Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hormonal contraception and the risk of HIV acquisition

Background:Combined oral contraceptives (COC) and depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) are among the most widely used family planning methods; their effect on HIV acquisition is not known. Objective:To evaluate the effect of COC and DMPA on HIV acquisition and any modifying effects of other sexually transmitted infections. Methods:This multicenter prospective cohort study enroled 6109 HIV-uninfected women, aged 18–35 years, from family planning clinics in Uganda, Zimbabwe and Thailand. Participants received HIV testing quarterly for 15–24 months. The risk of HIV acquisition with different contraceptive methods was assessed (excluding Thailand, where there were few HIV cases). Results:HIV infection occurred in 213 African participants (2.8/100 woman-years). Use of neither COC [hazard ratio (HR), 0.99; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.69–1.42] nor DMPA (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.89–1.78) was associated with risk of HIV acquisition overall, including among participants with cervical or vaginal infections. While absolute risk of HIV acquisition was higher among participants who were seropositive for herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) than in those seronegative at enrolment, among the HSV-2-seronegative participants, both COC (HR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.39–5.82) and DMPA (HR, 3.97; 95% CI, 1.98–8.00) users had an increased risk of HIV acquisition compared with the non-hormonal group. Conclusions:No association was found between hormonal contraceptive use and HIV acquisition overall. This is reassuring for women needing effective contraception in settings of high HIV prevalence. However, hormonal contraceptive users who were HSV-2 seronegative had an increased risk of HIV acquisition. Additional research is needed to confirm and explain this finding.
The impact of fluency on explicit memory tasks in amnesia

Abstract Distinguishing implicit and explicit memory and delineating their relationship has haunted memory researchers for decades, and Voss et al. provide an impressive overview of their work examining these issues. We briefly comment on the following: (1) There is evidence indicating that implicit memory impacts cued recall, in addition to recognition; (2) Fluency can manifest as priming in implicit memory or it can be experienced as familiarity (in association with attribution processes) in recognition tasks; and (3) The impact of fluency on accuracy of “guess” responses during recognition memory in normal subjects is reminiscent of similar effects on recognition in amnesia.
A structured channel borrowing scheme for dynamic load balancing in cellular networks

We propose an efficient dynamic load balancing scheme in cellular networks for managing a teletraffic hot spot in which channel demand exceeds a certain threshold. A hot spot, depicted as a stack of hexagonal 'ring' of cells, is classified as complete if all cells within it are hot. The rings containing only cold cells outside the hot spot are called 'peripheral rings'. Our load balancing scheme migrates channels through a structured borrowing mechanism from the cold cells within the 'rings' or 'peripheral rings' to the hot cells in the hot spot. For the more general case of an incomplete hot spot, a cold cell is further classified as cold safe, cold semi-safe or cold unsafe, and a demand graph is constructed from the channel demand of each hot cell from its adjacent cells in the next outer ring. The channel borrowing algorithm works on the demand graph in a bottom up fashion, satisfying the demands of the cells in each subsequent inner ring. Markov chain models are developed for a hot cell and detailed simulation experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of our load balancing scheme. Comparison with an existing load balancing strategy under moderate and heavy teletraffic conditions, shows a performance improvement of 12% in terms of call blockade by our load balancing scheme.
On choosing a dense subgraph

This paper concerns the problem of computing the densest k-vertex subgraph of a given graph, namely, the subgraph with the most edges, or with the highest edges-to-vertices ratio. A sequence of approximation algorithms is developed for the problem, with each step yielding a better ratio at the cost of a more complicated solution. The approximation ratio of our final algorithm is O/spl tilde/(n/sup 0.3885/). We also present a method for converting an approximation algorithm for an unweighted graph problem (from a specific class of maximization problems) into one for the corresponding weighted problem, and apply it to the densest subgraph problem. <<ETX>>
Corrigendum: Firing clamp: a novel method for single-trial estimation of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic neuronal conductances

Understanding non-stationary neuronal activity as seen in vivo requires estimation of both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic conductances from a single trial of recording. For this purpose, we propose a new intracellular recording method, called " firing clamp. " Synaptic conductances are estimated from the characteristics of artificially evoked probe spikes, namely the spike amplitude and the mean subthreshold potential, which are sensitive to both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic input signals. The probe spikes, timed at a fixed rate, are evoked in the dynamic-clamp mode by injected meander-like current steps, with the step duration depending on neuronal membrane voltage. We test the method with perforated-patch recordings from isolated cells stimulated by external application or synaptic release of transmitter, and validate the method with simulations of a biophysically-detailed neuron model. The results are compared with the conductance estimates based on conventional current-clamp recordings. INTRODUCTION Understanding information processing in the brain requires knowledge of neuronal impulse activity and the corresponding synaptic conductance inputs onto target neurons. In particular , phenomena generated by intracortical interactions, including electrical rhythms, waves, and responses to natural or artificial stimulation, could be better understood if the simultaneous firing activities of excitatory and inhibitory neuron populations were known. Thus, the synaptic conductances arising from these populations , which control the evolution of transmembrane voltage of the target neuron, may provide information on the excitatory and inhibitory neuronal population activities. Estimates of postsynap-tic conductances can be obtained from intracellular recordings in a single neuron, but experimental methods of such estimations are still under development, with a principal difference between methods being whether they require repetitive recordings that assume identical input conditions, or not. Given the variability in neuronal responses, even to identical stimuli, single-trial methods are preferable and indeed must be used in some cases, e.g., for evaluation of non-stationary spontaneous activity. The perhaps most basic method for conductance estima-Supplementary Material S1) implies intracellular measurements of membrane voltage or current at different levels of membrane polarization and thus requires repeatable recordings. In in vivo conditions, the method is applied to study evoked responses, when the most important information is contained in signals averaged over several trials. Assuming only two types of synaptic input, thus excita-tory and inhibitory, if the averaged traces of voltage or current are recorded at different levels of polarization, and the reversal potentials of both excitatory and inhibitory currents (V E and V I) are known, then …
Analysis of the Class DE Inverter With Thinned-Out Driving Patterns

This paper presents a numerical analysis for the Class DE inverter with eliminated driving pulses. The harmonics, low-frequency components, and power conversion efficiency are calculated and shown. The Class DE inverter is one of the high-frequency high-efficiency resonant power sources that has the hybrid features of Class D and Class E circuits. To regulate the output power while maintaining high efficiency, various methods have been proposed. Thinned-out method is one of them, which regulates the output power by eliminating the driving pulses. The principle is quite simple and is seen suitable for digital control. However, the harmonics, low-frequency components, and discontinuous regulation have been pointed out. An aim of this paper is to clarify the characteristic of the Class DE inverter with thinned-out driving patterns. Basic models with three different Q-factors of 5, 10, and 20 are designed, built, tested, and analyzed. In a series of 16 cycles of switching pulses, 1-15 cycles are eliminated. The calculated waveforms show good agreement with circuit experiments. Various waveforms, harmonics, total harmonic distortion, low-frequency components, their total, and harmonics of the lowest frequency component are calculated and discussed
A 20-gb/s 256-mb DRAM with an inductorless quadrature PLL and a cascaded pre-emphasis transmitter

A 20-Gb/s 256-Mb DRAM with the proposed PLL and transmitter schemes has been designed and fabricated using an 80-nm CMOS process. An inductorless tetrahedral oscillator generates inherent quadrant phases combined with cascaded pre-emphasis transmitter achieves 10-Gb/s/pin data rate.
Classification and analysis of IEEE 802.15.4 MAC layer attacks

IEEE 802.15. 4 Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) possess additional vulnerabilities in comparison with traditional wired and wireless networks, such as broadcast nature of wireless medium, dynamic network topology, resource- constrained nodes, lack of physical safeguards in nodes, and immense network scale. These inherent vulnerabilities present opportunities for attackers to launch novel and more complicated attacks against such networks. For this reason, a thorough investigation of the attacks which can be launched against WSNs is required. This paper provides a single unified survey that dissects all IEEE 802.15. 4 MAC layer attacks known to date. While the majority of existing references investigate the motive and behavior of each attack separately, this survey addresses the interrelationships and differences between the attacks following their classification. The survey defines two main classifications for the attacks by combining and refining existing classifications of the attacks obtained from external references. The defined classifications are further extended by including additional attacks, which have been left out by other references, within the classifications. The authors' opinions and comments regarding the placement of the attacks within the defined classifications are also provided. A comparative analysis between the classified attacks is then performed with respect to a set of evaluation criteria defined within the paper.
Pediatric overweight prevention through a parent training program for 2-4 year old Latino children.

BACKGROUND Latino preschool children in the United States are at high risk for obesity. The objective of this study was to measure over a one-year period whether a parent training based on social learning theory combined with evidence-based interventions to promote optimal nutrition and physical activity will reduce the upward trend of BMI z-scores in groups of 2–4 year old Latino children living in low-income households. METHODS Seven weekly classes with 2 booster classes were delivered to low-income Latino parents with 2–4 year old children. A randomized controlled pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of the intervention that contrasts 61 children whose parents were randomized to receive Parent Training (PT) with 60 Wait-list (WL) subjects. Forty subjects did not attend the one-year follow up assessment, resulting in 81 subjects who have measurements for both baseline and one-year follow up assessments. To adjust for differential dropout rates and missing observations, imputation of missing data was done using a carefully constructed model that included relevant independent variables. RESULTS There were no significant subject differences between groups at baseline for family characteristics and BMI categories for child and parent. Children in the intervention group decreased their BMI z-scores significantly on average by . 20 (SE= .08) compared to children in the control group who increased z scores on average by . 04 (SE=.09) at one year (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS Parent training is effective to reduce the risk of overweight in preschool Latino children living in low-income households. The findings need to be examined in a larger sample of children.
Life Beyond Bases: The Advent of Frames (Part I)

Coming to the end of Part 1, we hope you have a different picture of a frame in your mind from a "picture frame. " While necessarily colored by our personal bias, we intended this tutorial as a basic introduction to frames, geared primarily toward engineering students and those without extensive mathematical training. Frames are here to stay; as wavelet bases before them, they are becoming a standard tool in the signal processing toolbox, spurred by a host of recent applications requiring some level of redundancy.
Modulation of taste sensitivity by GLP‐1 signaling

In many sensory systems, stimulus sensitivity is dynamically modulated through mechanisms of peripheral adaptation, efferent input, or hormonal action. In this way, responses to sensory stimuli can be optimized in the context of both the environment and the physiological state of the animal. Although the gustatory system critically influences food preference, food intake and metabolic homeostasis, the mechanisms for modulating taste sensitivity are poorly understood. In this study, we report that glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) signaling in taste buds modulates taste sensitivity in behaving mice. We find that GLP‐1 is produced in two distinct subsets of mammalian taste cells, while the GLP‐1 receptor is expressed on adjacent intragemmal afferent nerve fibers. GLP‐1 receptor knockout mice show dramatically reduced taste responses to sweeteners in behavioral assays, indicating that GLP‐1 signaling normally acts to maintain or enhance sweet taste sensitivity. A modest increase in citric acid taste sensitivity in these knockout mice suggests GLP‐1 signaling may modulate sour taste, as well. Together, these findings suggest a novel paracrine mechanism for the regulation of taste function.
Guidelines for pre-operative cardiac risk assessment and perioperative cardiac management in non-cardiac surgery

The American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and the European Society of Cardiology are all in the process of completing updated versions of our Guidelines for Perioperative Care. Our respective writing committees are undertaking a careful analysis of all relevant validated studies and always incor-porate appropriate new trials and meta-analyses into our evidence review. In the interim, our current joint position is that the initiation of beta blockers in patients who will undergo non-cardiac surgery should not be considered routine, but should be considered carefully patient’s treating physician on a case-by-case basis. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Keywords two randomized studies have addressed the role of prophylactic revascularization prior to non-cardiac surgery in stable patients scheduled for surgery. The asymptomatic patients with signiﬁcant MS (valve area , 1.5 cm 2 ) and systolic pulmonary artery pressure , 50 mmHg. Pre-operative surgical correction of MS in these patients is not indicated. It needs to be remembered that control of heart rate is essential to avoid tachycardia, which may cause pulmonary oedema. Strict control of ﬂuid over-load is also important. Also development of AF may cause serious clinical deterioration. 20,124 With the high risk of embolism, anticoagulation control is important. In asymptomatic patients with signiﬁcant MS and systolic pulmonary artery pressure . 50 mmHg and in symptomatic patients, the risk related to the non-cardiac procedure is signiﬁcantly higher, and these patients may beneﬁt from percutaneous mitral commissurotomy (or open surgical repair) particularly before high-risk surgery. 20,124
Design of surface permanent magnet-type vernier motor - effect of rotor diameter -

This paper describes a surface permanent magnet (SPM)-type vernier motor, whose design is based on the torque equation for the motor. The output characteristics are calculated using both the torque equation and voltage equation on the γ and δ axes. In this study, the rotor diameter, turns per phase, and core length are optimized in order to achieve the design objectives. These are a maximum output power of more than 10.5 kW (a pull-out torque of more than 1000 N·m), a power factor at 7 kW of more than 90%, and an efficiency at 7 kW of more than 85%, under an operating voltage, frequency, and synchronous speed of 400 V, 50 Hz, and 100 min-1, respectively.
Learning the way to blood: first evidence of dual olfactory conditioning in a blood-sucking insect, Rhodnius prolixus. I. Appetitive learning

SUMMARY It has been largely assumed that the individual experience of insects that are disease vectors might not only contribute to animal fitness, but also have an important influence on parasite transmission. Nevertheless, despite the invested efforts in testing the capacity to learn and remember information in blood-sucking insects, only little conclusive information has been obtained to date. Adapting a classical conditioning approach to our haematophagous model, we trained larvae of Rhodnius prolixus to associate l-lactic-acid, an odour perceived by these bugs but behaviourally neutral when presented alone, with food (i.e. positive reinforcement). Naive bugs – those exposed either to a conditioned stimulus (CS, l-lactic acid), unconditioned stimulus (US, heat) and reward (blood) alone or CS, US and reward in the absence of contingency – remained indifferent to the presence of an air stream loaded with l-lactic acid when tested in an olfactometer (random orientation), whereas the groups previously exposed to the contingency CS–US–reward (blood) were significantly attracted by l-lactic-acid. In a companion paper, the opposite, i.e. repellence, was induced in bugs exposed to the contingency of the same odour with a negative reinforcement. This constitutes the first evidence of olfactory conditioning in triatomine bugs, vectors of Chagas disease, and one of the few substantiations available to date of olfactory conditioning in haematophagous insects.
Phthalates and Metabolism: Exposure Correlates with Obesity and Diabetes in Men

The prevalence of obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes has increased considerably in the past few decades. Many plausible contributing factors have been identified for this increase, among them low testosterone levels in men. Research has found that exposure to certain synthetic chemicals adversely affects testicular function in animals and possibly in humans. A new analysis looked for—and found—that exposure to one class of these chemicals, phthalates, correlated with two metabolic abnormalities in men: abdominal obesity and insulin resistance [EHP 115:876–882; Stahlhut et al.].
An empirical study of Web personalization assistants supporting end-users in Web information systems

Currently, the two main techniques for achieving personalization on the Internet involve direct manipulation and software agents. While both direct manipulation and software agents are aimed at permitting end-users to finish tasks rapidly, efficiently, and easily, their methodologies differ The central controversy involving these personalization techniques derives from the amount of control that each grants to - or withholds from - the end-user. Direct manipulation interfaces afford control and predictability to end-users. Alternatively, the use of software agents captures or records user's personalized preferences by employing artificial intelligence techniques. In this empirical study, two end-user Web personalization tools are evaluated. One of them, WebPersonalizer, is an agent-based end-user personalization tool; the other, AntWorld, is a collaborative recommendation tool which provides direct manipulation interfaces. The purpose of this study is to determine the strengths and weaknesses of each opposed technique-direct manipulation and software agents - as a Web personalization assistant. In addition, we suggest the hybrid paradigm for EUP (end-user programming).
ERP systems and the university as a "unique" organisation

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are widely used by large corporations around the world. Recently, universities have turned to ERP as a means of replacing existing management and administration computer systems. This article provides analysis of the rollout of an ERP system in one particular institution in the UK, the particular focus being on how the development, implementation and use of both generic and university specific functionality is mediated and shaped by a fundamental and long standing tension within universities: this is the extent to which higher education institutions are organisations much like any other and the extent to which they are “unique”. The aim of this article is not to attempt to settle this issue of similarity/difference in one way or another. Rather, it seeks to illustrate the value of taking discussions of similarity relationships surrounding the university and other organisations as the topic of analysis. One way of working with these kinds of issues without resolving them is to consider their “distribution” and where ERP shifts the responsibility for their final resolution. This is a novel and insightful way of understanding how ERP systems are refashioning the identity of universities. The article suggests, moreover, that ERP software is “accompanied” by such tensions in which ever site it is implemented. The research presented here is based on a participant observation study carried over the period of three years.
Neurophysiological constraints on models of illusory contours

Abstract Illusory contours can appear as interpolation between edges of the stimulus, as in the Kanizsa triangle, or run orthogonal to the inducing elements, as in the Ehrenstein illusion. Single-cell recordings from monkey visual cortex suggest that both are produced by the same mechanism. Neural border ownership coding, on the other hand, which shows a much larger range of context integration, might involve a different mechanism.
Cervical Actinomicosis - Difficulties in Diagnosis and Treatment- Case Report

We present a case of a 54 -years old man with a third month history of slowly, painless enlargement on the right part of the neck. He denied recent dental extraction or oral trauma, but he had positive history for pulmonary tuberculosis and he abuse alcohol and tobacco. Physical examination showed a no tender latero-cervical right mass with a bluish skin and multiple ulcerations with fistulous tract with a yellow purulent fetid discharge also with caseous granules yellow like sulphur draining from them. Biopsy revealed no malignancy or tuberculosis or mycosis, however Gram colour stains were positive for Actinomyces. A complete endoscopic examination -pan endoscopy on general anaesthesia before the debridement operation exclude a head and neck malignancy, because of the risk factors . Treatment start with iv penicillin ,and the surgical resection day by day of the necrotic tissue was removed . He still continue the treatment with oral penicillin and the evolution is slowly positive.