Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploiting caching for realtime multimedia systems

Several caching schemes for realtime multimedia systems have been proposed but they only concentrate on the hit ratio as the performance metric, without providing any means to utilize the disk bandwidth gained through cache hits. A high cache hit ratio alone does not capture the effectiveness of a caching scheme for such systems unless hiccup-free service is guaranteed. We evaluate three caching schemes which make it possible to provide service to additional streams with the saved disk bandwidth. We first start with NIC in which no cached intervals are preempted or replaced unless they have finished their playback. Next, we propose PSIC, which preempts the cached intervals for more valuable intervals but still guarantees hiccup-free playback. Finally, we present SPT-L scheme which has a significantly greater overhead and the best hit ratio. However STP-L suffers from frequent starvation, which verifies our claim that the high cache hit ratio does not necessary result in better performance.
Legislation on smoking in enclosed public places in Scotland: how will we evaluate the impact?

BACKGROUND From 26 March 2006, smoking will be prohibited in wholly and substantially enclosed public places in Scotland, and it will be an offence to permit smoking or to smoke in no-smoking premises. We anticipate that implementation of the smoke-free legislation will result in significant health gains associated with reductions in exposure to both environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and personal tobacco consumption as well as other social and economic impacts. METHODS Health Scotland in conjunction with the Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland and the Scottish Executive have developed a comprehensive evaluation strategy to assess the expected short-term, intermediate and long-term outcomes. Using routine health, behavioural and economic data and commissioned research, we will assess the impact of the smoke-free legislation in eight key outcome areas--knowledge and attitudes, ETS exposure, compliance, culture, smoking prevalence and tobacco consumption, tobacco-related morbidity and mortality, economic impacts on the hospitality sector and health inequalities. CONCLUSION The findings from this evaluation will make a significant contribution to the international understanding of the health effects of exposure to ETS and the broader social, cultural and economic impacts of smoke-free legislation.
c‐Kit and c‐kit mutations in mastocytosis and other hematological diseases

Mast cells (MC) are tissue elements derived from hematopoietic stem cells. Their differentiation and proliferation processes are under the influence of cytokines, including one of utmost importance known as stem cell factor (SCF). SCF receptor is encoded by the protooncogene c‐kit, belongs to the type III receptor tyrosine kinase subfamily, and is also expressed on other hematopoietic or non‐hematopoietic cells. Ligation of c‐kit receptor by SCF induces its dimerization, followed by induction of multiple intracellular signaling pathways leading to cell proliferation and activation. Mastocytosis, a relatively rare group of diseases characterized by accumulation of MC in various tissues, are found isolated or sometimes associated with other hematological malignancies in humans. Although the initial events leading to mastocytosis are not yet unraveled, alterations of the c‐kit gene have been described. Particularly interesting are acquired mutations resulting in a constitutively activated receptor, possibly involved in the increased numbers of MC in tissues. For this reason, future strategies might be envisaged to target specifically the mutated c‐kit and/or its intracellular signaling. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 135–148; 2000.
Auditory false perceptions are mediated by psychosis risk factors

Introduction. Auditory hallucinations exist in psychotic disorders as well as the general population. Proneness to hallucinations, as measured by positive schizotypy, predicts false perceptions during an auditory signal detection task (Barkus, Stirling, Hopkins, McKie, & Lewis, 2007). Our aim was to replicate this result and extend it by examining effects of age and sex, both important demographic predictors of psychosis. Method. A sample of 76 healthy volunteers split into 15–17 years (n=46) and 19 years plus (n=30) underwent a signal detection task designed to detect propensity towards false perceptions under ambiguous auditory conditions. Scores on the Unusual Experiences subscale (UE) of the O-LIFE schizotypy scale, IQ, and a measure of working memory were also assessed. Results. We replicated our initial finding (Barkus et al., 2007): High scores on positive schizotypy were associated with false perceptions. Younger participants who scored highly on positive schizotypy reported significantly more false perceptions compared to other groups (p=.04). Older participants who had had an imaginary friend reported more false perceptions during the signal detection task (p <.01). Conclusions. Younger participants seem most vulnerable to the effects of positive schizotypal traits in terms of a signal detection deficit that underlies auditory hallucinations. Schizotypy may have greatest impact closer to the risk period for development of psychotic disorders.
Changes in serum and histology of patients with chronic hepatitis B after interferon alpha-2b treatment.

AIM Chronic hepatitis B is a serious health problem. Interferon has long been used to treat Chronic hepatitis B. To evaluate the effects of interferon on chronic hepatitis B better, we designed the study to investigate the changes in sera and liver histology of patients with chronic hepatitis B after interferon alpha-2b treatment. METHODS Twenty-four patients with chronic hepatitis B were enrolled in this study. They all received interferon alpha-2b treatment as following: 3 million units, i.m. t.i. w. , for 18 weeks. Sera of all patients were obtained respectively for evaluation of ALT, HBsAg, HBcAg, HBeAg, HBV DNA and TIMP-1 before and after interferon treatment, also a liver biopsy pre- and post-treatment was performed for comparison of HAI, HBsAg, HBcAg, HBeAg, TIMP-1 and activated HSC in the liver tissue. RESULTS Patients who had normalization of serum ALT and seroconversion of HBeAg and/or HBV DNA (blot hybridization) after treatment were defined as responders. The response rate in this study group was 37.5 % (7/24). Compared to pretreatment, the serum HBV DNA and TIMP-1 decreased significantly (P<0.05), so did the HAI, HBcAg, HBeAg, TIMP-1 and activated HSC (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The significant decrease in HBV DNA in sera, the seroconversion of HBeAg, and the decrease of viral expression in liver indicated that interferon alpha-2b treatment can inhibit viral replication. The normalization of ALT in sera and the improvement of HAI in liver showed that interferon alpha-2b can improve the liver histology of patients with chronic hepatitis B. At the same time, interferon alpha-2b treatment can reduce the TIMP-1 in serum and liver and decrease the number of activated HSC, which may alleviate or inhibit hepatic fibrosis. Although the response rate was unsatisfactory, interferon play a beneficial role on patients with chronic hepatitis B in other respects. We still need further studies to improve the therapy effects.
The Affinity of Nuclear Factor 1 for Its DNA Site Is Drastically Reduced by Nucleosome Organization Irrespective of Its Rotational or Translational Position (*)

A DNA-bending sequence has been used for in vitro reconstitution of nucleosomes in order to direct a nuclear factor 1 (NF-1) binding site into different nucleosome positions. By this strategy nucleosomes were obtained that had one of two rotational positions of the NF-1 binding site, one oriented toward the periphery and the other toward the histone octamer, translationally positioned 50 and 45 base pairs, respectively, from the nucleosome dyad. The affinity of partially purified NF-1 for these nucleosomal targets was compared with its affinity for free DNA by dimethylsulfate methylation protection and DNase I footprinting assays. The binding affinity of NF-1 to all nucleosomal targets was reduced 100-300-fold compared with its affinity for free DNA. The two rotational settings of the NF-1 site showed the same binding affinity for NF-1 as did other nucleosome constructs in which the NF-1 binding site was translationally positioned from 10 to 40 base pairs from the nucleosome dyad. We conclude that the nucleosomal inhibition of NF-1 binding is an inherent characteristic of NF-1 since another transcription factor, the glucocorticoid receptor, is able to bind to its DNA site in a nucleosome.
Morbidity and Mortality Associated with Vasopressin Analogue Treatment

DDAVP is a drug that should be used with caution for each patient individually. Particular care is needed to avoid fluid overload and rapid fluctuations in sodium concentration. Not only families but physicians as well should be educated and aware of the adverse effects of DDAVP, especially in high risk patients. Extreme caution is needed in children with severe neurological and developmental problems who cannot control their fluid intake themselves. Similarly, caution is needed in patients with hypodipsia and DI who have difficulty in balancing water intake and DDAVP dose. The treatment of DI is water; however, DDAVP is given to avoid a large fluid intake which can result in medullary washout. Frequent home monitoring of body weight and regular determinations of serum sodium may help to disclose the early phase of over-hydration or dehydration. DDAVP therapy should be temporarily interrupted during acute illness, febrile episodes, hot days and other conditions with increased water intake. It should be used with considerable caution in patients with cystic fibrosis, or renal or cardiovascular diseases. In patients with enuresis, it is recommended that DDAVP medication should not be continued for longer than 3 months without stopping for 1 week for full reassessment. Fluid intake should be limited 1 hour before and 8 hours after the dose. Generally, undertreatment with vasopressin analogue is safer than overtreatment. A simple measure to avoid overtreatment is to miss one dose once a week; a rapid onset diuresis ('washout' effect) provides considerable reassurance.
Differing phenotypes of Moyamoya disease in a familial case involving heterozygous c.14429G > A variant in RNF213

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic steno‐occlusive arteriopathy involving the development of abnormal collateral vessels. Ring finger protein (RNF213) on the 17q25.3 locus was identified as an MMD‐susceptibility gene in East Asian populations. We report a 5‐year‐old Japanese boy diagnosed with cerebral infarction and unilateral MMD. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) showed severe stenosis of the left internal carotid artery (ICA), terminal portion of the left ICA, and left origin of the posterior cerebral artery. Genetic testing indicated a heterozygous c.14429G > A (formerly described as c.14576G > A) variant in RNF213. The boy's mother had no neurological symptoms, but sequencing of RNF213 showed the same variant, and MRA indicated stenosis of the terminal bilateral ICA. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of different MMD phenotypes in a familial case involving the same heterozygous c.14429G > A variant in RNF213. Genetic testing for RNF213 is suggested for family member screening.
Role of NQO1, MPO and CYP2E1 genetic polymorphisms in the susceptibility to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric cancer. The genetic factors underlying the susceptibility to this disease remain elusive. The enzymes CYP2E1, MPO and NQO1 are involved in the biotransformation of a variety of xenobiotics present in organic solvents, tobacco smoke, drugs, plastic derivatives and pesticides. They also control the level of the oxidative stress by catalyzing the formation of free radicals or by protecting cells from their deleterious effect. DNA variants in the corresponding genes have been associated with an increased susceptibility to different adult cancers, including hematologic malignancies. To investigate whether they represent risk‐modifying factors in childhood ALL, we conducted a case‐control study involving 174 patients and 337 controls, both of French‐Canadian origin. We found that carriers of the CYP2E1*5 variant were at 2.8‐fold higher risk of ALL (95%CI, 1.2–6.4) and that NQO1 alleles *2 and *3 contributed to the risk of ALL as well (OR = 1.7, 95%CI, 1.2–2.4). No such association was found with MPO alone. However, when the wild‐type MPO allele was considered together with the CYP2E1 and NQO1 risk‐elevating genotypes, the risk of ALL was increased further (OR = 5.4, 95%CI, 1.2–23.4) suggesting a combined effect. We also found a gene‐gene interaction between the GSTM1 null genotype and NQO1 mutant alleles. It is therefore plausible that exposure to xenobiotics metabolized by these enzymes play a role in the etiology of childhood ALL. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[Comparison of 1-year treatment outcome of intravitreal pegaptanib sodium versus bevacizumab for myopic choroidal neovascularization].

PURPOSE To compare one-year treatment outcomes of intravitreal injections of pegaptanib sodium and bevacizumab for myopic choroidal neovascularization (m-CNV). SUBJECTS AND METHODS 28 patients (28 eyes) with subfoveal m-CNV were assigned alternately to undergo intravitreal pegaptanib 0.3 mg (group P: n = 14) or bevacizumab 1.25 mg (group B: n = 14) between December 2009 and February 2010 and followed-up for one year. Both groups were evaluated every 6 weeks, and injections were repeated when exudate was observed in the macula. Visual acuity, retinal sensitivity within central 12 degrees, greatest linear dimension (GLD) and blood pressure were measured before treatment and at one year. Mann-Whitney U test was used for intergroup comparison, and the Wilcoxon test for comparing pre- and post-treatment data. RESULTS No significant differences in mean log-MAR visual acuity and mean blood pressure at one year were observed between the two groups. Mean greatest lesion dimension was reduced significantly in both groups. Mean retinal sensitivity was improved significantly only in group B. The number of injections was significantly smaller in group B. CONCLUSION Although changes in visual acuity at one year did not differ significantly between the two groups, bevacizumab improved mean retinal sensitivity with fewer injections than pegaptanib, suggesting that intravitreal bevacizumab may be more effective than pegaptanib for m-CNV.
DC level dimmable LED driver using DC distribution

This paper proposes a dc level-dimmable light emitting diode (LED) driving circuit using dc distribution. Eliminating lifetime-limiting electrolytic capacitors in LED ballast circuits by dc distribution improves system reliability. This new dimmable circuit controls LED lamps with minimum communication interfaces. The proposed dc-level dimming driver also improves system efficiency by matching the ballast input voltage to load condition. Detailed loss analysis confirms the efficiency improvements. The performance of this system is verified by 24-W LED lamp circuit implementation. The experiments confirm this method saves 8.1% energy compared to a conventional wire communication dimmable LED driver circuit.
Unscheduled returns to the emergency department: an outcome of medical errors?

Background: The causes of unscheduled returns to the emergency department (ED) within 72 hours of discharge are unclear. A study was undertaken to identify factors associated with this quality care indicator. Methods: 250 cases and 250 controls from the ED were prospectively studied. Outcomes measured were unscheduled returns, post-ED destination, and patient dissatisfaction. Possible medical errors (in diagnosis, treatment, prognosis or patient information) and errors in follow up care were identified. Other factors examined included chief complaint at presentation, discharge diagnosis, level of triage, category of treating physician, observation or not, application of emergency treatment, ancillary studies, accessibility to ED, ED time band or work shift, day of the week, past medical history, and demographic data (age, sex, educational level and economic status). Results: The main factor associated with unscheduled returns was error in prognosis (odds ratio 18.62, 95% CI 9.60 to 36.09). Advanced age and a chief complaint of dyspnoea were also associated with unscheduled returns and with admission to hospital. Post-ED destination worsened by 0.61 (95% CI 0.33 to 0.90) with diagnostic errors and by 0.60 (95% CI 0.30 to 0.90) with errors in follow up care. Patient dissatisfaction increased by 0.68 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.80) with information errors, by 0.63 (95% CI 0.17 to 1.09) with errors in follow up care, and by 0.52 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.94) with diagnostic errors. Conclusion: Unscheduled returns are associated with medical errors in prognosis, treatment, follow up care, and information. A worse post-ED destination is associated with these medical errors and patient factors (dyspnoea and advanced age). Patient dissatisfaction is associated with medical errors, level of triage or care zone, patient educational level and ED time work shift. Most of these factors are modifiable.
High-resolution Mapping of Satellite Using Biotin-labeled DNA Probes DNA

A8STRACT We have developed a novel method for high resolution mapping of specific DN,5 sequences after in situ hybridization. DNA probes, labeled with biotin-nucleotides in conventional nick-translation reactions, are hybridized to cytological preparations and detected with affinity-purified rabbit antibiotin antibodies followed by antibodies to rabbit IgG that are conjugated to fluorescent or enzymatic reagents. Using peroxidase labeled anti-rabbit IgG, we are able to detect and localize specific sequences at both the light and electron microscopic levels. Initial studies were done with repeated DNA sequences previously mapped by light microscope autoradiography to assess the fidelity and resolution of this method. An analysis using biotin-labeled mouse satellite DNA is presented here.
Root resorption and ankylosis associated with guided tissue regeneration.

BACKGROUND Root resorption and ankylosis have been reported rarely as sequelae to guided tissue regeneration (GTR). The authors describe a clinical case of root resorption following GTR that involved the use of a bioabsorbable membrane. CASE DESCRIPTION Two years after GTR was performed on a Class II furcation defect, the clinical examination revealed root resorption reaching the pulp chamber. The furcation defect was filled with epithelium and connective tissue, which contained inflammatory infiltrate and fragments of the membrane. The authors also observed areas of the tooth that exhibited points of ankylosis and root resorption. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Clinical trials have reported favorable clinical and histologic results with GTR. However, this case report, along with other case reports and studies in animals, suggests a high risk of root resorption and ankylosis after GTR, which could limit the indications for this technique.
Electroconvulsive treatment in adolescents with pharmacotherapy-refractory depression.

The effectiveness and safety of ECT in pharmacotherapy-refractory depression was examined in 11 hospitalized adolescents (ages 16.3 +/- 1.7 years, 10 females) with a primary DSM-III-R diagnosis of mood disorder, which had failed to respond to three or more adequate trials of antidepressant pharmacotherapy. After a thorough diagnostic evaluation, patients received a course of ECT involving 11.2 +/- 2.0 (range 8-15) administrations. ECT was commenced with bilateral treatment in 2 adolescents and nondominant right electrode placement in 9 patients; 5 of the 9 patients were subsequently changed to bilateral treatment. All 11 patients improved to a clinically significant degree. Significant improvements were noted in scores on the Children Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDSR-R) and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) (p < 0.05). Euthymia, defined as CDRS-R score < or = 40, was achieved by 64% (7/11) of patients. The Mini-Mental State Examination showed no significant decline in cognitive functioning. Neuropsychological testing completed in 5 subjects both before ECT and 1-5 days after the last treatment, indicated a significant decline in attention, concentration, and long-term memory search. Minor side effects, experienced within the first 12 hours of treatment, were headache (80% of patients) and nausea/vomiting (64%). The potentially serious complication of tardive seizure (after full recovery of consciousness) occurred in 1 adolescent. Prolonged seizures (> 2.5 minutes) were noted in 7 of the 11 patients (9.6% of the 135 ECT administrations). Pending further research on ECT in youth, it is recommended that ECT should only be administered to youth in hospital settings, that all regularly administered psychotropic medications (including antidepressants) be discontinued before ECT and restarted after the final administration of ECT, and that physicians be aware that 12 treatments are usually sufficient, but that 15 treatments may occasionally be necessary for treating depressed adolescents. With the understanding that scientific evaluation of ECT in youth is lacking, it appears that ECT can be an effective and relatively safe treatment for depressed adolescents who have failed to respond to antidepressant pharmacotherapy.
A Convenient and Reproducible Filtration Technique for the Determination of Erythrocyte Flexibility

SUMMARY. A micro‐cell filtration technique is described in which a silver membrane of 3 μm porosity is used. The apparatus consists of a membrane holder and disposable syringe only. A regeneration procedure which allows indefinite re‐use of one membrane is described. Filtration proceeds under the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid column only. A Locke‐albumin solution has been developed as a suspension medium and adapted for cell washing by the addition of fibrinogen and cholesterol. A plot of the volumes of cells filtered against log time shows a linear relationship for normal erythrocytes. The filtered red cells are virtually undamaged. The overall precision of the method is of the order of ± 2%.
About this journal.

Using Catalan and Mayangna data as evidence, I claim that experiencer predicates are drawn from a universal structure, headed by the functional projection vEXPP. According to this structure, an experience-denoting N is merged with a V-head to obtain an experience predication, which may take a source of experience phrase as its specifier. The experiencer, introduced by the vEXP head, c-commands the source of experience allowing for a ‘parasitic’ possession relationship. Additionally, the data presented here show that a limited subset of experience phrases allow an agentive reading. I argue that such agentive interpretation is the result of the merging in the structure of an agentive functional head, vAG, generated above vEXPP. In turn, this agentive functional head is responsible for the introduction of the agentive, external argument.