Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Autonomous Sentinels for the Detection of Invasive Pathogens

This paper describes the results of a research project to investigate and develop an autonomous pathogen detection and capture system that mimics the function of naturally occurring biological defensive systems, such as white blood cells. The autonomous sentinel system is envisioned to have the capability of seeking out invasive pathogens in liquid environments, detecting and capturing them. Once detected and captured the invasive pathogens can be removed, by retrieving the sentinels using a magnetic field. The sentinels are composed of two main parts: a magnetoelastic resonator whose motion and detection functions is actuated and monitored using magnetic fields; and a bio-probe that is immobilized onto the resonator surface and captures specific target pathogens. The freestanding sentinels require no on-board power for motion or to signal detection of a target pathogen. Upon contact with the target pathogen, the bio-molecular recognition element on the sentinel will bind with the target cell. This will cause a mass change of the sentinel, which results in a change in the sentinel's resonant frequency and the instantaneous detection of the target pathogen. Similar to white blood cells, the autonomous sentinels when placed in a liquid analyte will move through the analyte, capture and disable the target pathogens and signal their detection. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate proof-in-principal of the concept of autonomous sentinels.
A Literature Review on the Impact of Yoga Way of Life on the Reduction of Job Burnout of Managers

"Burnout is the biggest occupational hazard of the 21st century," Job burnout is debilitating psychological condition which has serious repercussions for an individual’s personal health as also on the organizational effectiveness. Yoga way of life has direct relevance to address the issue of stress and burnout. It is aimed at making managers more evolved individuals with better understanding of their job situation in the overall context of life. The main contribution of this paper is to present a comprehensive literature study in this area and present a description of empirical studies conducted by yesteryear researchers.
The use of perceptual methods by new clinicians for assessing voice quality.

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of using perceptual ratings for assessing voice quality in patients with vocal fold nodules or polyps. A 13-dimension perceptual rating system was modeled after systems currently in clinical use. To meet the criterion of 80% mean interjudge reliability, eight hours of training were required for four previously inexperienced listeners. Extended vowel phonations of patients and controls were then rated blindly by the same listeners. Interjudge reliability was greater than . 90 for three dimensions judged in the pathological phonations, while intrajudge test-retest agreement was less than 75% on five dimensions. Validity was demonstrated with 100% correct assignment to group by computing a discriminant function employing all dimensions. Despite the extensive training procedures used, our reliability data were not comparable to those reported when highly experienced judges have been used, suggesting that the task of perceptually rating voice quality is difficult and requires extensive professional experience.
Text frame classification and recognition using segmentation technique

Text detection techniques assume that the frames given to them are all text frames. When a non-text frame is fed to the text detector there is an increase in the number of false positives which is a major issue in text detection and recognition. Hence, classification of text frames in a video sequence is important. The duplicate frames are eliminated and label each frame as text and non-text before it can be given for detection and recognition of text in a frame. Text in a frame is detected using bounding box technique. Once the text regions are marked, Fuzzy C Means (FCM) algorithm is used to classify each frame as text and non-text. The performance of the proposed work is measured in terms of precision, recall and F-measure and is compared with the existing approaches. The classified text frames are taken as input and are sent to the OCR Engine for character recognition. Several applications such as character recognition, video content analysis, and content based image retrieval, video summarization, and script identification etc., uses text detection.
External Labeling as a Framework for Access Control

EXTERNAL LABELING AS A FRAMEWORK FOR MANAGING OBJECTS Thomas H. Rozenbroek, Ph.D. George Mason University, 2012 Dissertation Director: Dr. Edgar H. Sibley With the ever increasing volume of data existing on and passing through on-line resources together with a growing number of legitimate users of that information and potential adversaries, the need for better security and safeguards is immediate and critical. Currently, most of the security and safeguards afforded on-line information are provided externally by the infrastructure and are based on security information that is also maintained by that infrastructure. As the infrastructure increases in size and interconnection, the more insecure the movement of information throughout the infrastructure becomes. The interconnection of different infrastructures means that there is a need for greater need for coordination between the infrastructures. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. An alternative to strict reliance on the infrastructure is to include security attributes along with the objects that need to be secured. It is possible to improve the security of this information by attaching the external security labels to these objects. These external
Paracrine actions of oxytocin, prostaglandin F2 alpha, and estradiol within the human corpus luteum.

Human luteal cells are known to interact in an auto- and paracrine fashion using a variety of substances, including prostaglandins (PGs), steroids, and peptides. In cultures of dispersed luteal cells obtained from several animal species prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and oxytocin (OXT) inhibit progesterone (P) secretion, indicating a luteolytic effect of these substances. The disadvantage of luteal cell cultures is that the different luteal cell types do not communicate with each other, i.e. auto- and paracrine effects cannot be studied. Therefore, we used a microdialysis tubing, which is implanted in human corpora lutea (CL) kept under short term organ culture conditions. Ringer's solution is pumped through the dialysis tubing, and substances secreted by the luteal tissue can be determined in the effluent fractions. This system also allows topical application of substances with putative intraluteal effects. In the present report we used PGF2 alpha, OXT, and estradiol (E2) to examine the effects of these substances on the respective other hormones and on P release from young human CL. Intraluteal application of PGF2 alpha stimulated OXT, E2, and P release. OXT was stimulatory to E2 and P secretion, an effect that can be blocked by a specific OXT antagonist and by tamoxifen. Elevation of intraluteal E2 concentrations also had marked stimulatory effects on P secretion. From luteal cell culture experiments it is known that PGF2 alpha and OXT have direct inhibitory effects on P production, but both substances stimulate E2 release. It was also shown that E2 counteracts the inhibitory effects on P release. Therefore, the PGF2 alpha- and OXT-induced E2 release may be responsible for the increased P release. This assumption is further substantiated by the observation that intraluteally applied E2 stimulates P secretion, and preexposure of human CL to tamoxifen prevents the OXT-induced stimulation of P, but not E2, secretion. We conclude that in young human CL, PGF2 alpha and OXT have dual effects: direct inhibitory effects on P release and E2-mediated stimulatory effects, which in young CL result in a net stimulation of P secretion.
Percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy: Immediate and long‐term follow‐up results

Percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy has emerged as an effective nonsurgical technique for the treatment of patients with symptomatic mitral stenosis. This report highlights the immediate and long‐term follow‐up results of this procedure in an unselected cohort of patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis from a single center. It was performed in a total of 4,850 patients using double balloon in 320 (6.6%), flow‐guided Inoue balloon technique in 4,374 (90.2%), and metallic valvulotome in 156 (3.2%) patients. Their age range was 6.5–72 years (mean, 27.2 ± 11.2 years) and 1,552 (32%) patients were under 20 years of age. Atrial fibrillation was present in 702 (14.5%) patients. No patient was rejected on the basis of echocardiographic score using the Wilkins criteria. Echocardiographic score of ≥ 8 was present in 1,632 (33.6%) patients, of which 103 (2.1%) had densely calcified (Wilkins score 4+) valve. A detailed clinical and echocardiographic (two‐dimensional, continuous‐wave Doppler and color‐flow imaging) assessment was done at every 3 months for the first year and at 6‐month interval thereafter. The procedure was technically successful in 4,838 (99.8%) patients but optimal result was achieved in 4,408 (90.9%) patients with an increase in mitral valve area (MVA) from 0.7 ± 0.2 to 1.9 ± 0.3 cm2 (P < 0.001) and a reduction in mean transmitral gradient from 29.5 ± 7.0 to 5.9 ± 2.1 mm Hg (P < 0.001). The mean left atrial pressure decreased from 32.1 ± 9.8 to 13.1 ± 6.2 mm Hg (P < 0.001). Although there was no statistically significant difference in the MVA achieved between de novo and restenosed valves (1.9 ± 0.3 and 1.8 ± 0.2 cm2, respectively; P > 0.05), or between noncalcific and calcific valves (2.0 ± 0.3 and 1.8 ± 0.2 cm2, respectively; P > 0.05), on the whole MVA obtained after percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy was less in restenosed and calcific valves. Ten (0.20%) patients had cardiac tamponade during the procedure. Mitral regurgitation appeared or worsened in 2,038 (42%) patients, of which 68 (1.4%) developed severe mitral regurgitation. Urgent mitral valve replacement was carried out in 52 (1.1%) of these patients. Data of 3,500 patients followed over a period of 94 ± 41 months (range, 12–166 months) revealed MVA of 1.7 ± 0.3 cm2. Elective mitral valve replacement was done in 34 (0.97%) patients. Mitral restenosis was seen in 168 (4.8%) patients, of which 133 (3.8%) were having recurrence of class III or more symptoms. Thus, percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy is an effective and safe procedure with gratifying results in high percentage of patients. The benefits are sustained in a majority of these patients on long‐term follow‐up. It should be considered as the treatment of choice in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis of all age groups. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;55:450–456. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
BioTAP‐XL: Cross‐linking/Tandem Affinity Purification to Study DNA Targets, RNA, and Protein Components of Chromatin‐Associated Complexes

In order to understand how chromatin complexes function in the nucleus, it is important to obtain a comprehensive picture of their protein, DNA, and RNA components, as well as their mutual interactions. This unit presents a chromatin cross‐linking approach (BioTAP‐XL) that utilizes a special BioTAP‐tagged transgenic protein bait along with mass spectrometry to identify protein complex components, and high‐throughput sequencing to identify RNA components and DNA binding sites. Full protocols are provided for Drosophila cells and for human cells in culture, along with an additional protocol for Drosophila embryos as the source material. A key element of the approach in all cases is the generation of control data from input chromatin samples. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Genetic Variation among Staphylococcus aureus Strains from Norwegian Bulk Milk

ABSTRACT Strains of Staphylococcus aureus obtained from bovine (n = 117) and caprine (n = 114) bulk milk were characterized and compared with S. aureus strains from raw-milk products (n = 27), bovine mastitis specimens (n = 9), and human blood cultures (n = 39). All isolates were typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). In addition, subsets of isolates were characterized using multilocus sequence typing (MLST), multiplex PCR (m-PCR) for genes encoding nine of the staphylococcal enterotoxins (SE), and the cloverleaf method for penicillin resistance. A variety of genotypes were observed, and greater genetic diversity was found among bovine than caprine bulk milk isolates. Certain genotypes, with a wide geographic distribution, were common to bovine and caprine bulk milk and may represent ruminant-specialized S. aureus. Isolates with genotypes indistinguishable from those of strains from ruminant mastitis were frequently found in bulk milk, and strains with genotypes indistinguishable from those from bulk milk were observed in raw-milk products. This indicates that S. aureus from infected udders may contaminate bulk milk and, subsequently, raw-milk products. Human blood culture isolates were diverse and differed from isolates from other sources. Genotyping by PFGE, MLST, and m-PCR for SE genes largely corresponded. In general, isolates with indistinguishable PFGE banding patterns had the same SE gene profile and isolates with identical SE gene profiles were placed together in PFGE clusters. Phylogenetic analyses agreed with the division of MLST sequence types into clonal complexes, and isolates within the same clonal complex had the same SE gene profile. Furthermore, isolates within PFGE clusters generally belonged to the same clonal complex.
Facial rhytides—subsurfacing or resurfacing? A review

Currently, ablative laser therapy (with CO2/Er:YAG lasers) is considered an effective and promising method of skin rejuvenation. The induction of collagen synthesis was observed after treatments with the CO2 laser and with the long‐pulsed Er:Yag laser. In past years, the undesirable side effects and risks of these methods have led to intensified research efforts in the fields of non‐ablative facial rejuvenation as well as subsurfacing by means of non‐ablative laser systems and intense pulsed light systems. The objective is to achieve selective, heat‐induced denaturalization of dermal collagen that leads to subsequent reactive synthesis of neocollagen but does not damage the epidermis. This article reviews the use of different types of lasers and intense pulsed light sources for the non‐ablative treatment of facial rhytides.
An Approach to Improve the Penetration of Sustainable Energy Using Optimal Transformer Tap Control

A method to secure the generator reactive power reserve by adjusting the transformer tap to improve the power system penetration of renewable energy has been proposed in this study. The tap is adjusted based on the voltage and reactive power sensitivity in the power system network. That is, the transformer tap sensitivity is calculated and analyzed to adjust the tap variation to gain sufficient or the least necessary amount of reactive power reserve. This method can be effective for generators without any margins in the reserves. The optimization problem based on the calculated sensitivities and effectiveness are presented. The optimum solution derived from such a problem provides the minimum control amount necessary to maintain the system voltage and dynamic reactive power reserve at their pre-specified levels to improve the power system acceptability of renewable energy. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the method proposed, a simulation has been performed for an IEEE-25 bus system. The results from simulations prove that the voltage has been well maintained while securing a dynamic reactive power reserve through optimal control based on the sensitivity analysis.
Parvovirus B19 and the pathogenesis of anaemia

Human parvovirus B19 (B19) infection causes human bone marrow failure, by affecting erythroid‐lineage cells which are well‐known target cells for B19. The anaemia induced by B19 infection is of minor clinical significance in healthy children and adults, however, it becomes critical in those afflicted with haemolytic diseases. This condition is called transient aplastic crisis, and the pathogenesis is explained by the short life‐span of red blood cells. Similarly, fetuses are thought to be severely affected by B19‐intrauterine infection in the first and second trimester, as the half‐life of red blood cells is apparently shorter than RBC at the bone marrow haematopoietic stage. On the other hand, B19 is also the causative agent of persistent anaemia in immunocompromised patients, transplant recipients and infants. The deficiencies of appropriate immune responses to B19 impair viral elimination in vivo, which results in enlargement of B19‐infected erythroid‐lineage cells. The B19‐associated damage of erythroid lineage cells is due to cytotoxicity mediated by viral proteins. B19‐infected erythroid‐lineage cells show apoptotic features, which are thought to be induced by the non‐structural protein, NS1, of B19. In addition, B19 infection induces cell cycle arrests at the G1 and G2 phases. The G1 arrest is induced by NS1 expression prior to apoptosis induction in B19‐infected cells, while the G2 arrest is induced not only by infectious B19 but also by UV‐inactivated B19, which lacks the ability to express NS1. In this review, we address the clinical manifestations and molecular mechanisms for B19‐induced anaemia in humans and a mouse model, and of B19‐induced cell cycle arrests in erythroid cells. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shear Wave Dispersion Ultrasound Vibrometry Based on a Different Mechanical Model for Soft Tissue Characterization

Ultrasound vibrometry can measure the propagation velocity of shear waves in soft tissue noninvasively, and the shear moduli of tissue can be estimated inversely from the velocities at multiple frequencies. It is possible to choose the appropriate model for tissue characterization from mathematical methods and analysis of model behaviors. The three classic models, Voigt, Maxwell, and Zener, were applied to fit the velocity measurements and estimate shear moduli of porcine livers with different thermal damage levels and different storage times. The Zener model always provided the best estimation of the moduli with the minimum errors in our experiments. Unlike the Voigt and Maxwell models, the moduli of the Zener model cannot be used to indicate damage levels in porcine livers directly, but the creep and relaxation behaviors of the Zener model are effective.
Consequences of unsafe abortion in India—a case report

Unsafe abortion represents a preventable yet major cause for maternal mortality in India. A majority of these abortions are performed confidentially. Complications occur in a large portion of these cases and ultimately require tertiary care. However, patients and their relatives often fail to disclose the abortion despite the critical state of the patients. This scenario creates considerable confusion for diagnosis and treatment and can lead to further complications. This case report of complications associated with an unsafe abortion in India highlights the need for clinicians to consider the possibility of an undisclosed abortion when treating any morbid woman of reproductive age.
Pleomorphic Rhabdomyosarcoma in Adulthood: Analysis of 11 Cases with Definition of Diagnostic Criteria

Currently, pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in adults is considered to be extremely rare or nonexistent. The authors have identified 11 cases of pleomorphic RMS using the following criteria: pleomorphic sarcoma occurring within voluntary muscle, large polygonal or straplike cells with copious eosinophilic cytoplasm, desmin and myoglobin immunoreactivity, or ultrastructural evidence of sarcomeric differentiation. Ten patients were male, the median age at presentation was 56 years (range, 27-84), and the thigh (seven cases) was the most common site. Of eight cases with clinical follow-up, one patient is alive at 20 months, and seven died 2 to 28 months following diagnosis. The tumors were generally patternless, but several had storiform areas. Cross-striations were not identified. Immunostaining for muscle-related antigens was positive as follows: desmin (in 10 of 11 cases), myoglobin (in 10 of 11 cases), actin HHF-35 (in all 11 cases), smooth-muscle actin (in six of eight cases), sarcomeric actin (in six of nine cases), and fast myosin (in five of five cases). Staining for S-100 protein was negative in all cases. On electron microscopy (six cases), two tumors had well-differentiated rhabdomyoblasts with sarcomeres, Z-disks, and hexagonal arrays of myofilaments; three were poorly differentiated; and one contained immature mesenchymal cells only. Pleomorphic RMS can be distinguished from other pleomorphic sarcomas provided that well-fixed tumor tissue is available for immunohistochemical staining and electron microscopy. We consider that this distinction is important in view of the poor prognosis associated with pleomorphic RMS in this series
Patterns of care for adults with newly diagnosed malignant glioma.

CONTEXT Patients with malignant glioma (grade III or IV) face a poor prognosis, and few evidence-based treatment guidelines are available. There is a dearth of prospective data on patterns of care for these patients. OBJECTIVE To provide benchmark data to enable comparison of individual practice patterns and outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS The Glioma Outcomes (GO) Project enrolled 788 patients at 52 clinical sites, both academic and community practices, between December 1997 and July 2000. The enrollment criteria included adult patients with primary grade III or IV glioma undergoing a first or second operation for diagnosis or treatment. The data collection instruments included questionnaire forms given at enrollment, during the perioperative period, and at follow-up intervals of 3 months until death or a maximum of 24 months. Of the patients recorded in the GO database, 565 patients with newly diagnosed tumors were used for this analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Patterns of care (surgical management, perioperative care, postoperative management). RESULTS Most patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (n = 518; 92%) and an attempt at tumor resection (n = 425; 75%). Cortical mapping (n = 107; 19%) and intraoperative image guidance (n = 161; 29%) were uncommon. Most received perioperative corticosteroids (n = 535; 99%) and antiepileptic medications (n = 497; 88%), but few received antidepressants (n = 38; 8%) or prophylactic heparin (n = 42; 7%). Most received adjuvant radiation therapy (n = 479; 87%), but fewer received chemotherapy (n = 300; 54%). Practice patterns varied significantly between academic and community settings. CONCLUSIONS Reliance on magnetic resonance imaging, surgery, and radiation is generally accepted; however, relatively infrequent chemotherapy use may conflict with published literature, and frequent use of prophylactic antiepileptic medications contradicts established practice guidelines. Other practice patterns involving surgical adjuncts, prophylactic heparin, and antidepressants require further investigation to clarify appropriateness. Establishing further clinical guidelines may help reduce variability in practice patterns.