENTION AMONG SORORITY WOMEN Patricia T. Spangler, Ph.D., 2010 Directed By: Professor Clara E. Hill, Department of Psychology Maladaptive eating attitudes and behaviors are prevalent among college women, and members of sororities may be at particular risk for developing eating disorders. Recently, group-format prevention programs targeting maladaptive cognitions and unhealthy eating habits among college women have yielded promising results but did not account for the effects of changes in alexithymia or interpersonal dynamics, factors that have been associated with eating disorder etiology. The current study targeted these and other eating disorder risk factors among sorority women, comparing process and outcome of group dream work versus group interpersonal psychotherapy versus control groups. Preto post-intervention changes in alexithymia, body dissatisfaction, fear of negative evaluation, and depression and were compared. In addition, development across time of affective referents and image intensity in written responses and group climate were examined. Growth curve analysis was used to compare changes in all variables over time. Results indicated that the written responses of dream group participants had more intense images in them that either the interpersonal groups or control condition. In addition, at post-test, the image intensity in interpersonal group members’ written responses predicted the proportion of affect expressed in them, whereas this was not the case for dream group or control participants. For group climate, members of interpersonal groups perceived higher initial levels of conflict that decreased significantly over time. DREAM GROUPS VERSUS INTERPERSONAL GROUPS: A COMPARISON OF TWO APPROACHES TO EATING DISORDER PREVENTION AMONG SORORITY WOMEN
Sparse Biclustering of Transposable Data

We consider the task of simultaneously clustering the rows and columns of a large transposable data matrix. We assume that the matrix elements are normally distributed with a bicluster-specific mean term and a common variance, and perform biclustering by maximizing the corresponding log-likelihood. We apply an ℓ1 penalty to the means of the biclusters to obtain sparse and interpretable biclusters. Our proposal amounts to a sparse, symmetrized version of k-means clustering. We show that k-means clustering of the rows and of the columns of a data matrix can be seen as special cases of our proposal, and that a relaxation of our proposal yields the singular value decomposition. In addition, we propose a framework for biclustering based on the matrix-variate normal distribution. The performances of our proposals are demonstrated in a simulation study and on a gene expression dataset. This article has supplementary material online.