Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identifying Programmatic Gaps: Inequities in Harm Reduction Service Utilization among Male and Female Drug Users in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Introduction Current estimates suggest an HIV prevalence of 42% among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in Dar es Salaam, while HIV prevalence is estimated to be 8.8% among the general population in the city. To address the HIV epidemic in this population, the government of Tanzania began establishing HIV prevention, treatment and care services including outreach and medication assisted treatment (MAT) for PWIDs in 2010. We assessed gender inequities in utilization of outreach and MAT services and evaluated differences in HIV risk behaviors between female and male PWIDs. Materials and Methods Routine outreach data between December 2010 to mid-August 2012 and baseline data on clients enrolling in methadone from February 2011 to August 2012 were utilized. Binomial regression was used to estimate adjusted relative risk estimates comparing females to males. Results From December 2010 to August 2012, 8,578 contacts were made to drug users; among them 1,898 were injectors. A total of 453 injectors were eligible and referred to MAT, of which, 443 enrolled in treatment. However, regarding total outreach contacts, outreach to PWID, referral to MAT and enrollment in MAT, 8% or less of drug users accessing services were women. In contrast, weighted estimations from surveys suggest that 34% of PWIDs are female, and this approximation is similar to recent population size estimations. Overall, 43% of traditional outreach workers conducting outreach with drug users were female. Though reporting higher levels of condom usage, female PWID were more likely to report multiple sex partners, anal sex, commercial sex work and struggle under a higher burden of addiction, mental disorders and abuse. Conclusions Services have not been mobilized adequately to address the clear needs of females who inject drugs. A clear and urgent need exists for women-centered strategies that effectively engage female PWID into HIV prevention services.
A Sequential Pattern Mining Algorithm for Extracting Partial Problem Spaces from Logged User Interactions

Domain experts should provide relevant domain knowledge to an Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS). For many ill-defined domains, the domain knowledge is hard to define explicitly. In previous works, we showed how sequential pattern mining can be used to extract a partial problem space from logged user interactions, and how it can support tutoring services during problem-solving exercises. This article describes our current work where we propose an extended sequential pattern mining algorithm to extract a problem space that is richer and more adapted for supporting tutoring services.
Unification Of Hippocampal Function Via Computational/Encoding Considerations

This paper discusses a highly simpliied, biologically consistent model of hippocampal region CA3. The model is distinguished by its local, self-supervised creation of a code for temporal context. With such a code, the model solves a sequence disambiguation problem. The similarity between this context code and place cell ring is noted. With such a code, the network also solves two other sequence prediction problems: nding shortcuts and seeking goals. Notably, network dynamics rather than a search strategy produces the solutions.
Primary open-angle glaucoma is not associated with photoreceptor loss.

PURPOSE To determine if photoreceptors die in primary open-angle glaucoma. METHODS Retinas were examined in a masked fashion from nine standard locations of 14 eyes with documented open-angle glaucoma and from nine age-matched control eyes. The number and density of photoreceptors, as well as the area and height of the outer nuclear layer, were calculated with an automated image analysis system. The number of photoreceptors per 0.1 mm of retina was determined. RESULTS No significant difference was seen between control and glaucomatous eyes in comparisons of photoreceptor density, outer nuclear layer height, or photoreceptors per 0.1 mm of retinal length in nine retinal zones. There was no detectable association between photoreceptor number and severity of glaucoma (defined as mild, moderate, or severe), visual field, and optic nerve fiber loss. In eyes in which damage predominated in the upper or lower visual field, no corresponding difference in photoreceptor number in upper compared to lower retinal zones was observed. CONCLUSION Photoreceptors are not lost in substantial numbers in primary open-angle glaucoma.
Comparative Clinical Effectiveness of Management Strategies for Sciatica: Systematic Review and Network Meta­analyses Original Citation Comparative Clinical Effectiveness of Management Strategies for Sciatica: Systematic Review and Network Meta-analyses

Users may access full items free of charge; copies of full text items generally can be reproduced, displayed or performed and given to third parties in any format or medium for personal research or study, educational or not­for­profit purposes without prior permission or charge, provided: • The authors, title and full bibliographic details is credited in any copy; • A hyperlink and/or URL is included for the original metadata page; and • The content is not changed in any way. ABSTRACT Background
Spatial and Temporal Occurrence of Blue Whales off the U.S. West Coast, with Implications for Management

Mortality and injuries caused by ship strikes in U.S. waters are a cause of concern for the endangered population of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) occupying the eastern North Pacific. We sought to determine which areas along the U.S. West Coast are most important to blue whales and whether those areas change inter-annually. Argos-monitored satellite tags were attached to 171 blue whales off California during summer/early fall from 1993 to 2008. We analyzed portions of the tracks that occurred within U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone waters and defined the ‘home range’ (HR) and ‘core areas’ (CAU) as the 90% and 50% fixed kernel density distributions, respectively, for each whale. We used the number of overlapping individual HRs and CAUs to identify areas of highest use. Individual HR and CAU sizes varied dramatically, but without significant inter-annual variation despite covering years with El Niño and La Niña conditions. Observed within-year differences in HR size may represent different foraging strategies for individuals. The main areas of HR and CAU overlap among whales were near highly productive, strong upwelling centers that were crossed by commercial shipping lanes. Tagged whales generally departed U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone waters from mid-October to mid-November, with high variability among individuals. One 504-d track allowed HR and CAU comparisons for the same individual across two years, showing similar seasonal timing, and strong site fidelity. Our analysis showed how satellite-tagged blue whales seasonally used waters off the U.S. West Coast, including high-risk areas. We suggest possible modifications to existing shipping lanes to reduce the likelihood of collisions with vessels.
Molecules and morphology reveal cryptic variation among digeneans infecting sympatric mullets in the Mediterranean

SUMMARY We applied a combined molecular and morphological approach to resolve the taxonomic status of Saccocoelium spp. parasitizing sympatric mullets (Mugilidae) in the Mediterranean. Eight morphotypes of Saccocoelium were distinguished by means of multivariate statistical analyses: 2 of Saccocoelium obesum ex Liza spp. ; 4 of S. tensum ex Liza spp. ; and 2 (S. cephali and Saccocoelium sp.) ex Mugil cephalus. Sequences of the 28S and ITS2 rRNA gene regions were obtained for a total of 21 isolates of these morphotypes. Combining sequence data analysis with a detailed morphological and multivariate morphometric study of the specimens allowed the demonstration of cryptic diversity thus rejecting the hypothesis of a single species of Saccocoelium infecting sympatric mullets in the Mediterranean. Comparative sequence analysis revealed 4 unique genotypes, thus corroborating the distinct species status of Saccocoelium obesum, S. tensum and S. cephali and a new cryptic species ex Liza aurata and L. saliens recognized by its consistent morphological differentiation and genetic divergence. However, in spite of their sharp morphological difference the 2 morphotypes from M. cephalus showed no molecular differentiation and 4 morphotypes of S. tensum were genetically identical. This wide intraspecific morphological variation within S. tensum and S. cephali suggests that delimiting species of Saccocoelium using solely morphological criteria will be misleading.
Rotation of stars in NGC 6134 ⋆ A comparison of δ Scuti stars and non-variable stars

We present results of spectroscopic observations of selected stars in the southern open cluster NGC 6134. We have determined the rotational velocities of the six known Scuti stars in NGC 6134 as well as several other non-variable stars with similar colour temperature in order to investigate ifv sini and variability is somehow connected: we find no such correlation. We also compare the distribution ofv sini of Scuti stars and non-variable stars with four other well-studied open clusters to look for any systematic behaviour, but we find no conclusive evidence forv sini and variability to be connected. We have also used the spectra to carry out an abundance analysis of the Scuti stars in NGC 6134 to confirm the high metal content of the cluster. We find (Fe=H)=+0:38 0:05 which is in agreement with the result obtained from Stromgren photometry. We also presenta photometry of the cluster, but we find no chemical peculiar stars based on this index.
Spike and Slab Gene Selection for Multigroup Microarray Data

DNA microarrays can provide insight into genetic changes that characterize different stages of a disease process. Accurate identification of these changes has significant therapeutic and diagnostic implications. Statistical analysis for multistage (multigroup) data is challenging, however. ANOVA-based extensions of two-sample Z-tests, a popular method for detecting differentially expressed genes in two groups, do not work well in multigroup settings. False detection rates are high because of variability of the ordinary least squares estimators and because of regression to the mean induced by correlated parameter estimates. We develop a Bayesian rescaled spike and slab hierarchical model specifically designed for the multigroup gene detection problem. Data preprocessing steps are introduced to deal with unique features of microarray data and to enhance selection performance. We show theoretically that spike and slab models naturally encourage sparse solutions through a process called selective shrinkage. This translates into oracle-like gene selection risk performance compared with ordinary least squares estimates. The methodology is illustrated on a large microarray repository of samples from different clinical stages of metastatic colon cancer. Through a functional analysis of selected genes, we show that spike and slab models identify important biological signals while minimizing biologically implausible false detections.
The Future of Collateral Artery Research

In the event of obstructive coronary artery disease, collateral arteries have been deemed an alternative blood source to preserve myocardial tissue perfusion and function. Monocytes play an important role in modulating this process, by local secretion of growth factors and extracellular matrix degrading enzymes. Extensive efforts have focused on developing compounds for augmenting the growth of collateral vessels (arteriogenesis). Nonetheless, clinical trials investigating the therapeutic potential of these compounds resulted in disappointing outcomes. Previous studies focused on developing compounds that stimulated collateral vessel growth by enhancing monocyte survival and activity. The limited success of these compounds in clinical studies, led to a paradigm shift in arteriogenesis research. Recent studies have shown genetic heterogeneity between CAD patients with sufficient and insufficient collateral vessels. The genetic predispositions in patients with poorly developed collateral vessels include overexpression of arteriogenesis inhibiting signaling pathways. New directions of arteriogenesis research focus on attempting to block such inhibitory pathways to ultimately promote arteriogenesis. Methods to detect collateral vessel growth are also critical in realizing the therapeutic potential of newly developed compounds. Traditional invasive measurements of intracoronary derived collateral flow index remain the gold standard in quantifying functional capacity of collateral vessels. However, advancements made in hybrid diagnostic imaging modalities will also prove to be advantageous in detecting the effects of pro-arteriogenic compounds.
Capacity region of power controlled fading CDMA: transmit strategies and convexity issues

In this paper a symbol synchronous CDMA system with processing gain where all the users transmit to a single receiver is considered. The receiver and the transmitter have perfect knowledge of the channel states. The set of long term achievable rates, i.e., the capacity region, for a power controlled scalar multiaccess channel is characterized for fading CDMA. The capacity region of a fading CDMA channel under additive white Gaussian noise, where users have perfect CSI and the powers are allocated as function of the CSI. The capacity region may contain a flat region but it is not strictly convex. The simultaneous transmission region with nonorthogonal signatures implies the sum-capacity, and therefore, a flat region on the capacity boundary exists
Localization based stereo speech separation using deep networks

Time-frequency (T-F) masking is an effective method for stereo speech source separation. However, reliable estimation of the T-F mask from sound mixtures is a challenging task, especially when room reverberations are present in the mixtures. In this paper, we proposed a new stereo speech separation system where deep networks are used to generate soft T-F mask for separation. More specifically, the deep network, which is composed of two sparse autoencoders and a softmax classifier, is used to estimate the orientations of the target and interferers at each T-F unit, based on low-level features, such as mixing vector (MV), interaural level and phase difference (IPD/ILD). The deep network is trained by a greedy layer-wise method using a dataset that was generated by convolving room impulse responses (RIRs) with clean speech signals positioned in different angles with respect to the sensors. With the trained deep networks, the probability that each T-F unit belongs to the target or interferer can be estimated based on the localization cues for generating the soft mask. Experiments based on real binaural RIRs and TIMIT dataset are provided to show the performance of the proposed system for reverberant speech mixtures, as compared with a model based T-F masking technique proposed recently.
The Agent-Based Approach: A New Direction for Computational Models of Development

The agent-based approach emphasizes the importance of learning through organism-environment interaction. This approach is part of a recent trend in computational models of learning and development toward studying autonomous organisms that are embedded in virtual or real environments. In this paper we introduce the concepts of online and offline sampling and highlight the role of online sampling in agent-based models. After comparing the strengths of each approach for modeling particular developmental phenomena and research questions, we describe a recent agent-based model of infant causal perception. We conclude by discussing some of the present limitations of agent-based models and suggesting how these challenges may be addressed. ≈ 2001 Academic Press
Reply: Biochemical markers for endometriosis: a long way to go.

Sir, There is definitely a long way to go regarding biochemical markers for endometriosis. We completely agree with that and appreciate the comments and suggestions raised by Galazis et al. in their recent Letter to the Editor. They have pointed out and suggested a very interesting proposal for further analysis and validation studies, such as the mathematical modeling already used in ovarian cancer—the risk of malignant index (RMI). This is something very important and should be considered and discussed in our field. During the past years we developed a very accurate transvaginal ultrasound (TUS) examination for endometriosis (Abrão et al., 2007; Gonçalves et al., 2009) with bowel preparation before the procedure in Brazil, which seems to have high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of endometriosis, especially in deep endometriosis (including different affected sites like the rectum and retrocervical area) or endometriomas. This examination could be helpful in such a model. We also agree that the possibility of validation of a mathematical model as they have suggested, gathering clinical parameters (chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, cyclic dyschezia or dysuria, and infertility), a panel of biochemical markers, which could include the chemokines that we showed to be more relevant as well as other markers known to be raised in endometriosis, such as annexin V, VEGF, CA125 and sICAM-I (Vodolazkaia et al., 2012), and finally adding radiological findings from TUS and/or magnetic resonance imaging could really improve the accuracy of a noninvasive test for endometriosis—the ‘endometriosis clinical test’. This may improve screening, diagnosis and even staging of the disease. Hence, we believe that our systematic review (Borrelli et al., 2014) and the points raised by Galazis et al. should stimulate further collaborative multi-center research in this matter.
Escala de sobrecarga del cuidador zarit: estructura factorial en cuidadores informales de Bucaramanga

El estudio de la sobrecarga en cuidadores primarios informales ha tomado gran relevancia en Colombia a causa del progresivo envejecimiento poblacional. Este estudio de tipo instrumental examino la estructura factorial y confiabilidad de la Escala de Sobrecarga del Cuidador de Zarit. La muestra estuvo conformada por 100 cuidadores (Edad promedio = 45,72 anos, DE = 16,68), a quienes se les aplico una entrevista estructurada y la Escala Zarit. El analisis factorial exploratorio evidencio cuatro factores que explican el 68,35% de la varianza total, obteniendo un alto nivel de fiabilidad para la Escala Total (α = 0,88), demostrando que la Escala Zarit es un instrumento multidimensional, util para medir sobrecarga en cuidadores primarios informales de adultos mayores dependientes de la region.
Functional changes in astroglial cells in epilepsy

Epilepsy comprises a group of disorders characterized by the periodic occurrence of seizures, and pathologic specimens from patients with temporal lobe epilepsy demonstrate marked reactive gliosis. Since recent studies have implicated glial cells in novel physiological roles in the CNS, such as modulation of synaptic transmission, it is plausible that glial cells may have a functional role in the hyperexcitability characteristic of epilepsy. Indeed, alterations in distinct astrocyte membrane channels, receptors and transporters have all been associated with the epileptic state. This review integrates the current evidence regarding astroglial dysfunction in epilepsy and the potential underlying mechanisms of hyperexcitability. Functional understanding of the cellular and molecular alterations of astroglia‐dependent hyperexcitability will help to clarify the physiological role of astrocytes in neural function as well as lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Balanced Scorecard: Fashion or Virus?

The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a one of the most popular and contagious management ideas of our time. In previous research the diffusion and institutionalization of the BSC has been viewed through different theoretical lenses, most notably the management fashion perspective. Recently the virus perspective has been introduced as an alternative theory of how management ideas spread, but so far no study has applied this theory in the context of the BSC. In this paper we show that the fashion and virus perspectives provide complementary insights into the diffusion and institutionalization of the BSC. The fashion perspective is particularly well suited for explaining the infectiousness of the BSC and the ways in which organizations are exposed to the BSC idea. The virus theory can better explain how the BSC idea is implemented as a practice in organizations, and the different trajectories that the BSC idea may take in different contexts. A combination of these two perspectives provides a fuller picture of the diffusion and institutionalization of the BSC.
The Future Instability of Cross-Strait Relations: Prospect Theory and Ma Ying-Jeou’s Paradoxical Legacy

ABSTRACT The 2016 Taiwanese elections which saw a sweeping victory of Tsai Ing-wen and the DPP have revived the question of cross-Strait instability. While observers have generally focus on whether or not the Tsai administration could cross Beijing’s red lines, few have taken into consideration the dynamic nature of these red lines, and how Ma’s presidency had impacted them. This article fills this gap by drawing on prospect theory hypotheses to assess the shift of Beijing’s preferences in the Taiwan Strait. It explains that Ma’s accommodative policy have left a paradoxical legacy as China is likely to be today more risk-acceptant on a comparatively wider range of cross-Strait outcomes, making cross-Strait relations more crisis-prone than they have ever been.
Robust and efficient volumetric occupancy mapping with an application to stereo vision

A map of occupied and free space in a robot's environment is a common prerequisite for navigational tasks. Although the first methods for occupancy mapping relied on a 2D grid representation, 3D volumetric approaches are becoming increasingly popular. In this paper we present a new volumetric mapping approach that is based on the OctoMap method. We designed this method to be more robust against measurement errors, in particular against high temporally or spatially correlated errors usually received from a stereo vision system. For this purpose, we define a probability measure that a voxel is currently visible. An update of a voxel's occupancy probability then happens with respect to this visibility probability, allowing us to neglect measurements for voxels that are actually unobservable. Finally, we model the depth error of a stereo vision sensor, and take care of this error when performing a map update. By evaluation we show that our method produces maps with far less erroneous artifacts compared to OctoMap. Our maps also require less memory, and due to an optimized update reduction, our method is also faster than OctoMap when processing dense range measurement data.