Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oxidation-induced calcium-dependent dehydration of normal human red blood cells

Phenazine-methosulphate (PMS) is a strong oxidant that induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in cells. Though it has been shown that PMS increases the red blood cell (RBC) membrane permeability to K+, the hypotheses on the mechanism of PMS-induced effects are contradictory and there are no data on volume changes induced by this oxidant. Therefore, the influence of the PMS + ascorbate oxidative system on the volume of normal human RBCs was studied. In a Ca2 + -containing medium, PMS + ascorbate caused dehydration (shrinking) of RBCs judged by: (1) changes in the density and osmotic resistance distributions of RBCs, and (2) a decrease in their low-angle scattering assessed by FACS analysis. The dehydration resulted from activation of the Gardos channels, was PMS and ascorbate concentration-dependent, was associated with broadening of the density and osmotic resistance distributions of the RBCs, and decreased in the presence of the taxifolin and rutin antioxidants. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the physiology and pathology of oxidatively-modified RBCs and may be of practical significance in estimating the antioxidant activity of various substances.
White matter abnormalities in blast mild traumatic brain injury in the military

ABSTRACT Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) has been labeled the “signature injury” of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and approximately half of mTBIs that occur in combat are due to explosive blasts. The rapid change in pressure that results from an explosion may make blast injury distinct from mTBI due to other causes. Persistent symptoms following blast mTBI may be related to white matter damage that has recently been identified using innovative neuroimaging techniques, such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). By comparing the DTI findings in blast mTBI to studies of the effects of white matter structure on functional performance, hypotheses can be developed about the implications of the injury for engagement in occupation. Incorporation of neuroscience evidence about the effects of blast mTBI may provide objective evidence of underlying damage that correlates with deficits in occupational engagement of military service members and veterans who are affected by these injuries.
Towards a complete binary key system for the speaker diarization task

Speaker diarization is the task of partitioning an audio stream into homogeneous segments according to speaker identity. Today state-of-the-art speaker diarization systems have achieved very competitive performance. However, any small improvement in Diarization Error Rate (DER) is usually subject to very large processing times (real time factor above one), which makes systems not suitable for some time-critical, real-life applications. Recently, a novel fast speaker diarization technique based on speaker modeling using binary keys was presented. The proposed technique speeds up the process up to ten times faster than real-time with little increase of DER. Although the approach shows great potential, the presented results are still preliminary. The goal of this paper is to further investigate this technique, in order to move towards a complete binary-key based system for the speaker diarization task. Preliminary experiments in Speech Activity Detection (SAD) based on binary keys show the feasibility of the binary key modeling approach for this task. Furthermore, the system has been tested on two different kinds of test data: meeting audio recordings and TV shows. The experiments carried out on NIST RT05 and REPERE databases show promising results and indicate that there is still room for further improvement.
Evaluation of histomorphometric changes in tissue architecture due to fixation delay

Introduction: All good tissue specimen preparations require complete fixation. The process of tissue handling and processing from patient to paraffin block is too frequently invisible to the pathologists. Many times due to certain emergencies or unavailability of a proper fixative, tissues are kept in different carrying media such as normal saline (NS) or local anesthetic till the availability of a proper fixative solution. This fixation delay can lead to various tissue architectural changes which can affect its diagnostic value. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess sectioning ability, staining intensity and microscopic details of tissues kept in different carrying media at different time intervals followed by standard fixation. Materials and Methods: Fresh tissue specimen, i.e., goat tongue was collected and its middle portion was retained and was used for study purpose. The tissue was grossed and kept in various carrying media for five different time intervals. Standard formaldehyde fixation was then carried out followed by sectioning and staining. The sections were evaluated histologically under light microscope. Statistical Analysis: For sectioning parameter, Fisher's exact test and for staining and microscopic details, Mann–Whitney U-test was used. Results: According to the study, NS is considered as a best carrying media followed by 10% honey and local anesthetic. Two percent hydrogen peroxide cannot be used as a carrying media. Conclusion: It was concluded that NS should be given first preference as a carrying media till the availability of a suitable fixative. Clinicians and Pathologists should have to familiarize themselves with the advantages and disadvantages of using various carrying media and the histomorphometric changes associated with delayed fixation which may lead to incorrect diagnosis.
17.1 An integrated 80V 45W class-D power amplifier with optimal-efficiency-tracking switching frequency regulation

Piezoelectric actuators are widely used in smart materials for vibration and noise control, precision actuators, etc. [1]. These actuators are largely capacitive and the reactive power applied on them can go to several tens of Watts. Highvoltage, high-power class-D amplifiers [2]-[5] are ideal drivers for such loads, because of their high power efficiency. Preferably, efficiency should be high both at maximum power and at average output power. Obtaining high power efficiency over the full output power range of a class-D amplifier is the main focus of this work.
Let's go from the whiteboard: supporting transitions in work through whiteboard capture and reuse

The use of whiteboards is pervasive across a wide range of work domains. But some of the qualities that make them successful--an intuitive interface, physical working space, and easy erasure--inherently make them poor tools for archival and reuse. If whiteboard content could be made available in times and spaces beyond those supported by the whiteboard alone, how might it be appropriated? We explore this question via ReBoard, a system that automatically captures whiteboard images and makes them accessible through a novel set of user-centered access tools. Through the lens of a seven week workplace field study, we found that by enabling new workflows, ReBoard increased the value of whiteboard content for collaboration.
Joint beamformer estimation and co-antenna interference cancellation for TURBO-BLAST

TURBO-BLAST is a novel multi-transmit multi-receive (MTMR) antenna scheme for high-throughput wireless communications. It exploits a novel space-time coding scheme based on the independent block forward error correction (FEC) codes and space-time interleaving, and a near-optimal iterative decoder, for decoding a new generation of space-time codes. The proposed iterative decoder has two decoding stages: a soft interference cancelation detector and a set of soft-in soft-out decoders. We focus on designing a robust parallel interference cancelation scheme that jointly estimates the soft interference and the linear beamformer weights to minimize the mean-square error (MMSE) between the true and estimated signals. Using simulation results, we show that the proposed scheme outperforms the previously proposed soft interference cancelation receivers based on the maximum ratio combining (MRC) principle.
Giving and Taking Family Leaves: Right or Privilege?

After briefly outlining the contents of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and its history, this Article examines four research questions. Two of the questions address the utilization of family leave: 1) how many workers take family leave and 2) which workers take family leave. The others address the implementation of leave: 3) how many employers comply with the FMLA and provide leave and 4) which employers comply with the FMLA and provide leave. To address the first two questions, we use the Commission on Family Leave data on the FMLA to show that the Act bolsters gender inequality in caregiving at the same time as it exacerbates inequalities by marital status, sexuality, race, and class. In doing so, it reinforces a narrow model of families practiced primarily in white, affluent, heterosexual marriages. To further examine the extent to which gender and class shape leave-taking, this Article relies on a qualitative study we conducted using intensive interviews and observations. We show that middle-class women (nurses) are more likely to take the leave provided by the FMLA than workingclass women (nurses' aides) while working-class men (Emergency Medical Technicians) are more likely to take leave than middle-class men (physicians) and argue that this highlights the intersection of gender and class in shaping caregiving and responses to the FMLA. Finally, to answer the last two questions, we use the Families and Work Institute's National Study of Employers to show that between one-quarter and one-half of employers do not comply with the FMLA. These tend to be small employers whose workforces are not unionized and include fewer women and hourly workers. We conclude by suggesting that the ability to take care of family members is a luxury and that the FMLA ensures caregiving remains a privilege rather than a right. t Professor of Sociology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts. tf Assistant Professor of Sociology, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, Virginia. The authors gratefully acknowledge the collaboration of Dan Clawson and the research support provided by the National Science Foundation (grant #SES-0549817), the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), and the University of Massachusetts Future of Work project. Copyright © 2009 by the Yale Journal of Law and Feminism Yale Journal of Law and Feminism I. IN TRO DUCTION 162 A. Background: The Politics of Gender Neutrality and Family Friendliness 162 B. Research Questions and Data Analysis 165 II. UTILIZATION OF FAMILY LEAVE 166 A. How Many Workers Take Leaves? 166 B. Which Workers Take Leave? Gender, Sexuality, Marital Status, R ace, and C lass 166 C. Which Workers Take Leaves? Intersection of Class and Gender. 170 III.IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FM LA 176 A. How Many Employers Comply With the FMLA? 176 B. Which Employers Comply With the FMLA? 180 C O N CLU SION 182
A Model to Support the Design of Multiplayer Games

Extensive research has shown that the act of play is extremely important in the lives of human beings. It is thus not surprising that games have a long and continuing history in the development of almost every culture and society. The advent of computers and technology in general has also been akin to the need for entertainment that every human being seeks. However, a curious dichotomy exists in the nature of electronic games: the vast majority of electronic games are individual in nature whereas the nonelectronic ones are collective by nature. On the other hand, recent technological breakthroughs are finally allowing for the implementation of electronic multiplayer games. Because of the limited experience in electronic, multiplayer game design, it becomes necessary to adapt existing expertise in the area of single-player game design to the realm of multiplayer games. This work presents a model to support the initial steps in the design process of multiplayer games. The model is defined in terms of the characteristics that are both inherent and special to multiplayer games but also related to the relevant elements of a game in general. Additionally, the model is used to assist in the design of two multiplayer games. One of the most difficult tasks people can perform, however much others may despise it, is the invention of good games
Online Predictive Tools for Intervention in Mental Illness: The OPTIMI Project

Mental health care represents over a third of the cost of health care to all EU nations and in US is estimated to be around the 2'5% of the gross national product. It additionally results in further costs to the economy in lost productivity. Depression and Stress related disorders are the most common mental illnesses and the prevention of depression and suicide is one of the 5 central focus points in the European Pact for Mental Health and Well Being. While other mental illnesses may benefit in the long term, Depression and Stress will be the focal point mental illnesses mentioned in OPTIMI. Currently the main treatments for mental illness are pharmacological and evidence based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT comprises a set of therapist and patient processes whose format allows for the whole treatment process to be computerized and personalized, Computerised CBT (CCBT). OPTIMI will try to improve the state of the art by monitoring stress and poor coping behavior in high risk population, and by developing tools to perform prediction through early identification of the onset of depression. The main goal of OPTIMI is to improve CCBT programs in order to enhance both efficacy and therapeutic effectiveness. The presentation will outline the main goals the project is aiming and its clinical rationale.
Significance of hyperintense vessels on FLAIR MRI in acute stroke

Objective: To describe hyperintense vessels sign (HVS) in patients with acute stroke on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI and determine its clinical significance and utility. Background: Enhancement of vessels on postcontrast MRI in patients with acute stroke is considered an indicator of early brain ischemia. Recently, the FLAIR technique has shown promise in earlier and better detection of ischemic brain parenchymal lesions. Methods: Two observers retrospectively reviewed 304 MRI of patients with stroke and identified 30 patients with acute middle cerebral artery stroke and HVS on FLAIR obtained within 24 hours of symptom onset. These patients were evaluated with contrast-enhanced MRI (n = 9), MR angiography of carotid and intracranial circulation (n = 30), cerebral angiography (n = 8), transcranial Doppler (n = 17), and SPECT (n = 16). The extent of HVS was compared with final infarct size and NIH Stroke Scale score. Results: HVS on FLAIR was seen in 10% of the patients with acute stroke. HVS was associated with large vessel occlusion or severe stenosis (>90%). Intravascular enhancement on contrast MRI was observed in vessels that were hyperintense on FLAIR. Both cortical and subcortical infarcts demonstrated HVS. MR angiographic and cerebral angiographic findings of large vessel occlusion or severe stenosis (>90%), slow flow, low velocities by transcranial Doppler, and hypoperfusion on SPECT correlated with HVS. HVS was the earliest ischemic change in three patients scanned within 3 hours of ictus. Final infarct size was smaller than the area showing HVS in all patients. Conclusion: HVS on FLAIR MRI is an indicator of slow flow and early ischemia as a result of large vessel occlusion or stenosis and inadequacy of collateral circulation. HVS does not mean that infarction has occurred but indicates brain tissue at risk of infarction. It should prompt consideration of revascularization and flow augmentation strategies.
Mortality and locomotion 6 months after hospitalization for hip fracture: risk factors and risk-adjusted hospital outcomes.

CONTEXT Hip fracture is a common clinical problem that leads to considerable mortality and disability. A need exists for a practical means to monitor and improve outcomes, including function, for patients with hip fracture. OBJECTIVES To identify and compare the importance of significant prefracture predictors of functional status and mortality at 6 months for patients hospitalized with hip fracture and to compare risk-adjusted outcomes for hospitals providing initial care. DESIGN Prospective study with data obtained from medical records and through structured interviews with patients and proxies. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A total of 571 adults aged 50 years or older with hip fracture who were admitted to 4 New York, NY, metropolitan hospitals between August 1997 and August 1998. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES In-hospital and 6-month mortality; locomotion at 6 months; and adverse outcomes at 6 months, defined as death or needing assistance to ambulate, compared by hospital, adjusting for patient risk factors. RESULTS The in-hospital mortality rate was 1.6%. At 6 months, the mortality rate was 13.5%, and another 12.8% needed total assistance to ambulate. Laboratory values were strong predictors of mortality but were not significantly associated with locomotion. Age and prefracture residence at a nursing home were significant predictors of locomotion (P =.02 for both) but were not significantly associated with mortality. Adjustment for baseline characteristics either substantially augmented or diminished interhospital differences in outcomes. Two hospitals had 1 outcome (functional status or mortality) that was significantly worse than the overall mean while the other outcome was nonsignificantly better than average. CONCLUSIONS Mortality and functional status ideally should be considered both together and individually to distinguish effects limited to one or the other outcome. Hospital performance for these 2 measures may differ substantially after adjustment, probably because different processes of care are important to each outcome.
Sudden cardiac death: the pro-arrhythmic interaction of an acute loading with an underlying substrate

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a complex phenomenon, occurring either in apparently normal individuals or in those where there is a recognized underlying cardiac abnormality. In both groups, the lethal arrhythmia has frequently been related to the physiologic trigger of either exercise or stress. Prior research into SCD has focused mainly on a combination of identifying either vulnerable myocardial substrates; pharmacological approaches to altering electrical activation/repolarisation in substrates; or the suppression of induced lethal arrhythmias with implantable defibrillators. However, it has been suggested that in a significant number of cases, the interaction of a transient induced trigger with a pre-existing electrical or mechanical substrate is the basis for the induction of the sustained lethal arrhythmia. In this manuscript we will discuss the precise mechanisms whereby one of such potential physiologic trigger: an acute change in systolic blood pressure, can induce a sequence of alterations in global and local cardiac mechanics which in turn result in regional left ventricular post-systolic deformation which, mediated (through stretch-induced changes in local mechano-electrical coupling) provokes local electrical after-depolarisations which can spill over into complex runs of premature ventricular beats. These local acute pressure/stretch induced runs of ventricular ectopy originate in either basal or apical normal myocardium and, in combination with a co-existing distal pro-arrhymic substrate, can interact to induce a lethal arrhythmia.
Real Time Head Gesture Recognition in Affective Interfaces

In this paper we present the affective message box, a dialog box that employs a real time head gesture recognition system as its input modality. Head nods and shakes correspond to “Yes/No” options on the dialog box. In addition, a confidence measure is inferred from a number of parameters extracted from gesture’s temporal patterns. While in current dialog boxes the input is either a definite yes / no, confidence measures provide applications with additional input from which an appropriate action can be selected. The head gesture recognition system we present here employs feature point displacements to describe basic head motions, which are in turn used with a state-space model to identify the head gesture. Our system detects head nods (95% accuracy) and shakes (91.67% accuracy) in real time (30 frames/sec) without the need for manual pre-processing or prior training.
Idiopathic pure red cell aplasia and nonregenerative immune-mediated anemia in dogs: 43 cases (1988-1999).

OBJECTIVE To examine clinical features, laboratory test results, treatment, and outcome of dogs with pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) and idiopathic nonregenerative immune-mediated anemia (NRIMA). DESIGN Retrospective study. ANIMALS 43 dogs with severe nonregenerative anemia. PROCEDURE Medical records of dogs determined to have PRCA, NRIMA, or ineffective erythropoiesis on the basis of bone marrow analysis between 1988 and 1999 were reviewed. Criteria for inclusion were > or = 5-day history of severe nonregenerative anemia (Hct < 20%; < 60.0 x 10(3) reticulocytes/microliter) with no underlying diseases. Information was retrieved on signalment, clinical signs, laboratory test results, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS Median age of the dogs was 6.5 years. Spayed females and Labrador Retrievers were significantly overrepresented. Median Hct was 11% with no evidence of regeneration (median, 1.5 x 10(3) reticulocytes/microliter). Direct Coombs' test results were positive in 57% of dogs. Biochemical abnormalities included hyperferremia and high percentage saturation of transferrin. Bone marrow findings ranged from PRCA (5%) to erythroid hyperplasia (55%). Myelofibrosis was common. Dogs were treated with immunosuppressive drugs and the response was complete, partial, and poor in 55, 18, and 27% of the dogs, respectively. Mortality rate was 28%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE An immune-mediated pathogenesis should be considered in dogs with severe, nonregenerative anemia, normal WBC and platelet counts, hyperferremia, mild clinical signs, and no evidence of underlying disease. Bone marrow findings range from the rare PRCA to erythroid hyperplasia. Myelofibrosis is often detected in affected dogs and may prevent bone marrow aspiration.
Outsourcing as an Improvisation: A Case Study in Latin America

This article discusses how political factors influence the outcome of improvisations. Improvisations are unexpected actions rooted on intuition and aimed at solving particular crisis. It is argued that the effectiveness of an act of improvisation is greatly influenced by political factors. Those performing the improvisation require being in a position of power,and the discourse that follows the improvisation has political connotations. The argument is developed through the discussion of concepts of power and improvisation and through the analysis of a case study. The case study concerns the outsourcing of the administrative information systems of the two largest hospitals of a Latin American country. The contributions of the article are twofold: (1) It identifies the relationship between power and improvisations and (2) it draws practical lessons on how to manage outsourcing.
Epidemiology of HIV among female sex workers, their clients, men who have sex with men and people who inject drugs in West and Central Africa

The West and Central Africa (WCA) sub‐region is the most populous region of sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), with an estimated population of 356 million living in 24 countries. The HIV epidemic in WCA appears to have distinct dynamics compared to the rest of SSA, being more concentrated among key populations such as female sex workers (FSWs), men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID) and clients of FSWs. To explore the epidemiology of HIV in the region, a systematic review of HIV literature among key populations in WCA was conducted since the onset of the HIV epidemic.