Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pleural Fluid Analysis: Standstill or a Work in Progress?

Pleural fluid analysis yields important diagnostic information in pleural effusions in combination with clinical history, examination, and radiology. For more than 30 years, the initial and most pragmatic step in this process is to determine whether the fluid is a transudate or an exudate. Light's criteria remain the most robust in separating the transudate-exudate classification which dictates further investigations or management. Recent studies have led to the evaluation and implementation of a number of additional fluid analyses that may improve the diagnostic utility of this method. This paper discusses the current practice and future direction of pleural fluid analysis in determining the aetiology of a pleural effusion. While this has been performed for a few decades, a number of other pleural characteristics are becoming available suggesting that this diagnostic tool is indeed a work in progress.
The Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness of a Low-Cost and Transparent Stainless Steel Fiber/Silicone Resin Composite

A low-cost and transparent stainless steel fiber (SSF)/silicone resin composite was prepared by blending shortcut SSF with silicone resins. The SSF was homogeneously dispersed in resins at submicrometer scales and formed cross-linking structures. The visible light transmittance (VLT) and shielding effectiveness (SE) of composite in the frequency range of 300 MHz-1.5 GHz were investigated, and the result showed that the VLT was 70%, while the SE was 15-26 dB and the VLT was 67%, while the SE was 27-36 dB at 1.00 wt. % and 1.25 wt. % SSF concentrations, respectively. The result suggested that SSF/silicone resin composite may be useful for electromagnetic interface shielding application, especially when there is a visibility requirement. The shielding mechanism was investigated by quantitatively studying the absorbed and reflected energy to the total SE, and the result revealed that the dominant shielding mechanism of SSF/silicone resin composite was reflection loss.
Forming criteria for assessing the coherence of clients' life stories: a narrative study

Promoting self-narrative coherence is seen in this paper as one of the key tasks in therapy. In our narrative study, we attempted to form specific coding criteria for assessing coherence based on the intelligibility of ‘life stories’. Thirty clients (‘graduates’ and beginners) in family-oriented group therapy took part. We conducted an informal autobiographical interview and asked clients to write a self-description. Our qualitative analysis focused mainly on narrative form. We created a coding system of four coding criteria, ‘acknowledging/explaining contradictions’, ‘thinking in a relational manner’, ‘acknowledging/responding to the needs of the audience’, and ‘being in touch with emotions’. The latter criterion was further explored and a secondary coding system developed for the emotional assessment of narratives. Two case studies are used as exemplars. The variations as to the degree of self-narrative incoherence are discussed. Proposals are made for using the four coding criteria as a ‘subjective’ assessment tool for monitoring therapy progress.
Involvement of Gonadal Steroids and Gamma Interferon in Sex Differences in Response to Blood-Stage Malaria Infection

ABSTRACT To examine the hormonal and immunological mechanisms that mediate sex differences in susceptibility to malaria infection, intact and gonadectomized (gdx) C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with Plasmodium chabaudi AS-infected erythrocytes, and the responses to infection were monitored. In addition to reduced mortality, intact females recovered from infection-induced weigh loss and anemia faster than intact males. Expression microarrays and real-time reverse transcription-PCR revealed that gonadally intact females exhibited higher expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-15Rα, IL-12Rβ, Gadd45γ, gamma interferon (IFN-γ), CCL3, CXCL10, CCR5, and several IFN-inducible genes in white blood cells and produced more IFN-γ than did intact males and gdx females, with these differences being most pronounced during peak parasitemia. Intact females also had higher anti-P. chabaudi immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgG1 responses than either intact males or gdx females. To further examine the effector mechanisms mediating sex differences in response to P. chabaudi infection, responses to infection were compared among male and female wild-type (WT), T-cell-deficient (TCRβδ−/−), B-cell-deficient (μMT), combined T- and B-cell-deficient (RAG1), and IFN-γ knockout (IFN-γ−/−) mice. Males were 3.5 times more likely to die from malaria infection than females, with these differences being most pronounced among TCRβδ−/−, μMT, and RAG1 mice. Male mice also exhibited more severe weight loss, anemia, and hypothermia, and higher peak parasitemia than females during infection, with WT, RAG1, TCRβδ−/−, and μMT mice exhibiting the most pronounced sexual dimorphism. The absence of IFN-γ reduced the sex difference in mortality and was more detrimental to females than males. These data suggest that differential transcription and translation of IFN-γ, that is influenced by estrogens, may mediate sex differences in response to malaria.
Providing a tailored overview of program source code

One very important aspect of computer programming is reading source code. Even relatively small programs can consist of thousands of lines of code, and navigating through all this information can be time consuming and difficult. Whilst this can be considered a minor nuisance for sighted persons, for blind computer programmers the problem is more severe.The main aim of this research is to improve access to programming for any user unable or unwilling to use a visual system. The hypothesis is that providing a glance at the source code using a tailored, auditory overview will improve the reader's understanding of the program. It is hoped that these findings could also facilitate code reading and comprehension for all users.
Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians’ well-being using participatory community singing approach

Abstract There is increasing international interest in the idea that well-being and health are related to resilience. Participative community singing is beneficial for well-being not only in people who are free from health problems, but especially for those whose physical and mental health is compromised. This study examined the development of five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander singing groups and the benefits relating to promoting resilience and ultimately preventing chronic disease in this population. Mixed methods, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches, were used. Questionnaires were administered to collect data on chronic life stresses, resilience, social support and social connectedness. Focus group interviews were conducted to obtain data on the participants’ and stakeholders’ perceptions of the impact of the singing groups. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to test the effectiveness of the intervention program on improving resilience at both the individual and the community levels. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the pathways from the benefits gained from the singing program to the prevention of chronic disease. The results suggested that the singing groups served multiple functions, which are underpinned by social ecological resilience mechanisms to promote self-esteem, learning and education and confidence at the individual level, as well as community connectedness, reduction of loneliness and promoting social support from family, community and the social context such as support from community-controlled health services, and ultimately preventing chronic disease.
Social Class, Habitus, and Language Learning: The Case of Korean Early Study-Abroad Students

In this article, I draw on Bourdieu’s (1984, 1991) notion of habitus in order to explore the relationship between social class, language learning, and language teaching in the context of the global economy. To illustrate my points, I use Early Study Abroad (ESA), the transnational educational migration that Korean middle-class families engage in in order to acquire valuable forms of global English capital. Through a discussion of the identities and language practices of Korean ESA students in Toronto, where they invested in a class-based consumption of Korean language and culture to contest the racial and linguistic stigmatization they experienced in the local context, and to index their global cosmopolitanism, I reveal how the concept of class privilege in actual practice is multilayered and sometimes contradictory; moreover, I posit that acquiring linguistic capital and leveraging it to gain class privilege are difficult and fraught ventures.
3D Reconstruction of metal parts based on depth from focus

This paper proposes a new 3D reconstruction method of metal parts based on depth from focus. A manipulator was designed to carry the visual system. By controlling the camera to move and capture focus image sequences. The 3D shape of the work piece was retrieved. Experimental results shows high efficiency good application prospects for on-machine measurement in the manufacturing workshop.
Racial Differences in Fecal Incontinence in Community-Dwelling Women From the EPI Study

Objectives Despite its prevalence and associated distress, fecal incontinence (FI) is not well understood. There are limited data regarding associations between FI and race. The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of FI, and to secondarily identify demographic, lifestyle, and medical factors associated with FI, especially with regard to race. Methods This was a planned secondary analysis of a population-based cross-sectional telephone interview survey of 2812 black and white community-dwelling women living in southeastern Michigan. The primary outcome measured was the prevalence of self-reported FI, defined as any loss of stool during the previous 12 months. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify characteristics independently associated with FI. Results Of the subjects, 16.7% reported FI in the previous year. Fecal incontinence was approximately twice as common in white women (20%) as black women (11%). Factors associated with FI differed between the 2 races, although its prevalence in both racial groups increases with higher numbers of medical comorbidities, increased frequency of bowel movements per week, and depression. Conclusions One in 6 women report FI, although it occurs one-half as often in black as in white women. Although there are common characteristics shared by women with FI in both racial groups, white women experience FI in complex with other pelvic floor disorders. For black women, FI is an isolated pelvic floor disorder associated with mobility impairment.
Emerging Adults in Sweden: Identity Formation in the Light of Love, Work, and Family

In this study, the identity formation of emerging adults in Sweden was investigated in order to discover how identity issues concerning love, work and family are handled. The study group comprised 136 24- to 26-year-olds. The results revealed differences between men and women with regard to their position in the identity formation process. While women were more likely to have made identity-defining decisions after a process of active exploration (identity achievement), men were less likely to explore identity issues and lacked identity-defining commitments (identity diffusion). The position in the identity formation process was related to romantic relationships and occupational contexts. The results are discussed in relation to the sociocultural context of emerging adults in Sweden.
Characterization of a nose-only inhaled phosgene acute lung injury mouse model

Abstract Context: Phosgene’s primary mode of action is as a pulmonary irritant characterized by its early latent phase where life-threatening, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema is typically observed 6‐24 h post-exposure. Objective: To develop an inhaled phosgene acute lung injury (ALI) model in C57BL/6 mice that can be used to screen potential medical countermeasures. Methods: A Cannon style nose-only inhalation exposure tower was used to expose mice to phosgene (8 ppm) or air (sham). An inhalation lethality study was conducted to determine the 8 ppm median lethal exposure (LCt50) at 24 and 48 h post-exposure. The model was then developed at 1.2 times the 24 h LCt50. At predetermined serial sacrifice time points, survivors were euthanized, body and lung weights collected, and lung tissues processed for histopathology. Additionally, post-exposure clinical observations were used to assess quality of life. Results and discussion: The 24-hour LCt50 was 226 ppm*min (8 ppm for 28.2 min) and the 48-hour LCt50 was 215 ppm*min (8 ppm for 26.9 min). The phosgene exposed animals had a distinct progression of clinical signs, histopathological changes and increased lung/body weight ratios. Early indicators of a 1.2 times the 24-hour LCt50 phosgene exposure were significant changes in the lung-to-body weight ratios by 4 h post-exposure. The progression of clinical signs and histopathological changes were important endpoints for characterizing phosgene-induced ALI for future countermeasure studies. Conclusion: An 8 ppm phosgene exposure for 34 min (1.2 × LCt50) is the minimum challenge recommended for evaluating therapeutic interventions. The predicted higher mortality in the phosgene-only controls will help demonstrate efficacy of candidate treatments and increase the probability that a change in survival rate is statistically significant.
Comparison of two strip test methods of whole blood glucose measurement in the neonatal period

The aim of this study was to compare the performance and accuracy of the BM Strip test used in conjunction with Reflectance photometry, and the new non‐wipe strip test (Advantage) against a reference plasma glucose method. In total, 114 newborns consecutively admitted to the Neonatal Unit over a 6 mo period were enrolled into the study. Each newborn had their venous blood glucose measured by the BM Strip test and Advantage glucometer and the venous haematocrit was also determined. Plasma glucose was measured in the laboratory by the hexokinase method. The mean difference between the BM Strip test and plasma glucose was significantly less than the corresponding value for the Advantage glucometer (0.312,95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11‐0.51 vs 0.766,95% CI 0.57‐0.95], although the limits of agreement between both methods and plasma glucose were wide. Haematocrit did not influence significantly the accuracy of either test.
On the Tragedy of Personnel Evaluation

In social-dilemma situations (public-good games) people may pursue their local, egoistic interests and thereby lower the global, overall payoff of their group and, paradoxically, even their own resulting payoff. One may also speak of intraindividual dilemmas, where people pursue local goals at the expense of their overall utility. Our current experiments transfer this idea to the context of personnel evaluation and personnel selection. In our experiments, participants were put in the position of a Human Resources manager, who should for instance select workers who optimize the overall payoff of the company, rather than those who optimize only their specific payoffs. The results of the experiments, however, suggest that most, albeit not all, participants tended to focus on directly comparing individuals without considering the overall contribution to a group. Thus employees with the best overall effects for a company or organization may be evaluated the most negatively. This possible ‘tragedy of personnel evaluation’ may be linked to maladaptive incentive structures (personnel evaluation), advancement of employees (personnel promotion) and job offers (personnel selection), and may have a substantial negative impact on the effectiveness of companies or organizations.
State Writing Assessment: Inclusion of Motivational Factors in Writing Tasks

This study evaluated large-scale state writing assessments for the inclusion of motivational characteristics in the writing task and written prompt. We identified 6 motivational variables from the authentic activity literature: time allocation, audience specification, audience intimacy, definition of task, allowance for multiple perspectives, and real-world relevance and purpose. We analyzed 222 prompts from 44 states. We present descriptive results for each variable. Chi-square analyses indicated whether there were education-level (e.g., elementary school, middle school, high school) differences for inclusion of each motivational variable with writing tasks and prompts. We discuss suggestions for future research.
Cross-cultural reliability and validity of a scale to measure information technology capability

The purpose of this study is to validate a scale of information technology capability (ITC) across cultures. Organization level survey data from small to medium sized exporters in China and the U.S were used to evaluate the cross-cultural invariance of the measure of ITC. Although results generally support invariance of the ITC across the Chinese and US samples, differences in error variances and latent means comparing Chinese and U.S. samples were detected. The potential of the measure of ITC in clarifying sources of competitive advantage for small to medium sized exporters is discussed and directions for future research are suggested.
Authoritative and Authoritarian Mothers' Parenting Goals, Attributions, and Emotions Across Different Childrearing Contexts

Objective. The central goal of this study was to explore how childrearing contexts might moderate relations between parenting styles and mothers' parental beliefs and emotional responses. Design. Participants were 76 mothers of children (41 boys, 35 girls) ranging in age from 30 to 70 months. Mothers completed a global measure of parenting styles (authoritarian, authoritative). Self-reports of parental beliefs (parental goals, attributions) and emotional responses (angry, embarrassed, happy) were assessed in response to hypothetical vignettes depicting a variety of children's behaviors (aggression, misbehavior, shyness, prosocial behavior). Results. In situations depicting children's negative behaviors, authoritarian mothers were less focused on empathic goals and attributed child aggression and misbehaviors to less external sources than their more authoritative counterparts. Authoritarian mothers were also more likely to respond with greater anger and embarrassment across all childrearing scenarios. Conclusions. Results suggest that authoritarian and authoritative mothers differ in their affective response patterns consistently across childrearing contexts, but that more challenging childrearing situations accentuate differences in the cognitive reactions of authoritative versus authoritarian mothers. Implications for understanding how general parenting styles may be translated into specific parental responses are considered.
International Portfolio Formation, Skewness and the Role of Gold

This paper examines the optimal allocation of assets in well diversified equity based portfolio where the investor is concerned not only with mean and variance but also with the skewness of the returns. Beginning with an analysis of the rationale for concerning with skewness, the paper then discusses previous attempts to model multi-objective portfolio problems. The second part of the paper outlines the attractive nature of the gold asset in equity portfolios. The paper then integrates the two elements, showing the changes in portfolio composition that arise when not only skewness but gold are concerned.
Submodularization for Quadratic Pseudo-Boolean Optimization

Many computer vision problems require optimization of binary non-submodular energies. We propose a general optimization framework based on local submodular approximations (LSA). Unlike standard LP relaxation methods that linearize the whole energy globally, our approach iteratively approximates the energies locally. On the other hand, unlike standard local optimization methods (e.g. gradient descent or projection techniques) we use non-linear submodular approximations and optimize them without leaving the domain of integer solutions. We discuss two specific LSA algorithms based on "trust region" and "auxiliary function" principles, LSA-TR and LSA-AUX. These methods obtain state-of-the-art results on a wide range of applications outperforming many standard techniques such as LBP, QPBO, and TRWS. While our paper is focused on pairwise energies, our ideas extend to higher-order problems. The code is available online (this http URL).
Transitioning from Homelessness: A “Fresh-Start” Event

Permanent supportive housing (PSH) has been recognized as central to the goal of ending chronic homelessness. This qualitative study considers the positive and negative expectations of 31 men and women in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles who are beginning the transition from homelessness to PSH through a Housing First approach. This study uses in-depth, qualitative interviews and an inductive approach informed by sensitizing concepts derived from the literature and thematic analysis of case summaries, interview transcripts, and interviewer feedback and observation. Three themes emerged from the data: (a) nowhere to go but up, (b) some things stay the same, and (c) neighborhood matters. These findings indicate that PSH is regarded as a fresh start and universally positive experience, and that the role of neighborhood highlights a tension in the pursuit of recovery from homeless between removing people from their neighborhoods versus keeping them close to their previous and familiar environments. Implications for social work practice include that maximizing a successful transition will require understanding and managing people’s expectations and reality.
Proaction in the Recovery from Practice under Visual Displacement

Two experiments to test a proaction theory of recovery from visual displacement learning without apparent re-afference are presented. In Exp. I, the recovery of Ss following 2 successive displacements was compared with that of Ss following 1 displacement. The recoveries differed significantly in over-all extent but did not differ significantly in trend. In Exp. II, the recoveries of Ss following 2 successive displacements, in which the first would, by the proaction hypothesis, lead to different recoveries, were significantly different both in over-all extent and in trend. It is concluded that the recovery from practice under visual displacement is largely a proaction effect.