Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Public knowledge, perception, and expressed choice of telemedicine in rural West Virginia.

OBJECTIVE It is doubtful that any new health care delivery system that requires as much adjustment as telemedicine does will be sustained if its users do not fully support it. We sought to determine the familiarity with, perceptions of, and attitudes toward telemedicine among rural adults in West Virginia. METHODS Data were collected in a statewide telephone survey of 461 non-institutionalized rural adults. The survey contained questions about familiarity with telemedicine, perceptions about its attributes and benefits, and willingness to use it for routine, specialty, and emergency care. Responses were examined in relation to the subjects' age, sex, socioeconomic status, access to care, and insurance coverage. RESULTS Despite mass media coverage of the subject, only one third of the respondents had heard of telemedicine. Nearly two thirds thought patients would find it less satisfactory than seeing a physician in person. Male subjects, younger subjects, and those with higher incomes were more likely to think telemedicine would be as satisfactory as a face-to-face meeting. There was a general consensus on the benefits of telemedicine, such as greater convenience and easier contact with specialists. For chronic conditions, 47% of the respondents would use telemedicine if no physician was available locally, whereas 27% would go out of town to see another physician in person, and 25% would wait for their own physician. For emergency care, these figures were 41%, 58%, and 0. Three fourths of the respondents were somewhat or very willing to use telemedicine for routine or specialist care. CONCLUSION More work needs to be done to demonstrate the efficacy of telemedicine and disseminate this knowledge to the public.
Cytokines Regulate Vascular Functions Related to Stability of the Atherosclerotic Plaque

The cytokines are multipotent mediators of inflammation and immunity that can affect key functions of vascular wall cells. Growing evidence suggests that cytokines participate as autocrine or paracrine mediators in atherogenesis, as cells in lesions can both produce and respond to these mediators. The functions of vascular wall cells regulated by cytokines may influence lesion initiation, progression, or complication. For example, cytokines can regulate the expression of adhesion molecules crucial to the recruitment of leukocytes to lesions, including vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) can regulate the production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), a potential signal for directed migration of monocytes into the intima. Cytokines can also regulate genes that encode other growth factors and cytokines themselves. TNF-α can induce IL-1 mRNA in human endothelial (EC) and smooth-muscle cells (SMC). IL-1 and TNF-a can augment the production by vascular cells of macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), which may promote growth and activation of mononuclear phagocytes. Cytokines can exert both pro-and antiatherogenic actions. Activated T cells in human atheroma may secrete the lymphokine IFN-γ, an inhibitor of SMC proliferation. Cytokines influence vasomotor tone in arteries, e.g., by inducing a form of nitric oxide synthase, the enzyme that synthesizes the vasodilatory nitric oxide radical. The cytokines also modulate endothelial functions that govern the formation and stability of blood thrombi. Finally, in the late stages of the disease, matrix metalloproteinases derived from macrophages or smooth-muscle cells themselves may contribute to weakening of the fibrous cap in the vulnerable shoulder area, promoting plaque rupture and occlusive thrombosis, culminating in the dramatic clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis, including myocardial infarction and stroke. Thus, cytokines can influence multiple aspects of atherogenesis and provide new and interesting targets for therapeutic intervention.
Hydration studies of rice husk ash blended white Portland cement

Hydration properties of rice husk ash (RHA) blended cement have been studied using different experimental techniques. Results show that RHA retards hydration whereas mixtures of coal combustion fly ash and RHA accelerate it. The reaction between RHA and Ca(OH)2 is increased with increase of temperature. Compressive strength at 28 days of hydration has been found to be higher for RHA-blended cement than for white Portland cement alone. The increase in strength may be due to a change in the microstructures of the hydration products in the two cases.
Human mesenchymal stem cells support megakaryocyte and pro‐platelet formation from CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells

Megakaryocytopoiesis and thrombocytopoiesis result from the interactions between hematopoietic progenitor cells, humoral factors, and marrow stromal cells derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or MSCs directly. MSCs are self‐renewing marrow cells that provide progenitors for osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes, myocytes, and marrow stromal cells. MSCs are isolated from bone marrow aspirates and are expanded in adherent cell culture using an optimized media preparation. Culture‐expanded human MSCs (hMSCs) express a variety of hematopoietic cytokines and growth factors and maintain long‐term culture‐initiating cells in long‐term marrow culture with CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells. Two lines of evidence suggest that hMSCs function in megakaryocyte development. First, hMSCs express messenger RNA for thrombopoietin, a primary regulator for megakaryocytopoiesis and thrombocytopoiesis. Second, adherent hMSC colonies in primary culture are often associated with hematopoietic cell clusters containing CD41+ megakaryocytes. The physical association between hMSCs and megakaryocytes in marrow was confirmed by experiments in which hMSCs were copurified by immunoselection using an anti‐CD41 antibody. To determine whether hMSCs can support megakaryocyte and platelet formation in vitro, we established a coculture system of hMSCs and CD34+ cells in serum‐free media without exogenous cytokines. These cocultures produced clusters of hematopoietic cells atop adherent MSCs. After 7 days, CD41+ megakaryocyte clusters and pro‐platelet networks were observed with pro‐platelets increasing in the next 2 weeks. CD41+ platelets were found in culture medium and expressed CD62P after thrombin treatment. These results suggest that MSCs residing within the megakaryocytic microenvironment in bone marrow provide key signals to stimulate megakaryocyte and platelet production from CD34+ hematopoietic cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 184:58–69, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enabling RF/microwave devices using negative-refractive-index transmission-line (NRI-TL) metamaterials

Metamaterials are artificially engineered structures with unusual electromagnetic properties. In this article, we review the implementation of isotropic metamaterials that exhibit a negative permittivity and a negative permeability, thus leading to a negative index of refraction. Specifically, the article focuses on transmission-line metamaterials, which are planar structures comprising a network of distributed transmission lines loaded periodically with inductors, L, and capacitors, C, in a "high-pass" configuration. The periodic unit cell is much smaller than the wavelength, thus leading to an effective medium in which the lumped loading elements can be either discrete (chip) or printed. Based on such negative-refractive-index transmission-line (NRI-TL) metamaterials, several RF/microwave devices are presented, including microwave lenses that can overcome the diffraction limit, compact phase-shifting lines and associated broadband series-fed power dividers, electrically small antennas, antenna feed networks and baluns, backward leaky-wave antennas, and high-directivity coupled-line couplers and reflectometers.
Distance based Angular Clustering Algorithm (DACA) for heterogeneous wireless sensor networks

Today the main concern is to improve the lifetime of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) because WSN is collection of no. of small battery equipped sensor nodes which consume battery to communicate with each other and once battery is dead it is not possible to recharge it. They have the huge responsibility of sensing the environment, collect the data and then transfer it to Base station. For transmitting the data from edge node to parent node, sensor nodes must know the path which may or may not be the shortest that increases the overhead of path formation. To overcome the path formation overhead, clustering is one solution which further leads to the problem of non-coverage area. In this work, we are proposing a Distance based Angular Clustering Algorithm (DACA) on heterogeneous network which will overcome the path formation and non-coverage area problem by combining the data-aggregation algorithm to prolong the lifetime of wireless network.
Evolutionary Algorithm Based Centralized Congestion Management for Multilateral Transactions

: This work presents an approach for AC load flow based centralized model for congestion management in the forward markets. In this model, transaction maximizes its profit under the limits of transmission line capacities allocated by Independent System Operator (ISO). The voltage and reactive power impact of the system are also incorporated in this model. Genetic algorithm is used to solve centralized congestion management problem for multilateral transactions. Results obtained for centralized model using genetic algorithm is compared with Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) technique. The statistical performances of various algorithms such as best, worst, mean and standard deviations of social welfare are given. Simulation results clearly demonstrate the better performance of genetic algorithm over SQP
Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors and Their Receptors in and around Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations

OBJECTIVE The precise mechanisms responsible for the development and growth of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) remain unclear, but it has been hypothesized that vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) might be involved in their pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to examine immunohistochemically the presence of the VEGF family (VEGF-A to -D) and their receptors (Flt-1, Flk-1, and Flt-4) in the surgically resected AVM nidus. METHODS The AVM nidus was surgically obtained from 31 patients with AVMs (mean age, 40.5 yr, range 13–73 yr). The mean size of the nidus was 31.6 mm (range, 15–60 mm). Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens were stained immunohistochemically by the labeled streptavidin-biotin method with antibodies against VEGF-A to -D, as well as Flt-1, Flk-1, and Flt-4. RESULTS Positive staining for VEGF-A to -D was observed in the endothelial cells of the abnormal vessels involved in the AVM nidus and in the cytoplasm of astroglia surrounding it. Samples from 30 (96.8%) of 31 patients stained positive for VEGF-A, 4 (9.7%) for VEGF-B, 17 (54.5%) for VEGF-C, and 16 (51.6%) for VEGF-D. Flt-1, Flk-1, and Flt-4 were also positive chiefly, but not exclusively, in the cytoplasm of vascular endothelium and smooth muscle cells of the vascular wall. With regard to VEGF receptors, it was found that among the 31 patients studied, 19 (61.3%) were immunohistochemically positive for Flt-1, 6 (19.4%) for Flk-1, and 19 (61.3%) for Flt-4. A comparison of mean nidus size and average age at operation revealed significant differences between patients positive for VEGF-C, VEGF-D, Flt-1, or Flt-4. In contrast, there were no significant differences in nidus size and age in patients positive for VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and Flk-1. CONCLUSION These results strongly suggest a possible contribution of the VEGF–VEGF receptor system to the growth of intracranial AVMs.
Methodology for the Model for Failure Prediction in a Digital Signal Distribution

In the case of Digital Signal Distribution (DSD), machine learning algorithms have contributed to elaborate better ways to enable failure prediction. In this work a nested model for predicting failures in the components involved in DSD failure is presented. The failure can be caused by multiple and different components and also due to correlations between them. We propose a clustering model to isolate component behavior, and subsequently apply predictive models to each cluster. With principal components analysis and cluster analysis we have been able to identify group of failures' causes in this way failures can be segmented and treated properly. We found seven significant features for classification to determine which part is failing. The clustering process generated two groups that allow us to predict if a general failure is going to occur, and the classification process permits us to forecast which component is probably going to present a failure.
Frankenrigs: Building Character Rigs from Multiple Sources

We present a new rigging and skinning method which uses a database of partial rigs extracted from a set of source characters. Given a target mesh and a set of joint locations, our system can automatically scan through the database to find the best-fitting body parts, tailor them to match the target mesh, and transfer their skinning information onto the new character. For the cases where our automatic procedure fails, we provide an intuitive set of tools to fix the problems. When used fully automatically, the system can generate results of much higher quality than a standard smooth bind, and with some user interaction, it can create rigs approaching the quality of artist-created manual rigs in a small fraction of the time.
Supporting Online Material for Reducing the Gender Achievement Gap in College Science: A Classroom Study of Values Affirmation

Subjects Subjects were recruited from an introductory calculus-based physics course at the University of Colorado. Approximately ¾ of the enrolled students were men (74%), which is typical for this course. The study sample consisted of 439 students (311 men and 128 women) who (a) were over 18 years of age, (b) completed both writing exercises in weeks 1 and 4, and (c) took the final exam at the end of the semester. This sample represented 72.9% of the 602 students over 18 years of age who received a grade in the course. Of those 439 students in the sample, 7 students were removed from the analysis for failure to follow the writing instructions for one or both of the writing exercises (e.g., by discussing the personal importance of a value when in the control condition). Twenty-three students did not complete the stereotype endorsement survey question, and 8 students did not have prior mathematics performance data (either SAT or ACT Math scores). An additional 2 students were removed based on two multivariate outlier analyses, one involving the four exam scores and one involving the Force and Motion Conceptual Evaluation (FMCE) (S1) scores obtained at the beginning (week 1) and end (week 15) of the semester. These students had Mahalanobis distances of 22.6 for the exam scores (critical value=18.5) and 14.0 for the FMCE scores (critical value=13.8), respectively. This left a final sample of 399 students (283 men and 116 women) on which the reported analyses were based. An analysis of the attrition from the original study sample (439 students) to the final sample (399 students) showed no difference in attrition by condition for all students [χ 2 (1, N=439)=1.35, P=0.24], or for women specifically [χ 2 (1, N=128)=0.01, P=0.94]. As noted later in more detail, we randomly assigned approximately 60% of students to 3 the values affirmation condition and 40% to the control condition. This assignment plan was largely successful; the final sample of 399 students consisted of 178 men and 69 women in the affirmation condition (62.9% of men and 59.5% of women in the final sample) and 105 men and 47 women in the control condition (37.1% and 40.5%, respectively). Because 308 (77.2%) of the 399 students (212 men and 96 women) in the final sample took the FMCE in both weeks 1 and 15, the sample used for the analysis of the FMCE scores consisted of 137 men …
Line-Interactive UPS for Microgrids

Line-interactive uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems are good candidates for providing energy storage within a microgrid to help improve its reliability, economy, and efficiency. In grid-connected mode, power can be imported from the grid by the UPS to charge its battery. Power can be also exported when required, e.g., when the tariffs are advantageous. In stand-alone mode, the UPS supplies local distributed loads in parallel with other sources. In this paper, a line-interactive UPS and its control system are presented and discussed. Power flow is controlled using the frequency and voltage drooping technique to ensure seamless transfer between grid-connected and stand-alone parallel modes of operation. The drooping coefficients are chosen to limit the energy imported by the UPS when reconnecting to the grid and to give good transient response. Experimental results of a microgrid consisting of two 60-kW line-interactive UPS systems are provided to validate the design.
Remittances and Vulnerability in Developing Countries

This paper examines how international remittances are affected by structural characteristics, macroeconomic conditions, and adverse shocks in both source and recipient economies. The paper exploits a novel, rich panel data set, covering bilateral remittances from 103 Italian provinces to 87 developing countries over the period 2005-2011. Remittances are negatively correlated with the business cycle in recipient countries and increase especially strongly in response to adverse exogenous shocks, such as natural disasters or large terms-of-trade declines. Financial development in the source economy, which eases access to financial services for migrants and reduces transaction costs, is positively associated with remittances. Conversely, recipient-country financial development is negatively associated with remittances, suggesting that remittances help alleviate credit constraints.
Calcium overload and ischemic myocardial injury.

R eperfusion injury is an issue of concern to every physician treating patients with acute myocardial infarction in the 1990s. For patients without specific contraindictions to therapy presenting for medical care early in the course of myocardial infarction, an attempt at reperfusion of ischemic, but not yet necrotic, myocardium is the current standard of clinical care. Whether a patient is treated with a thrombolytic agent to lyse an intracoronary thrombus or undergoes emergency coronary angioplasty to reperfuse the myocardium, it is the hope, and usually the case, that reversibly ischemic tissue will be reperfused. However, it remains uncertain whether simply restoring blood flow to an area of myocardium lacking adequate blood supply is in fact the optimal strategy for salvage of myocardial tissue. Paradoxically, this seemingly straightforward approach may lead to reperfusion injury and necrosis of tissue that was potentially viable. Almost invariably, a patient with an evolving myocardial infarction who undergoes reperfusion therapy with either a thrombolytic agent or by angioplasty develops evidence for myocardial necrosis as evidenced by release of creatine kinase-MB. While it is convenient to attribute this myocardial necrosis to ischemic
Development of Interactive Instructional Model Using Augmented Reality based on Edutainment to Enhance Emotional Quotient

The research aims to develop an interactive instructional model using augmented reality based on edutainment to enhance emotional quotient and evaluate the model. Two phases of the research will be carried out: a development and an evaluation of the model. Samples are experts in the field of IT, child psychology, and 7th grade curriculum management. Ten experts are selected by purposive sampling method. The obtained data are analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The research result demonstrates the following findings: 1) The results of this research show that Model consists of 3 elements: IIAR, EduLA, and EQ. EQ is a means to assess EQ based on Time Series Experimental Design using 2 kinds of tools; i.e. EQ Assessment by programs in tablet computers, and EQ Assessment by behavioral observation. 2) The ten experts have evaluated the model and commented that the developed model showed high suitability.
Neonatal isolation augments social dominance by altering actin dynamics in the medial prefrontal cortex

Significance Social separation early in life can lead to the development of impaired interpersonal relationships and profound social disorders. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms involved are largely unknown. In a rat model of neonatal isolation, we examined social dominance in juveniles. We further investigated the relationship between actin dynamics and glutamate synaptic AMPA receptor delivery in spines of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of isolated animals. Here, we report that neonatal isolation alters spines in the mPFC by reducing actin dynamics, leading to the decrease of synaptic AMPA receptor delivery and altered social behavior later in life. Our study provides molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the influence of social separation early in life on later social behaviors. Social separation early in life can lead to the development of impaired interpersonal relationships and profound social disorders. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms involved are largely unknown. Here, we found that isolation of neonatal rats induced glucocorticoid-dependent social dominance over nonisolated control rats in juveniles from the same litter. Furthermore, neonatal isolation inactivated the actin-depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin in the juvenile medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Isolation-induced inactivation of ADF/cofilin increased stable actin fractions at dendritic spines in the juvenile mPFC, decreasing glutamate synaptic AMPA receptors. Expression of constitutively active ADF/cofilin in the mPFC rescued the effect of isolation on social dominance. Thus, neonatal isolation affects spines in the mPFC by reducing actin dynamics, leading to altered social behavior later in life.
All-digital ADC/TDC using TAD architecture for highly-durable time-measurement ASIC

For achieving a highly-durable auto-lidar (light detection and ranging) time-measurement ASIC, an all-digital ADC/TDC using a time-domain processor TAD (Time A/D converter) is presented. In order to realize wide-range temperature durability, sensor ADC/TDC circuits should be fully-digital, including a ring-delay-line (RDL) driven by an input voltage Vin for its power supply, along with an RDL frequency counter, latch and encoder. In this study, ADC/TDC cores are implemented with 0.26/0.35mm2, respectively, in a low-cost 0.35-μm digital CMOS by applying the same circuit architecture TAD. When the received pulse signal level is high, a 4-input terminal TDC can be used to directly digitize the round-trip time of light pulses with time-resolution 244ps/LSB (13-bit) without any AGC techniques. On the other hand, when detecting very-low-level noisy signals received, a high-speed ADC with voltage-resolution 10.9 mV/LSB (6.5bit, 40MS/s) is available for integrating received pulse amplitude to determine signal-travel time in a wide temperature range between -40 and 125°C. Finally, using the all-digital ADC/TDC, a time-measurement ASIC in a 0.35-μm CMOS for low-cost auto lidar has been developed, adapting to variable received-signal levels.