Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gender Differences in Treatment-Seeking Brazilian Drug-Dependent Individuals

The authors compared 66 women and 66 men entering an outpatient treatment for drug dependence, focussing on demographics, progression of dependence, and other associated clinical features. Most of the subjects were dependent on cocaine (75%). Women, as compared with men, had a higher level of education, were more likely to have migrated from other places to the city of Sao Paulo, to report past suicide attempts, and to have first-degree relatives with alcohol problems. There were no gender differences regarding the total time of drug use, baseline severity of dependence, and rates of concurrent psychiatric comorbidity. Clinicians working with drug-dependent women should note the high rates of suicidal behavior in this population, and should explore, besides psychiatric status, risk factors such as impulsive temperament traits. It should also be noted that higher rates of alcohol problems in women's family background pose challenges for the development of effective preventive and treatment strategies.
Temporal resolution with a prescriptive fitting formula.

PURPOSE Authors of previous work using laboratory-based paradigms documented that wide dynamic range compression (WDRC) may improve gap detection compared to linear amplification. The purpose of this study was to measure temporal resolution using WDRC fit with compression ratios set for each listener’s hearing loss. METHOD Nineteen adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss fitted with WDRC or linear amplification set to a prescriptive fitting method participated in this study. Subjects detected amplitude modulations and gaps. Two types of noise carrier were used: narrowband (1995–2005 Hz) and broadband (100–8000 Hz). RESULTS Small differences between WDRC and linear amplification were observed in the measures of temporal resolution. Modulation detection thresholds worsened by a mean of 0.7 dB with WDRC compared to linear amplification. This reduction was observed for both carrier types. Gap detection thresholds did not differ between the 2 amplification conditions. CONCLUSIONS WDRC set using a prescriptive fitting method with individualized compression ratios had a small but statistically significant effect on measures of modulation thresholds. Differences were not observed between the two amplification conditions for the measures of gap detection. These findings contrast with previous work using fixed compression ratios, suggesting that the effect of the fitting method on the compression ratio should be considered when attempting to generalize the effect of WDRC on temporal resolution to the clinical setting.
Hearing and vision screening tools for long-term care residents with dementia: protocol for a scoping review

Introduction Hearing and vision loss among long-term care (LTC) residents with dementia frequently goes unnoticed and untreated. Despite negative consequences for these residents, there is little information available about their sensory abilities and care assessments and practices seldom take these abilities or accessibility needs into account. Without adequate knowledge regarding such sensory loss, it is difficult for LTC staff to determine the level of an individual's residual basic competence for communication and independent functioning. We will conduct a scoping review to identify the screening measures used in research and clinical contexts that test hearing and vision in adults aged over 65 years with dementia, aiming to: (1) provide an overview of hearing and vision screening in older adults with dementia; and (2) evaluate the sensibility of the screening tools. Methods and analysis This scoping review will be conducted using the framework by Arksey and O'Malley and furthered by methodological enhancements from cited researchers. We will conduct electronic database searches in CENTRAL, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO. We will also carry out a ‘grey literature’ search for studies or materials not formally published, both online and through interview discussions with healthcare professionals and research clinicians working in the field. Our aim is to find new and existing hearing and vision screening measures used in research and by clinical professionals of optometry and audiology. Abstracts will be independently reviewed twice for acceptance by a multidisciplinary team of researchers and research clinicians. Ethics and dissemination This review will inform health professionals working with this growing population. With the review findings, we aim to develop a toolkit and an algorithmic process to select the most appropriate hearing and vision screening assessments for LTC residents with dementia that will facilitate accurate testing and can inform care planning, thereby improving residents’ quality of life.
An Experimental and Simulation Study of Touchdown Dynamics

Dynamic flying height technology has been widely employed for reducing the mechanical spacing between the magnetic heads and the disk. As the recording density of hard disk drives approach 1 Tbit/in2, the spacing is decreased to sub 1 nm. At such low spacing, the touchdown (TD) dynamics becomes extremely critical. First, it affects the accuracy of the spacing setting, or TD detection. Second, it affects the hard disk drive reliability, such as writing modulation, wear, instability, etc. It decides how low the slider can fly stably and reliably. In this paper, we tried to have a better understanding of the TD dynamics with several designs of experiments first. We found that there were two stages in the whole TD process. In the first TD stage, a low frequency (30-150 kHz) vibration appeared. It was a suspension mode that was excited by the lubricant on the disk. In the second stage, a high frequency vibration (200-400 kHz) appeared. It was the second pitch mode of the slider air bearing excited by the contact between the slider and the disk. Based on these experimental observations, we propose modeling and simulation procedures with a combination of a full suspension model and a simplified air bearing model. Simulation can predict these two TD frequencies very well. Therefore, it could be applied to design head/disk interface to help achieve preferred TD behaviors.
Pregnancy and diabetes - a hermeneutic phenomenological study of women's experiences

The aim of this article is to describe women's experiences of being pregnant and having insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), particularly regarding what the crucial elements of the experience are during pregnancy, A qualitative method with a hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used. The subjects were 14 pregnant women with IDDM, of whom eight were primiparous and six multiparous. They were interviewed during pregnancy concerning their experience of ‘being controlled by blood glucose levels for the child's sake’. The child makes demands, with consequences which are divided into two main themes: objectification, including loss of control and an awareness of having an unwell ‘risky body’; and exaggerated responsibility, including constant worry, constant pressure and constant self-blame. The results present a challenge to every midwife, physician or other health professional involved in the care of pregnant women with diabetes. They have an important role in mediating understanding of how risks to such women during pregnancy and childbirth can be minimized by normalizing the blood glucose level. At the same time, they should point out the fact that most women with IDDM today have healthy babies. This could reduce negative feelings. The women should also be supported and encouraged in the normal transition to motherhood.
Bovine-derived bone protein as a bone graft substitute in a canine segmental defect model.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy of a bone graft substitute in healing of a segmental defect of a weight-bearing long bone. DESIGN An established canine model was used to perform a blinded, prospective, randomized study of the performance of bone graft substitute implants. This performance was compared with that of an accepted treatment modality (autograft) in a paired fashion. SETTING An accredited animal research facility. SUBJECTS AND INTERVENTION Twenty-eight dogs underwent bilateral radial osteotomies with creation of a 2.5-centimeter defect. On one side, the defect in every dog was filled with autogenous cancellous bone graft (ABG). Contralateral defects received, in a blinded, randomized fashion, cylindrical implants of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) allograft or DBM plus a constant dose (3.0 milligrams) of bovine-derived bone protein (DBM + BP). The defects were stabilized by external fixation. Subjects underwent monthly radiographs and were killed at six, twelve, or twenty-four weeks. Regenerate bone was studied by biomechanical testing and histology. Six animals were studied to determine the dose-response characteristics of the protein preparation. Three received implants containing 0.3 milligram of BP (group 1) and three received 1.0 milligram of BP (group 2). These animals were killed at twelve weeks of follow-up. RESULTS All twenty-eight ABG radii (100 percent) progressed to radiographic union, as did thirteen of thirteen (100 percent) DBM + BP radii compared with only four of fifteen (27 percent) of DBM radii. The difference between union rates was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Mean values for most biomechanical parameters of DBM + BP radii exceeded those of their contralateral ABG controls at twelve and twenty-four weeks, whereas those for DBM implants did not. Histology revealed microscopic evidence of normal bone healing in all ABG and DBM + BP radii, whereas most DBM radii demonstrated nonunions. In the dose-response arm of the study, six of six ABG radii (100 percent) achieved union; zero of three (0 percent) of group 1 and two of three (67 percent) of group 2 radii achieved grossly stable unions. Biomechanical testing was consistent with radiographic results, indicating that the 3.0-milligram dose was the most effective of those studied. CONCLUSIONS The DBM + BP composite implants were more effective at healing critical-sized segmental defects than DBM alone in this canine model when a 3.0-milligram per implant dose of BP was used. Biomechanical and histologic properties of the regenerated bone formed by DBM + BP implants was comparable to that of cancellous autograft.
The yeast F1-ATPase beta subunit precursor contains functionally redundant mitochondrial protein import information

The NH2 terminus of the yeast F1-ATPase beta subunit precursor directs the import of this protein into mitochondria. To define the functionally important components of this import signal, oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis was used to introduce a series of deletion and missense mutations into the gene encoding the F1-beta subunit precursor. Among these mutations were three nonoverlapping deletions, two within the 19-amino-acid presequence (delta 5-12 and delta 16-19) and one within the mature protein (delta 28-34). Characterization of the mitochondrial import properties of various mutant F1-beta subunit proteins containing different combinations of these deletions showed that import was blocked only when all three deletions were combined. Mutant proteins containing all possible single and pairwise combinations of these deletions were found to retain the ability to direct mitochondrial import of the F1-beta subunit. These data suggest that the F1-beta subunit contains redundant import information at its NH2 terminus. In fact, we found that deletion of the entire F1-beta subunit presequence did not prevent import, indicating that a functional mitochondrial import signal is present near the NH2 terminus of the mature protein. Furthermore, by analyzing mitochondrial import of the various mutant proteins in [rho-] yeast, we obtained evidence that different segments of the F1-beta subunit import signal may act in an additive or cooperative manner to optimize the import properties of this protein.
6D-5 Modeling the Rf Acoustic Behavior of Love-Wave Sensors Loaded with Organic Layers

In order to exploit complicated combinations of measurements associated with acoustic devices, we present the results of finite element/boundary element analyses including visco-elastic losses on fluid-loaded love-wave based devices, used as microbalance for biochemical detection and sensing purposes. The P-matrix characteristics of the mode are extracted from these computations to simulate the implemented devices. The corresponding frequency dependent phase shift and acoustic losses are introduced in the P-matrix model, allowing for an accurate prediction of insertion losses and phase sensitivity of our love-wave delay lines. Comparison between theory and experiments shows that we are capable to accurately predict the influence of viscosity on the insertion losses of the love-wave microbalance.
Continuing the debate about measuring asthma in population studies

The reasons for measuring atopy and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and the methods of validating measurements of asthma in population studies continue to be debated. The debate has centred around standards against which to validate asthma measurements but the absence of a “gold standard” makes the criterion validation of measurements difficult. Questionnaires will always be useful but cannot be validated against a doctor diagnosis because of self-selection and recall biases. In practice, measurements should be selected on the merits of what they measure rather than being regarded as validated or non-validated alternatives. The measurement of AHR is invaluable because it is reliable, not influenced by variations in symptom perception or diagnostic trends, and is closely related to the underlying mechanisms of asthma. The value of AHR lies in its high specificity (rate of true negatives) and low sensitivity (rate of false positives) against asthma symptoms which gives additional information about symptomatic subjects. Atopy is also a useful test and, in quantifying its association with asthma, we should not place any currency on ecological evidence. Atopy is a strong risk factor for asthma in the presence of regionally specific allergens and ecological analyses that ignore these effects are diversionary rather than productive. For preventing asthma, we need to identify the group at greatest risk of developing it, measure the risk factors with precision, and develop interventions that are effective in changing environmental exposures and homogenous outcomes. This is the only approach that has the potential to lead to significant public health benefits.
Childhood absence epilepsy: Behavioral, cognitive, and linguistic comorbidities

Purpose: Evidence for a poor psychiatric, social, and vocational adult outcome in childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) suggests long‐term unmet mental health, social, and vocational needs. This cross‐sectional study examined behavioral/emotional, cognitive, and linguistic comorbidities as well as their correlates in children with CAE.
Clinically significant copy number alterations and complex rearrangements of MYB and NFIB in head and neck adenoid cystic carcinoma

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the head and neck is a malignant tumor with poor long‐term prognosis. Besides the recently identified MYB–NFIB fusion oncogene generated by a t(6;9) translocation, little is known about other genetic alterations in ACC. Using high‐resolution, array‐based comparative genomic hybridization, and massively paired‐end sequencing, we explored genomic alterations in 40 frozen ACCs. Eighty‐six percent of the tumors expressed MYB–NFIB fusion transcripts and 97% overexpressed MYB mRNA, indicating that MYB activation is a hallmark of ACC. Thirty‐five recurrent copy number alterations (CNAs) were detected, including losses involving 12q, 6q, 9p, 11q, 14q, 1p, and 5q and gains involving 1q, 9p, and 22q. Grade III tumors had on average a significantly higher number of CNAs/tumor compared to Grade I and II tumors (P = 0.007). Losses of 1p, 6q, and 15q were associated with high‐grade tumors, whereas losses of 14q were exclusively seen in Grade I tumors. The t(6;9) rearrangements were associated with a complex pattern of breakpoints, deletions, insertions, inversions, and for 9p also gains. Analyses of fusion‐negative ACCs using high‐resolution arrays and massively paired‐end sequencing revealed that MYB may also be deregulated by other mechanisms in addition to gene fusion. Our studies also identified several down‐regulated candidate tumor suppressor genes (CTNNBIP1, CASP9, PRDM2, and SFN) in 1p36.33‐p35.3 that may be of clinical significance in high‐grade tumors. Further, studies of these and other potential target genes may lead to the identification of novel driver genes in ACC. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative study of the response of wind turbine generators to voltage sags and swells

This paper provides a comparative study of the dynamic response of variable-speed wind turbine generators, such as Type III and Type IV wind generators, to voltage sags and swells. Both symmetrical and asymmetrical voltage sags and swells are considered. The comparative analysis provides an insight into the relative degree of risk posed by different grid voltage conditions to the functioning of wind turbine generators. It has been found that certain voltage conditions are more harmful than others. This information is particularly useful when designing advanced protection schemes for wind turbine generators. A grid-connected 9-MW Type III wind farm and a 10-MW Type IV wind farm are used for simulation in MATLAB/SimPowerSystems.
Speech enhancement with weighted denoising auto-encoder

A novel speech enhancement method with Weighted Denoising Auto-encoder (WDA) is proposed in this paper. A weighted reconstruction loss function is introduced to the conventional Denoising Auto-encoder (DA), and makes it suitable for the task of speech enhancement. First, the proposed WDA is used to model the relationship between the noisy and clean power spectrums of speech signal. Then, the estimated clean power spectrum is used in the a Posteriori SNR Controlled Recursive Averaging (PCRA) approach for the estimation of the a priori SNR. Finally, the enhanced speech is obtained by Wiener filter operating in the frequency domain. From the test results under ITU-T G.160, in comparison with the reference method, the proposed method could achieve similar amount of noise reduction in both white and colored noise, and the distortion on the level of speech signal is smaller. Also, the objective speech quality is improved in all the test conditions.
Electron Microscopic Observations on the Fine Structure of Cell Walls of Chlamydia psittaci

L-cell cultures were infected with elementary bodies (EB) of meningopneumonitis organisms. Cell walls were prepared from reticulate bodies (RB), which are the intracellular developmental forms into which EB are converted, and from EB at appropriate times after infection. When fragmented EB cell walls were shadowcast with platinum palladium alloy, about one-half of the fragments were seen to be composed of hexagonally arrayed structures on the inner side of the cell wall. When EB cell walls were negatively stained with phosphotungstic acid, they all showed this fine structural array. These macromolecular units were estimated to be about 18 nm in diameter. RB cell walls, harvested at various times after infection, were similarly stained; about 20% of RB walls at 15 hr after infection showed traces of these regular structures, but only 2% of them had the structures at 24 hr. When RB cell walls prepared from penicillin-containing culture were examined, they were observed to be similar to RB without penicillin. When EB cell walls were treated with formamide at 160 C, and then centrifuged in a 10 to 40% potassium tartrate density gradient, hexagonal particles about 20 nm in diameter were obtained as a middle band in the gradient column. These particles were not obtained from RB cell walls harvested from cultures with or without penicillin. It is concluded that the particles are macromolecular subunits located on the inner side of the EB cell walls, that the subunits probably provide the structural rigidity found in the EB, and that their synthesis is inhibited by penicillin.
Participation of structural microtubule‐associated proteins (MAPs) in the development of neuronal polarity

Several lines of evidence have indicated that changes in the structure of neuronal cytoskeleton provide the support for the dramatic morphological changes that occur during neuronal differentiation. It has been proposed that microtubule‐associated proteins can contribute to the development of this phenomenon by controlling the dynamic properties of microtubules. In this report we have characterized the effect of the combined suppression of MAP1B and tau, and MAP1B and MAP2 on neuronal polarization in cultured hippocampal cells grown on a laminin‐containing substrate. We have taken advantage of the use of a mouse line deficient in MAP1B expression obtained by the gene trapping approach. In addition to this engineered mice line we used the antisense oligonucleotide approach to induce the suppression of tau or MAP2, in wild type and MAP1B‐deficient neurons. Together these results show a synergistic role for MAP1B/MAP2 and MAP1B/TAU. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A power-efficient analog integrated circuit for amplification and detection of neural signals

We present a neural amplifier that optimizes the trade-off between power consumption and noise performance down to the best so far reported. In the perspective of realizing a fully autonomous implantable system we also address the problem of spike detection by using a new simple algorithm and we discuss the implementation with analog integrated circuits. Implemented in 0.35-μm CMOS technology and with total current consumption of about 20 μA, the whole circuit occupies an area of 0.18 mm2. Reduced power consumption and small area make it suited to be used in chronic multichannel recording systems for neural prosthetics and neuroscience experiments.
Is there a Proper Way to Treat Shortened Oesophagus ? About a Series of 67 Patients

Abstract Introduction and objective: During the work-up of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) patients, barium swallow may show a shortened oesophagus with a non-reducible gastro-oesophageal junction. In our department, in such cases, a Collis-Nissen operation is usually planned. But, the proper reducibility of the gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ) in the abdomen is difficult to assess peroperatively. The aim of this study is to compare retrospectively the follow-up of an oesophageal lengthening procedure (CollisNissen gastroplasty) versus a standard Nissen in the management of patients with primary short oesophagus or secondary to previous Nissen fundoplication. Patients and methods : Between 01/2000 and 12/2009, 67 patients with a short oesophagus on X-Ray were operated on for proven GORD : 27 (Group A) underwent a Collis-Nissen fundoplication. In 40 patients (Group B), the GOJ was reduced easily and a standard Nissen fundoplication was judged sufficient by the experimented surgeon. Follow up included Quality of Life evaluation using the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) and a barium swallow. Results : 64 patients agreed to participate. Mean follow up was 46 months (4-122). Mean postoperative GIQLI score was 108 in group A, 97 in group B. Barium swallow was performed in 61 patients. In group A, seven patients out of 25 (28%) presented a intrathoracic migration on X-Ray while in group B, it was noted in 20 patients (55%). Conclusion : According literature, Collis gastroplasty allows a tension-free fundoplication to be performed to correct a shortened oesophagus. Though our series of brachy-oesophagus is small, it confirms a better outcome after a CollisNissen gastroplasty, compared to the classical Nissen fundoplication.