Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Partner Notification Methods for Prevention of Trichomoniasis in Women

Background: Trichomoniasis is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and increased risk for human immunodeficiency virus. Males are usually asymptomatic, and thus there is heavy reliance on partner notification for identifying infected male partners. The usual approach is partner referral but it is estimated that only a minority of men seek care. We conducted a randomized trial to compare the effectiveness of 3 methods of partner notification. Methods: Women were randomized to self-referral of partners (PR), partner-delivered therapy (PDPT), or public health disease intervention (DIS) locating partners and delivering medication in the field, if needed. Test-of-cure visits were conducted at 5 to 9 days after enrollment. Repeat infections at 1 and 3 months of follow-up were the measure of effectiveness. Results: A total of 484 women were randomized. Initial cure rates were 95.3%. At the 1- and 3-month follow-up visits, there was no significant difference in repeat infection rates when PDPT or DIS were compared to the reference of PR. However, when PDPT was compared to DIS or PR/DIS combined, at 1 month the PDPT group had a lower repeat infection rate (5.8 vs. 15% and 5.8 vs. 12.5%, respectively). Of these, 80% of women randomized to PDPT reported delivering medication and 89% thought it likely that partners took the medication. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions: PDPT for trichomoniasis was well accepted and safe in this study. Rates of repeat infection in women in this intervention were lower than those in the DIS arm and DIS/PR arm combined although when compared directly to PR there was no significant difference.
Real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic determination of right ventricular outflow tract high septal pacing sites.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the feasibility of determination of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) high septal pacing site visualized by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE). METHODS The forty subjects with RVOT pacing were analysed. RT3DE determination of RVOT high septal pacing sites was compared with chest X-ray (CXR). RESULTS RVOT septal pacing sites could be obtained in all patients by RT3DE.When pacing sites were categorized as septal or non-septal, there were good agreements between echocardiography and CXR (kappa = 0.745). However, when RVOT pacing sites were categorized as high septal or non-high septal in identifying the exact anatomic location of pacing sites, there was only mild agreement between echocardiography and CXR (kappa = 0.275). Moreover, when RT3DE was used as the gold standard in identifying the exact anatomic location of RVOT, pacing at the RVOT high septal could only be achieved in 37.5% (n= 15) of patients using RT3DE, but in 65% (n= 26) using CXR, because the RVOT septal pacing lead tip found at high septal by CXR is actually found at low septal or free wall by RT3DE. CONCLUSION It is limited to accurately locate RVOT high septal pacing site only by CXR, RT3DE allows to determinate the RVOT high septal pacing sites helpfully.
On communication diversity for blind identifiability and the uniqueness of low-rank decomposition of N-way arrays

Blind separation of communication signals invariably relies on some form(s) of diversity to overdetermine the problem and thereby recover the signals of interest. More often than not, linear (e.g., spreading) diversity is employed, i.e., each diversity branch provides a linear combination of the unknown signals, albeit with possibly unknown weights. If multiple forms of linear diversity are simultaneously available, then the resulting data exhibit multilinear structure, and the blind recovery problem can be shown to be tantamount to low-rank decomposition of the multi-dimensional received data array. This paper generalizes Kruskal's fundamental result on the uniqueness of low-rank decomposition of 3-way arrays to the case of multilinear decomposition of 4- and higher-way arrays. The result characterizes diversity combining for blind identifiability when N forms of linear diversity are available; that is the balance between different forms of diversity that guarantees blind recovery of all signals involved.
Milestones in Breast Cancer Treatment

Modern treatment started in the 1880s with Halsted's mastectomy. The next milestone—a century later—was breast‐conserving surgery, with equivalent survival but better esthetic outcomes than mastectomy. Sentinel node biopsy, introduced in the 1990s, was a milestone that permitted avoidance of axillary dissection if the sentinel node was disease‐free. Chemotherapy was established for early breast cancer in the 1980s and its efficacy continues to improve; however side effects remain a concern, particularly since chemotherapy does not benefit most patients. External whole breast irradiation was introduced with conservative surgery, as it reduces recurrences. By the 2000s, 3‐week regimens had been shown equivalent to standard 6‐week regimens—easing pressure on patients and radiation centers. Intraoperative partial breast irradiation is potentially more beneficial as it permits complete local treatment in a single session; however, trials show that patients must be very carefully selected. From the 1990s irradiation technology was combined with imaging and computer technologies to produce equipment that directs radiation to more precisely defined target volumes, allowing increased dose to the target and markedly reduced dose to nearby tissues. Irradiation systems are evolving rapidly but are being implemented without data on long‐term morbidity or efficacy, while costs rise steeply. The first targeted treatment was tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor inhibitor. Since its widespread use starting in the 1980s, tamoxifen has saved the lives or prolonged the survival of millions with estrogen‐positive disease; it is cheap and has limited (but not negligible) side effects. The same cannot be said of newer targeted treatments like trastuzumab and pertuzumab, which, although effective against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐positive cancer, come with important side effects and huge costs. Breast cancer mortality is declining in rich countries, but treatments have become more demanding and more expensive, so the outlook for the increasing numbers of women worldwide who develop the disease is uncertain.
Heavy and Realized (E)Garch Models

This paper investigates the out-of-sample performance of several models that predict unobserved conditional variance. The models that are considered are the HEAVY, RealGARCH(1,1) and the RealEGARCH(1,1) model. These models are also extended, using the squared daily return as extra regressor and adding an indicator function for negative returns multiplied with the realized measure. With these models, forecasts are made and compared with two benchmark models, being the GARCH(1,1) model and the HAR-3 model. The loss function that is used to compare these models is the QLIKE loss function, with the squared daily returns, realized variance and realized kernel as a proxy. The data that are considered, are the indices of the FTSE100, DAX30, CAC40, AEX, SSMI, IBEX35 and the EUROSTOXX50 from January 2000 to March 2014. It turns out that the models using realized measures do not beat the benchmark models out-of-sample for most of the models. The only models that beat the HAR(3)-RV benchmark model regularly are the forecast combinations based on the in-sample discounted MSPE, for the 21-day ahead forecasts. Another major conclusion is that the extension of the models with the squared daily return and the non-linear models do not perform better than the standard models out-of-sample.
Impact of horse flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) on beef cattle.

Yearling Hereford heifers exposed to attacks by six species of horse flies (Tabanus abactor Philip, T. atratus F., T. equalis Hine, T. mularis Stone, T. subsimtlis Bellardi, and T. sulcifrons Macquart) with an average of 90 and 66 horse flies per animal per day for 84 days gained 0.08 and 0.10 kg per animal per day less than heifers protected from horse flies in 1982 and 1983, respectively. Average daily gain of heifers exposed to horse flies was 0.09 kg per animal per day less. These heifers were 16.9% less efficient in feed utilization than protected heifers. Greatest impact of horse flies occurred during the initial high attack rate at the end of the first 28-day period and throughout the second 28-day period when attack rate was highest. Potential total loss each year in weight gain in heifers exposed to tabanids for 84 days was >10.00 per head.
Quasi-Z-Source Inverter for Photovoltaic Power Generation Systems

This paper presents a quasi-Z-source inverter (qZSI) that is a new topology derived from the traditional Z-source inverter (ZSI). The qZSI inherits all the advantages of the ZSI, which can realize buck/boost, inversion and power conditioning in a single stage with improved reliability. In addition, the proposed qZSI has the unique advantages of lower component ratings and constant dc current from the source. All of the boost control methods that have been developed for the ZSI can be used by the qZSI. The qZSI features a wide range of voltage gain which is suitable for applications in photovoltaic (PV) systems, due to the fact that the PV cell's output varies widely with temperature and solar irradiation. Theoretical analysis of voltage boost, control methods and a system design guide for the qZSI in PV systems are investigated in this paper. A prototype has been built in the laboratory. Both simulations and experiments are presented to verify the proposed concept and theoretical analysis.
Disclosure of Sexual Assault: Characteristics and Implications for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among African American and Caucasian Survivors

Although the general trauma literature links disclosure of abuse to positive psychological and physical health outcomes, findings for sexual assault survivors are mixed. Supportive responses can reaffirm self-worth; however, negative responses can increase feelings of shame and isolation. This study examined the effects of disclosure in a community sample of Caucasian and African American sexual assault survivors who completed computer-assisted self-interviews. Among the 58.6% of survivors who had disclosed to someone (n = 136), 96% had disclosed to at least 1 informal and 24% at least 1 formal support provider. The experiences of African American and Caucasian survivors were similar in many ways. Participants received more positive than negative responses from others, although only negative responses were related to posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and particularly so for African American participants. Regretting disclosure and disclosure to formal providers were also related to posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Suggestions are made for programs to decrease negative responses to disclosure.
Numerical Investigation of the Lateral Movement Influence on the Levitation Force of the Bulk HTS Based on a 3-D Model

On the basis of a 3-D model of the high- superconducting maglev, the characteristics of the levitation force (LF) of a bulk high-Tc superconductor (HTS) under continuous lateral movement was numerically investigated. The Functional rule of the influencing factors, such as field-cooling height (FCH), levitation height (LH), maximum lateral displacement (MLD), and material property, was demonstrated. The results indicate that, for the case with a shorter MLD, and better material property, the LF decay due to lateral movement is more remarkable. Finally, the Pre-Loading, i.e., make the bulk HTS trap more fluxes before working, was also simulated and its validation to reduce the LF decay is confirmed.
The Coiled Coil Dimerization Element of the Yeast Transcriptional Activator Hap1, a Gal4 Family Member, Is Dispensable for DNA Binding but Differentially Affects Transcriptional Activation*

The heme activator protein Hap1 is a member of the yeast Gal4 family, which consists of transcription factors with a conserved Zn2Cys6 cluster that recognizes a CGG triplet. Many members of the Gal4 family contain a coiled coil dimerization element and bind symmetrically to DNA as homodimers. However, Hap1 possesses two unique properties. First, Hap1 binds asymmetrically to a direct repeat of two CGG triplets. Second, Hap1 binds to two classes of DNA elements, UAS1/CYC1 and UAS/CYC7, and permits differential transcriptional activation at these sites. Here we determined the residues of the Hap1 dimerization domain critical for DNA binding and differential transcriptional activation. We found that the Hap1 dimerization domain is composed of functionally redundant elements that can substitute each other in DNA binding and transcriptional activation. Remarkably, deletion of the coiled coil dimerization element did not severely diminish DNA binding and transcriptional activation at UAS1/CYC1 but completely abolished transcriptional activation at UAS/CYC7. Furthermore, Ala substitutions in the dimerization element selectively diminished transcriptional activation at UAS/CYC7. These results strongly suggest that the coiled coil dimerization element is responsible for differential transcriptional activation at UAS1/CYC1 and UAS/CYC7 and for making contacts with a putative coactivator or part of the transcription machinery.
Influence of foot orientation on the appearance and quantification of 1H magnetic resonance muscle spectra obtained from the soleus and the vastus lateralis

Muscle 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy noninvasively measures intramyocellular lipid levels, which correlate with obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. The appearance of muscle magnetic resonance spectra is influenced by bulk magnetic susceptibility and residual dipolar couplings which depend on the angle between the muscle fibers and the main magnetic field. This study used a 4 T magnet to examine the influence of foot orientation on the appearance and quantification of muscle magnetic resonance spectra from the soleus and the vastus lateralis. For each individual, intramyocellular lipid, extramyocellular lipid, and creatine concentrations were quantified in the soleus and the vastus lateralis during one session. Foot orientation was found to influence the appearance of muscle spectra from the soleus but not from the vastus lateralis. It was concluded that quantifying intramyocellular lipid by the standard LCModel using a water reference may be more appropriate than using a creatine reference in the presence of residual dipolar couplings. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solving the volume-surface integral equation using the spherical harmonics expansion based multilevel fast multipole algorithm

To reduce the memory storage requirements of the radiation patterns (RPs) in the multilevel fast multipole algorithm (MLFMA) of solving the volume-surface integral equation (VSIE), the spherical harmonics expansion of the RPs associated with the triangular-tetrahedral mesh elements is implemented in solving the mixed-potential form of VSIE. Compared with the conventional VSIE-MLFMA solution, numerical examples show that the storage cost of the RPs can be significantly reduced without loss of accuracy in the proposed solution of VSIE.
FPGA Implementation for Epileptic Seizure Detection Using Amplitude and Frequency Analysis of EEG Signals

Patients with epilepsy (a central nervous system disorder) suffer from frequent seizures that occur at unpredictable times without any warning. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the occurrence of seizure in an epileptic patient and prevents patients from SUDEP (SUDDEN UNEXPLAINED DEATH IN EPILEPSY). Prediction of epileptic seizure through analysis of scalp EEG signal which is the measure of the brain's electrical activity avoid aggressive situation of epileptic patients during their seizure. This problem is challenging because the brain's electrical activity is composition of numerous classes with overlapping characteristics which vary significantly across patients. It is critical for separating seizure from other types of brain activity. In this proposed method, seizure detection process is implemented in FPGA using two main parameters of EEG signal such as frequency and amplitude which show variations during seizure. Input signal for this work was obtained from CHB-MIT database. The samples of input EEG signals were obtained in the form of . mat file for the duration of 10 seconds. This input file sample values of EEG signal are digitized which is in the form of sign magnitude representation for further processing in FPGA. Signals are used in text file format for Verilog programming. The first bit (MSB bit) represents sign of that particular sample. The frequency of the input signal was found using zero crossing counters. This count value was compared with general brain wave criteria. Similarly for amplitude level analysis, the remaining bits of input sample were compared with validation values. If there is any large deviation in any one of this comparisons found, then the signal abnormality can be predicted. After implementation, 82% of LUTs and 14% of registers were utilized. Timing summary for implementing this proposed work is obtained as 13.568ns.
Sperm DNA Tests as Useful Adjuncts to Semen Analysis

Male infertility has traditionally been diagnosed by microscopic assessment of concentration, motility and morphology of sperm in the ejaculate. Most laboratories use sperm isolated by various methods such as density gradient centrifugation to enrich for subpopulations of sperm believed to have greater fertilization potential. These tests are essential to provide the fundamental information on which clinicians base their initial diagnosis. However, in the clinical setting, tests with superior prognostic value are needed. Tests showing much promise are those determining sperm DNA integrity, particularly the Comet, TUNEL, and Sperm Chromatin Structure assays. Sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation has been positively correlated with lower fertilization rates in IVF, impaired implantation rates, an increased incidence of abortion and disease in offspring, including childhood cancer. The mitochondrial genome of sperm has also been shown to be a sensitive marker of sperm health. Although the usefulness of these tests is recognized, insufficient resources have been available to develop standardized tests and protocols that could lead to universally accepted clinical thresholds. Associated with the lack of useful prognostic tests is the lack of improvement in assisted conception success rates despite thirty years of worldwide use. International collaborations should be initiated to develop agreed protocols and establish clinical thresholds.
A randomized controlled trial of lymphoblastoid interferon‐α in patients with chronic hepatitis B lacking HBeAg

Ongoing hepatitis B virus replication in the presence of antibody to HBeAg can be observed in patients with active liver disease. These forms of chronic hepatitis B have been described as having a poor prognosis. We have conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of lymphoblastoid interferon‐α in 60 patients with antibody to HBeAg and hepatitis B virus DNA–positive chronic hepatitis. Patients received 5 million U/m2 interferon three times a week for 6 mo, or no treatment. Final evaluation 18 mo after randomization showed hepatitis B virus DNA negativity and ALT normalization in 53% of treated patients and in 17% of controls (p < 0.01). The probability of sustained hepatitis B virus DNA loss was significantly higher in treated patients than in controls (p < 0.005). Blinded histological assessment revealed improvement in 50% of treated patients compared with 33% of controls. Pretreatment hepatitis B virus DNA and aminotransferase levels and histological appearance were not predictive of response.
Alternative Policies to Manage Electricity Subsidies for Groundwater Extraction : A Field Study in Mexico

We designed a series of field experiments to study the behavior of farmers under alternative electricity subsidies for extracting groundwater. Users’ water pumping decisions are based on the price of electricity, level of subsidy, and height of the water table. The paper opens with a brief description of common pool resource dilemmas and the value of field experiments in the analysis of such issues. It then describes the model used to draw predictions. We analyze the theoretical effectiveness of three policy interventions: elimination, reduction, and decoupling—an innovative policy that substitutes the electricity subsidy for a cash transfer. Results from the experiments conducted in the city of León, Guanajuato, México, suggest that all three policy interventions sustain positive effects on the pumping level: Elimination has the largest effect, whereas reduction results in only a marginal effect on the rate of water extraction. Decoupling proves to be a viable policy, as it produces an effect similar to elimination while avoiding political and social damage. We then compare these results with lab experiments conducted in the United States.
Diacylglycerol Kinase Is Involved in Regulation of Expression of the Lantibiotic Mutacin II of Streptococcus mutans

ABSTRACT Genetic characterization of a Tn916 transposon mutant,Streptococcus mutans T8-1, defective in mutacin II production, revealed that the transposon was inserted into the 3′ region of a diacylglycerol kinase (dgk) gene. The insertion occurred in the same region as described for another S. mutans mutant, GS5Tn1, which was altered in its ability to respond to environmental stress (Y. Yamashita, T. Takehara, and H. K. Kuramitsu, J. Bacteriol. 175:6220–6228, 1993). Quantitative primer extension from the mutacin structural gene mutA showed a decreased level (about eightfold) of mutA transcription for mutant T8-1. Mutacin production was restored by transforming mutant T8-1 with integration vector pVA891 containing an intactdgk gene. These data indicated that the full-lengthdgk gene product along with the mutacin biosynthetic operon are required for the production of the mutacin II lantibiotic.
Suprachiasmatic nucleus neurons display endogenous resistance to excitotoxicity

A comprehensive understanding of neuroprotective pathways is essential to progress in the battle against numerous neurodegenerative conditions. The hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is endogenously resistant to glutamate (Glu) excitotoxicity in vivo. This study was designed to determine whether immortalized SCN neurons (SCN2.2 cells) retain this characteristic. We first established that SCN2.2 cells retained the ability to respond to Glu. SCN2.2 cells expressed N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subtypes NR1 and NR2A/2B, suggesting the presence of functional receptors. mRNA for the NMDA receptor subunits NR2A and NR2B were higher in the SCN2.2 than in the control hypothalamic neurons (GT1-7). Specific NMDA receptor antagonists (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate and d-(–)-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid blocked Glu-induced activation of gene expression. SCN2.2 cells were resistant to Glu excitotoxicity compared with GT1-7 neurons as assessed with a mitochondrial function assay, cell death by trypan blue exclusion and apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling. SCN2.2 resistance to Glu excitoxicity was retained in the presence of the broad spectrum Glu transport inhibitor, l-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4 dicarboxylate, excluding glial Glu uptake as a major neuroprotective mechanism. Collectively, these observations demonstrate endogenous neuroprotection in SCN2.2 cells; this cell line is resistant to excitotoxicity under conditions that are toxic to other immortalized cell lines. Thus, the SCN2.2 cell line may provide insights into the molecular mechanisms that confer endogenous neuroprotection in the SCN.