Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An outcome evaluation to measure changes in sexual risk-taking among gay men undergoing substance use disorder treatment.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of safe sex intervention at a substance use disorder treatment agency designed to serve gay men. METHOD Of all eligible men, 456 (78%) were recruited as they entered treatment for a substance use disorder. This cohort was followed for five waves of data collection, each wave measuring the previous 90 days. Assigned to the experimental condition (treatment for substance use disorder plus a safe sex intervention) were 82 men; 65 were assigned to the regular substance use disorder treatment. RESULTS Although levels of risk within each wave were never significantly different between the two treatment groups, reductions in unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with a nonmonogamous partner for both groups from the baseline Wave-1 levels were uniformly significant (all p's < .05). Such high-risk sex in the year-long follow-up period was correlated with UAI reported at intake, enjoyment of UAI, relative youth, heavier concurrent use of alcohol or amphetamines and greater numbers of sexual partners. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that: (1) substantial HIV risk reductions can occur after initiation of treatment for substance use disorder among gay men; (2) risk reductions begin soon after treatment begins; (3) lapses to unsafe sex are common during treatment; (4) continued UAI is most likely among those men who are riskier at intake, who continue to be more sexually active and who are more likely to combine substance use and sexual behavior; (5) AIDS prevention activities conducted at treatment agencies cannot reach all high-risk substance-using gay men.
Characterization of Wnt signaling components and activation of the Wnt canonical pathway in the murine retina

The neuroepithelial layer of the developing eyecup contains multipotential precursor cells that give rise to all of the neurons and the one glial cell type present in the adult retina. Patterning within the retinal neuroepithelium is regulated by cell intrinsic as well as cell extrinsic mechanisms. Although the identity of some of the signaling molecules that regulate retinal development is known, the function of many others, especially members of the Wnt family, has yet to be characterized in the context of retinal development. We undertook a comprehensive in situ hybridization analysis to examine the expression of Wnt pathway components in the developing and adult mouse neural retina. Our findings confirm and extend previous expression studies in mice and other vertebrates, as we show that Wnt‐3, ‐5a, ‐5b, and ‐7b are expressed in the neural retina and that there is a dynamic pattern of Wnt receptor (Mouse frizzled [Mfz]) and Wnt antagonist (Secreted‐frizzled‐related protein [Sfrp]) gene expression in the embryonic and perinatal neural retina. Moreover, we show that Wnt‐13 is expressed in the pigment epithelium overlying the distal part of the eyecup and the ciliary margin and that Mfz‐4, ‐6, and ‐7 are expressed in different regions within the ciliary margin. To determine where activation of canonical Wnt signaling is occurring in the retina, we examined reporter gene expression in TCF/Lef‐LacZ mice and we demonstrate that the highest levels of β‐gal activity are found in the ciliary margin, adjacent to and within the Wnt‐13 expression domain, implicating Wnt‐13 signaling in the development of the ciliary margin and its derivatives. Developmental Dynamics 227:323–334, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A 7.1mW 10GHz all-digital frequency synthesizer with dynamically reconfigurable digital loop filter in 90nm CMOS

ADPLL frequency synthesizers have recently drawnsignificant research attention as the technology paradigm shifts into the nanometer CMOS arena [1–5]. They circumvent several design issues that conventional charge-pump-based PLLs encounter, including capacitor leakage, current mismatch, and limited dynamic range. Furthermore, they benefit from replacing the bulky passive loop filter by a more cost-effective and flexible digital filter.
1–2.4 μm Near-IR Spectrum of the Giant Planet β Pictoris b Obtained with the Gemini Planet Imager

Using the Gemini Planet Imager located at Gemini South, we measured the near-infrared (1.0–2.4 μm) spectrum of the planetary companion to the nearby, young star β Pictoris. We compare the spectrum obtained with currently published model grids and with known substellar objects and present the best matching models as well as the best matching observed objects. Comparing the empirical measurement of the bolometric luminosity to evolutionary models, we find a mass of 12.9 ± 0.2 , an effective temperature of 1724 ± 15 K, a radius of 1.46 ± 0.01 , and a surface gravity of [dex] (cgs). The stated uncertainties are statistical errors only, and do not incorporate any uncertainty on the evolutionary models. Using atmospheric models, we find an effective temperature of 1700–1800 K and a surface gravity of –4.0 [dex] depending upon the model. These values agree well with other publications and with “hot-start” predictions from planetary evolution models. Further, we find that the spectrum of β Pic b best matches a low surface gravity L2 ± 1 brown dwarf. Finally, comparing the spectrum to field brown dwarfs, we find the the spectrum best matches 2MASS J04062677–381210 and 2MASS J03552337+1133437.
LMI based control of a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with input rate saturation

Some systems suffer from not only input saturation but also input rate saturation due to special need or actuator limitation. This paper investigates the regulation control of a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with input rate saturation. By transformation, the rate saturation of input can be converted to the state and input constraints of certain linear systems. An LMI based method can then be introduced and improved to solve the transformed problem. The optimized state-feedback controller is robust to parametric uncertainties. It can guarantee the exponential stability of the original system without external disturbances, and can make the state trajectories exponentially converge to a defined region with external disturbances. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Differences between naïve and expert observers’ vergence and accommodative responses to a range of targets

Purpose: Vergence and accommodation studies often use adult participants with experience of vision science. Reports of infant and clinical responses are generally more variable and of lower gain, with the implication that differences lie in immaturity or sub‐optimal clinical characteristics but expert/naïve differences are rarely considered or quantified.
CE: Long-Term Outcomes After Repair of Congenital Heart Defects Part 2

OVERVIEWMany congenital heart defects can be repaired, but long-term monitoring is often required to forestall possible complications. This two-part article reviews 10 common congenital heart defects, their repairs, and their common long-term outcomes, along with the implications for nurses in cardiac and noncardiac settings alike. Here, in part 2, the author reviews four defects: tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, and single-ventricle defects.
A review on process of 3D Model Reconstruction

3D Model Reconstruction is of the most important part in the field of Reverse Engineering. It has now become feasible to use this method to create a 3D model of existing product, component for CAD/CAM applications. Various phases of reverse engineering and 3D reconstruction are reviewed in details along the methodology involved within these stages. Data acquisition is the most crucial stage of 3d model reconstruction. Non touch and touch techniques of data acquisition are studied giving comparative advantages and disadvantages over each other. Face based and Edge based techniques are reviewed for segmentation of acquired data. The collected point data is obtained in Stereo Lithography (STL) format which is most popular in field of modern computer science. This collected data can be used to construct surfaces using modern CAD systems like CATIA, Pro/E etc. This paper also reviews some of the researches in the field of Reverse Engineering, The methods they implemented and their outcome and various technologies used with their limitations. It reviews latest advancement in the field of 3d Model Reconstruction.
Constructing an Index of Persian Rug Prices

A number of researchers have studied the price appreciation over time of art objects. However, to our knowledge, no previous academic research has focused on Persian rugs. Using hedonic regression techniques in this paper we address this deficit and construct an index of Persian rug prices from data provided by Christie’s auction house. We find that the average, annual real price appreciation of this index between 1995 and 2015 is 4.10%, a higher real return than generated by many other art objects studied previously in the literature. We also found that the returns on this index had a low correlation with the returns generated by the UK stock and government bond markets. Given the estimated return and the low correlation with traditional asset classes, an investment in a diversified holding of Persian rugs might represent an attractive diversifying option, particularly for long-term institutional investors like university endowments, insurance companies, pension funds or family offices.
CTNS mutations in patients with cystinosis

Cystinosis is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the gene CTNS. The CTNS gene product, cystinosin, has 367 amino acids and seven transmembrane domains and is thought to transport cystine out of lysosomes. The most common form of cystinosis, the nephropathic or infantile type, is characterized by renal failure at 10 years of age and other systemic complications. To date, 32 different CTNS mutations have been described in nephropathic cystinosis patients. Intermediate cystinosis, with later onset of renal disease, has been associated with three different CTNS mutations. Benign or nonnephropathic cystinosis, with symptoms related only to corneal crystals and photophobia, has been associated with two other CTNS mutations. In general, only certain splicing or missense mutations are associated with milder cystinosis phenotypes. Hum Mutat 14:454–458, 1999. Published 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The prostate specific antigen era in the United States is over for prostate cancer: what happened in the last 20 years?

PURPOSE We assessed how well preoperative serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) reflects the largest cancer in consecutive untreated radical prostatectomies during the last 20 years at Stanford University. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 1,317 consecutive radical prostatectomies were divided into 4, 5-year periods between August 1983 and July 2003, and examined sequentially in 3 mm step sections by 1 pathologist. The largest cancer and 5 other histological variables in each prostate were measured. Preoperative clinical stages were tabulated for each 5-year period. Means, Pearson correlation coefficients, % change and multiple regression were used to compare selected variables. RESULTS Most parameters decreased linearly during the 20 years, including palpable nodules on digital rectal examination from 91% to 17%, mean age from 64 to 59 years, mean serum PSA from 25 to 8 ng/ml, and index (largest) cancer volume from 5.3 to 2.4 cc. Percent Gleason grade 4/5 of the largest cancer averaged 27% to 35% and prostate weight 44 to 53 gm. Contrasting August 1983 to December 1988 with January 1999 to July 2003, 6 histological cancer parameters had statistically significant relationships to serum PSA in the first period. In the last 5 years serum PSA was related only to prostate size. CONCLUSIONS Serum PSA was related to prostate cancer 20 years ago. In the last 5 years serum PSA has only been related to benign prostatic hyperplasia. There is an urgent need for serum markers that reflect the size and grade of this ubiquitous cancer.
Design of LCL-filters with LCL resonance frequencies beyond the Nyquist frequency for grid-connected inverters

This paper proposes a novel LCL-filter design method and its current control for grid-connected converters. With the proposed design method, it is possible to set the resonance frequency of the LCL-filter to be higher than the Nyquist frequency, i.e. half of the system sampling frequency, and this observation is so far not discussed in the literature. In this case, very cost-effective LCL-filter design can be achieved for grid-connected converters whose dominant switching harmonics may appear at double of the switching frequency, e.g. in unipolar modulated three-level full bridge converters and 12-switch based three-phase pulse-width modulated (PWM) converters. Moreover, a single-loop current control strategy is proposed for the designed LCL-filter, and the control system is inherently stable without introducing any passive or active damping. Experimental results, showing the high quality output current and excellent resonance attenuation are presented in the paper, which are also in very good agreement with those simulated ones. These results successfully verify the feasibility of the proposed LCL-filter design and its current control.
Algebraic Identification and Discontinuous Control for Trajectory Tracking in a Perturbed 1-DOF Suspension System

This paper deals with the output feedback control and simultaneous online algebraic identification of an unknown perturbed 1-DOF suspension system. An algebraic identifier, which is known to be of unstable nature, is provided with an automatic disconnection strategy. The automatic disconnection is achieved by assessing an extra auxiliary parameter, called the ldquosentinelrdquo parameter that monitors the convergence of the rest of the estimated system parameters. The estimated values of mass, stiffness, and damping are realized via an algebraic estimator, with great rapidity and robustness to noise process signals present in the input and output signals. A generalized proportional integral controller was designed for a trajectory tracking task and the rejection of a constant disturbance input. The switched implementation of the average input in the form of a bounded discontinuous control signal is based on the use of a Sigma- Delta modulator. In an average sense, this modulation allows us to preserve the desirable features of the dynamic output feedback controller and to be close to a real implementation. The efficiency of the complete procedure is demonstrated via digital computer simulations.
Mammalian Diurnality: Some Facts and Gaps

A major factor contributing to the evolution of mammals was their ability to be active during the night, a niche previously underused by terrestrial vertebrates. Diurnality subsequently reemerged multiple times in a variety of independent lineages. This paper reviews some recent data on circadian mechanisms in diurnal mammals and considers general themes that appear to be emerging from this work. Careful examination of behavioral studies suggests that although subtle differences may exist, the fundamental functions of the circadian system are the same, as seems to be the case with respect to the molecular mechanisms of the clock. This suggests that responses to signals originating in the clock must be different, either within the SCN or at its targets or downstream from them. Some features of the SCN vary from species to species, but none of these has been clearly associated with diurnality. The region immediately dorsal to the SCN, which receives substantial input from it, exhibits dramatically different rhythms in nocturnal lab rats and diurnal grass rats. This raises the possibility that it functions as a relay that transforms the signal emitted by the SCN and transmits different patterns to downstream targets in nocturnal and diurnal animals. Other direct targets of the SCN include neurons containing orexin and those containing gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and both of these populations of cells exhibit patterns of rhythmicity that are inverted in at least one diurnal compared to one nocturnal species. The patterns that emerge from the data on diurnality are discussed in terms of the implications they have for the evolution and neural substrates of a day-active way of life.
The Two Groups of Zebrafish Virus-Induced Interferons Signal via Distinct Receptors with Specific and Shared Chains1

Because the availability of fish genomic data, the number of reported sequences for fish type II helical cytokines is rapidly growing, featuring different IFNs including virus-induced IFNs (IFNφ) and IFN-γ, and IL-10 with its related cytokines (IL-20, IL-22, and IL-26). Many candidate receptors exist for these cytokines and various authors have postulated which receptor chain would be involved in which functional receptor in fish. To date, only the receptor for zebrafish IFNφ1 has been identified functionally. Three genes encoding virus-induced IFNφs have been reported in zebrafish. In addition to these genes clustered on chromosome 3, we have identified a fourth IFNφ gene on chromosome 12. All these genes possess the intron-exon organization of mammalian λ IFNs. In the zebrafish larva, all induce the expression of reporter antiviral genes; protection in a viral challenge assay was observed for IFNφ1 and IFNφ2. Using a combination of gain- and loss-of-function experiments, we also show that all zebrafish IFNφs do not bind to the same receptor. Two subgroups of fish virus-induced IFNs have been defined based on conserved cysteines, and we find that this subdivision correlates with receptor usage. Both receptor complexes include a common short chain receptor (CRFB5) and a specific long chain receptor (CRFB1 or CRFB2).
Differential relations between cognition and 15N isotopic content of hair in elderly people with dementia and controls.

BACKGROUND Previous researchers have suggested that a vegetarian diet or one rich in fish may protect against Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, assessing diet is difficult in AD patients. (15)N:(14)N isotopic ratios (delta(15)N) of body proteins can estimate long-term dietary habits in a way that does not depend on memory. delta(15)N is high in people who eat a lot of fish and low in vegetarians. METHODS To choose between the vegetarian and fish hypotheses of AD, we compared dietary questionnaire reports and delta(15)N of hair samples from AD patients and controls. RESULTS Patients' cognitive scores related directly to reported frequency of eating fish and to hair delta(15)N(AIR), but inversely to reported frequency of eating beans. Homocysteine levels related inversely to hair delta(15)N(AIR) in controls, but not in patients. Dietary questionnaire reports accounted for slightly more variance in delta(15)N(AIR) in patients than controls. Therefore, our questionnaire assessed dietary habits as reliably for individuals with AD as for cognitively unimpaired controls. CONCLUSIONS A diet rich in fish may ameliorate AD, possibly by lowering homocysteine, but more vegetarian diets do not. In fact, eating beans correlated with worse cognition in AD patients. Further studies should test if restricting the intake of beans slows the progression of AD.
Telomere Length Influences Cancer Cell Differentiation In Vivo

ABSTRACT Limitless reproductive potential is one of the hallmarks of cancer cells. This ability is due to the maintenance of telomeres, erosion of which causes cellular senescence or death. While most cancer cells activate telomerase, a telomere-elongating enzyme, it remains elusive as to why cancer cells often maintain shorter telomeres than the cells in the surrounding normal tissues. Here, we show that forced telomere elongation in cancer cells promotes their differentiation in vivo. We elongated the telomeres of human prostate cancer cells that possess short telomeres by enhancing their telomerase activity. The resulting cells had long telomeres and retained the ability to form tumors in nude mice. Strikingly, these tumors exhibited many duct-like structures and reduced N-cadherin expression, reminiscent of well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. These changes were caused by telomere elongation and not by enhanced telomerase activity. Gene expression profiling revealed that tumor formation was accompanied by the expression of innate immune system-related genes, which have been implicated in maintaining tumor cells in an undifferentiated state and poor-prognosis cancers. In tumors derived from the telomere-elongated cells, upregulation of such gene sets is not observed. Our observations suggest a functional contribution of short telomeres to tumor malignancy by regulation of cancer cell differentiation.
National Project on Advanced Robot Technology in Japan

In modern society, there are an increasing number of hazardous jobs which could not be performed without safety measures and in places which could not be accessed directly. In order to cope with these situations, it is necessary to develop automated or robotic systems which could carry out hazardous operations in place of human beings. In this context, the National Project on Advanced Robot Technology had been promoted under the framework of the Large-scale Project supervised by AIST, MITI since 1983. At the final stage prototype robots were assembled and demonstrated for a nuclear plant robot and an undersea robot respectively. Good results were obtained from the demonstrations. <<ETX>>
A Conditionally Beta Distributed Time-Series Model with Application to Monthly US Corporate Default Rates

We consider an observation driven, conditionally Beta distributed model for variables restricted to the unit interval. The model includes both explanatory variables and autoregressive dependence in the mean and precision parameters using the mean-precision parametrization of the beta distribution suggested by Ferrari and Cribari-Neto (2004). Our model is a generalization of the ARMA model proposed in Rocha and Cribari-Neto (2009), which we generalize to allow for covariates and a ARCH type structure in the precision parameter. We also highlight some errors in their derivations of the score and information which has implications for the asymptotic theory. Included simulations suggests that standard asymptotics for estimators and test statistics apply. In an empirical application to Moody’s monthly US 12-month issuer default rates in the period 1972 - 2015, we revisit the results of Agosto et al. (2016) in examining the conditional independence hypothesis of Lando and Nielsen (2010). Empirically we find that; (1) the current default rate influence the default rate of the following periods even when conditioning on explanatory variables. (2) The 12 month lag is highly significant in explaining the monthly default rate. (3) There is evidence for volatility clustering beyond what is accounted for by the inherent mean-precision relationship of the Beta distribution in the default rate data.