Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distribution Of Abo And Rh Blood Groups In Hiv Seropositives At An Integrated Counseling And Testing Centre In Karnataka, India

Introduction: ABO blood group system was the fi rst human blood group system to be discovered. Subsequent to the discovery of blood groups by Landsteiner and advancement in its study many workers tried to fi nd out associations between blood groups and the incidence of various diseases. The objective of the study was to create a blood group database which would probably help in transfusion services and fi nd out the distribution of blood groups in the seropositive population. Methodology: Blood groups were ascertained for 1809 patients who were HIV seropositive enrolled at ICTC in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Karnataka, India from April 2004 to January 2010 using the simple tile method. The results were compiles and statistically analyzed. Results: Blood grouping was done for 1809 patients, out of which 1749 (96.68%) were adults and 60(3.32%) were paediatric patients. O Rhesus positive was the most prevalent blood group in both adult (40.13%) and paediatric (43.33%) seropositives. B Rhesus positive was next commonest group in adults (26.12%) and A Rhesus positive in paediatric(30.0%). AB Rhesus negative (Adults-0.34% and Paediatric-0%) blood group was the least prevalent in the study population. Conclusion: It is important to create blood group database for the Indian seropositives population, to know any probable association between blood group and HIV infection. This study is an attempt to create a blood group database in a modestly large seropositive which would play a vital role in transfusion services and future research . Larger nation-wide studies would be required to substantiate any association between blood groups and HIV infection. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3126/saarctb.v8i2. 5901 SAARCTB 2011; 8(2): 42-45
Precoded MIMO-SC-FDE and blind channel estimation

In multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications systems, a crucial role is played by channel estimation as the accuracy of estimation will have a substantial effect on the overall system performance. In this paper we consider designing precoding matrices and blind channel estimation algorithms for MIMO single carrier with frequency domain equalization (MIMO-SC-FDE) systems. By deriving the relationship between the MIMO orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) and MIMO-SC-FDE, the theories for precoding and channel estimation for MIMO-OFDM can be directly used for MIMO-SC-FDE. Based on this, several new precoding matrices are designed and tested. The proposed precodings will not affect the power of the precoded block. Furthermore, fast algorithms are used for the implementation of the precoding and decoding.
A database evolution taxonomy for object-oriented databases

Like any other database application, object database applications are subject to evolution. Evolution, however, is a critical requirement in object-oriented databases as it is a fundamental characteristic of complex applications such as computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and office information systems. Object-oriented databases are inherently suited to supporting such applications. In this paper we present a database evolution taxonomy for object-oriented databases. We describe a conceptual database model and use it to define the taxonomy. We also present the various invariants and rules governing the various evolution operations. The execution sequence of rules is described. An implementation of the database model and the evolution taxonomy in the Semi-Autonomous Database Evolution System (SADES), is discussed. The implementation employs aspect-oriented programming techniques to provide a flexible means of transforming objects upon evolution, and implementing some application-specific evolution primitives. A case study compares the evolution taxonomy with existing evolution approaches. The comparison demonstrates that the taxonomy and its corresponding implementation in SADES provide improved coverage of the fundamental evolution operations to which an object database might be subjected. At the same time, erosion of the database structure is avoided by maintaining a coherent and comprehensible view of historical changes.
NUMA-BTDM: A Thread Mapping Algorithm for Balanced Data Locality on NUMA Systems

Optimizing for Non-Uniform Memory Access (NUMA) systems could be considered inappropriate because hardware architecture aware optimizations are not portable. On the contrary, this paper supports the idea that developing NUMA aware optimizations improves performance and energy consumption on NUMA systems and that these optimizations may be considered portable when they are non static. This paper introduces NUMA Balanced Thread and Data Mapping (BTDM), an extension of PThreads4w API [1]. NUMA-BTDM employs balanced data locality concept, improving thread and data mapping for NUMA systems. The purpose is to combine task parallelism with balanced data locality in order to obtain both better performance and reduced energy consumption on NUMA systems at run-time. The implementation of NUMA-BTDM targets homogeneous architectures based on the energy model with constant energy consumption or on the energy model in which each core is powered from a separate source (architectures on which parallel execution may reduce energy consumption compared to serial execution).
Software maintenance - an industrial experience

This paper gives an overview of the software maintenance process of Hitachi Software Engineering (HSK) Co., Ltd in Japan-including its success and failure cases. It discusses HSK's software processes, issues, use of specific tools and techniques such as IMOZU diagrams, and approaches in solving problems. These include the requirement capturing process, reverse-engineering techniques, environmental changes, change management, and project management. By discussing actual project experiences, we point to certain lessons and their implications for research in software maintenance. We also present the latest re-engineering CASE tools, such as RE-ENGINEERING and SEWB3, used at HSK.
Quantification of visceral adipose tissue in polycystic ovary syndrome: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry versus magnetic resonance imaging

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with frequent overweight and abdominal obesity. Quantifying visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in PCOS patients can be a tool to assess metabolic risk and monitor effects of treatment. The latest dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technology can measure VAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in a clinical setting. Purpose To compare DXA-measurements of VAT and SAT with the gold standard MRI in women with PCOS. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study of 67 overweight women with PCOS was performed. Measurements of VAT and SAT were performed by DXA in a 5-cm thick transverse slice at the L4/L5 level and by MRI in a 1-cm thick transverse slice at the L3 level. Results Mean (SD) DXA-VAT was 81 (34) cm3, DXA-SAT was 498 (118) cm3, MRI-VAT was 117 (48) cm3, and MRI-SAT was 408 (122) cm3. MRI and DXA measures of VAT (r = 0.82, P < 0.001) and SAT (r = 0.92, P < 0.001) correlated closely, and DXA-VAT was stronger correlated with MRI-VAT than BMI (r = 0.62, P < 0.001) and waist circumference (r = 0.60, P < 0.001). DXA-VAT coefficient of variance was 6.7% and inter correlation coefficient was 0.98. Bland–Altman analyses showed DXA to slightly underestimate VAT and SAT measurements compared with MRI. Conclusion DXA and MRI measurements of VAT and SAT correlated closely despite different size of region of interest, and DXA-VAT was superior to waist circumference and BMI in estimating MRI-VAT. DXA showed high reproducibility making it is suitable for repeated measurements in the same individual over time.
Neuropharmacology of the Naturally Occurring κ-Opioid Hallucinogen Salvinorin A

Salvia divinorum is a perennial sage native to Oaxaca, Mexico, that has been used traditionally in divination rituals and as a treatment for the “semimagical” disease panzón de borrego. Because of the intense “out-of-body” experiences reported after inhalation of the pyrolized smoke, S. divinorum has been gaining popularity as a recreational hallucinogen, and the United States and several other countries have regulated its use. Early studies isolated the neoclerodane diterpene salvinorin A as the principal psychoactive constituent responsible for these hallucinogenic effects. Since the finding that salvinorin A exerts its potent psychotropic actions through the activation of KOP receptors, there has been much interest in elucidating the underlying mechanisms behind its effects. These effects are particularly remarkable, because 1) salvinorin A is the first reported non-nitrogenous opioid receptor agonist, and 2) its effects are not mediated by the 5-HT2A receptor, the classic target of hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide and mescaline. Rigorous investigation into the structural features of salvinorin A responsible for opioid receptor affinity and selectivity has produced numerous receptor probes, affinity labels, and tools for evaluating the biological processes responsible for its observed psychological effects. Salvinorin A has therapeutic potential as a treatment for pain, mood and personality disorders, substance abuse, and gastrointestinal disturbances, and suggests that nonalkaloids are potential scaffolds for drug development for aminergic G-protein coupled receptors.
International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. XCV. Recent Advances in the Understanding of the Pharmacology and Biological Roles of Relaxin Family Peptide Receptors 1–4, the Receptors for Relaxin Family Peptides

Relaxin, insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), relaxin-3, and INSL5 are the cognate ligands for the relaxin family peptide (RXFP) receptors 1–4, respectively. RXFP1 activates pleiotropic signaling pathways including the signalosome protein complex that facilitates high-sensitivity signaling; coupling to Gαs, Gαi, and Gαo proteins; interaction with glucocorticoid receptors; and the formation of hetero-oligomers with distinctive pharmacological properties. In addition to relaxin-related ligands, RXFP1 is activated by Clq-tumor necrosis factor-related protein 8 and by small-molecular-weight agonists, such as ML290 [2-isopropoxy-N-(2-(3-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)phenylcarbamoyl)phenyl)benzamide], that act allosterically. RXFP2 activates only the Gαs- and Gαo-coupled pathways. Relaxin-3 is primarily a neuropeptide, and its cognate receptor RXFP3 is a target for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and autism. A variety of peptide agonists, antagonists, biased agonists, and an allosteric modulator target RXFP3. Both RXFP3 and the related RXFP4 couple to Gαi/Gαo proteins. INSL5 has the properties of an incretin; it is secreted from the gut and is orexigenic. The expression of RXFP4 in gut, adipose tissue, and β-islets together with compromised glucose tolerance in INSL5 or RXFP4 knockout mice suggests a metabolic role. This review focuses on the many advances in our understanding of RXFP receptors in the last 5 years, their signal transduction mechanisms, the development of novel compounds that target RXFP1–4, the challenges facing the field, and current prospects for new therapeutics.
A Simplified Space Vector Overmodulation Strategy for PMSM Drive System

A simplified space-vector pulse width modulation based overmodulation technique for permanent magnet synchronous motor drive system is proposed. There are two overmodulation modes in the proposed method. The duties of two modes for overmodulation region in modulation hexagon sector one are generated by simplified linear formulae. With simplified linear duty generating formulae, the computational burden is relatively smaller than conventional overmodulation method. DC bus voltage is maximum utilized and modulation index can be extended to the maximum value. The transition between linear modulation and overmodulation, and overmodulation and six-step operation is smooth. The results of verification on a PMSM platform demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Interindividual Differences in Caffeine Metabolism and Factors Driving Caffeine Consumption

Most individuals adjust their caffeine intake according to the objective and subjective effects induced by the methylxanthine. However, to reach the desired effects, the quantity of caffeine consumed varies largely among individuals. It has been known for decades that the metabolism, clearance, and pharmacokinetics of caffeine is affected by many factors such as age, sex and hormones, liver disease, obesity, smoking, and diet. Caffeine also interacts with many medications. All these factors will be reviewed in the present document and discussed in light of the most recent data concerning the genetic variability affecting caffeine levels and effects at the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic levels that both critically drive the level of caffeine consumption. The pharmacokinetics of caffeine are highly variable among individuals due to a polymorphism at the level of the CYP1A2 isoform of cytochrome P450, which metabolizes 95% of the caffeine ingested. Moreover there is a polymorphism at the level of another critical enzyme, N-acetyltransferase 2. At the pharmacodynamic level, there are several polymorphisms at the main brain target of caffeine, the adenosine A2A receptor or ADORA2. Genetic studies, including genome-wide association studies, identified several loci critically involved in caffeine consumption and its consequences on sleep, anxiety, and potentially in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. We start reaching a better picture on how a multiplicity of biologic mechanisms seems to drive the levels of caffeine consumption, although much more knowledge is still required to understand caffeine consumption and effects on body functions.
Progressive Borrelien-Enzephalomyelitis: Chronische Manifestation der Erythema-chronicum-migrans-Krankheit am Nervensystem

: A 54-year-old housewife became ill with transient diplopia followed by facial paralysis, tremor of the right hand and a progressively worsening disturbance in gait. Four years after the first appearance of the disease bilateral hypacusia, paralysis of the right hypoglossal nerve, dysarthria, severe spastic tetraparesis with ataxia, urinary retention and an organically induced character change were present. Lumbar puncture fluid contained 51/mm3 lymphocytes and 1164 mg/dl protein. Immunoglobulin A, G and M, synthesised locally, could be detected in cisternal fluid. The serum had a high antibody titre against Ixodes ricinus-Borrelia antigen and the same antibodies, formed locally, were present in the lumbar fluid. The neurological deficiencies improved markedly under parenteral penicillin treatment and the antibody titre decreased. The detection of Borrelian antibodies, especially those synthesised locally in the CSF, enabled an aetiological diagnosis to be made in seven other patients aged 18-47 years in whom the disease had been present for 1 to 8 years. These patients likewise presented symptoms characteristic of a disseminated disease of the CNS, with spastic pareses and evidence in the spinal fluid of chronic inflammation and disruption of CSF barriers in particular. This progressive encephalomyelitis differs from the common and spontaneously healing meningo-polyneuritis (Garin-Bujadoux-Bannworth), the usual manifestation of erythema chronicum migrans of the nervous system, in its progressive nature, its invasion of the CNS and the possible long lasting severe damage when not specifically treated.
Integrated program verification tools in education

Automated software verification is an active field of research, which has made enormous progress both in theoretical and practical aspects. Even if not ready for large‐scale industrial adoption, the technology behind automated program verifiers is now mature enough to gracefully handle the kind of programs that arise in introductory programming courses. This opens exciting new opportunities in teaching the basics of reasoning about program correctness to novice students. However, for these tools to be effective, command‐line‐style user‐interfaces need to be replaced. In this paper, we report on our experience using the verifying compiler for PEST in an introductory programming course as well as in a more advanced course on program analysis. PEST is an extremely basic programming language, but with expressive annotations capabilities and semantics amenable to verification. In particular, we comment on the crucial role played by the integration of this verifying compiler with the Eclipse integrated development environment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A CMOS sinusoidal signal generator based on mixed-time processing for electrical bioimpedance spectroscopy supporting beta dispersion range

A CMOS sinusoidal signal generator based on discrete-time (DT) and continuous-time (CT) processing is proposed for electrical bioimpedance spectroscopy supporting beta dispersion range of tissues. Differential stepwise sine-like signals with oversampling ratio (OSR) of 16 are used for input signals. DT filters with OSR=16 are used to attenuate close-in harmonics of these input signals, and a CT transconductance-C low-pass filter is used to attenuate less suppressed high-order harmonics under the DT processing of OSR=16. This proposed signal generator designed in a 0. 25μm CMOS process supports frequency range from 1 kHz to 2.048 MHz. The spurious-free dynamic range more than 65.7 dB and the total harmonic distortion less than 51.6m% were achieved for about 550-mVpp output amplitude.
Identification of catalytic sites for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution in N-doped graphene materials: Development of highly efficient metal-free bifunctional electrocatalyst

Doping of graphene with nitrogen imparted bifunctional electrocatalytic activities for efficient energy conversion and storage. Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are critical to renewable energy conversion and storage technologies. Heteroatom-doped carbon nanomaterials have been reported to be efficient metal-free electrocatalysts for ORR in fuel cells for energy conversion, as well as ORR and OER in metal-air batteries for energy storage. We reported that metal-free three-dimensional (3D) graphene nanoribbon networks (N-GRW) doped with nitrogen exhibited superb bifunctional electrocatalytic activities for both ORR and OER, with an excellent stability in alkaline electrolytes (for example, KOH). For the first time, it was experimentally demonstrated that the electron-donating quaternary N sites were responsible for ORR, whereas the electron-withdrawing pyridinic N moieties in N-GRW served as active sites for OER. The unique 3D nanoarchitecture provided a high density of the ORR and OER active sites and facilitated the electrolyte and electron transports. As a result, the as-prepared N-GRW holds great potential as a low-cost, highly efficient air cathode in rechargeable metal-air batteries. Rechargeable zinc-air batteries with the N-GRW air electrode in a two-electrode configuration exhibited an open-circuit voltage of 1.46 V, a specific capacity of 873 mAh g−1, and a peak power density of 65 mW cm−2, which could be continuously charged and discharged with an excellent cycling stability. Our work should open up new avenues for the development of various carbon-based metal-free bifunctional electrocatalysts of practical significance.
Usability evaluation in the field: lessons from a case-study involving public information kiosks

Public information kiosks are used increasingly in Singapore to provide enquiries and services to the public. Thanks to the National IT2000 plan, such kiosks are now a common sight in public places. To ensure effective use of such kiosks, a field evaluation of a number of public information systems was conducted from a human factors perspective. The paper reports the results of the evaluation for only one of the systems, namely the Postal Automated Machine (PAM) system. Subjects recruited for this user interface evaluation were required to complete a questionnaire, an interview and a performance test comprising a set of 4 tasks. Both subjective and objective data were thus collected and analyzed. Subjective satisfaction and usability ratings were then derived to characterise the information system. The results show that the PAM system was well received by users, despite existing design inadequacies. To improve its usability, some basic design recommendations were made. In addition, lessons derived from this and other case studies were used to support arguments on the need to apply both subjective and objective techniques for usability assessment. Only then can a comprehensive and reliable usability and user acceptance assessment be assured.
Psychotherapy with virtual pet agents-the PSY-AAAT prototype system

We propose a Cyber-Therapy Model: a therapy model to be applied in the virtual community. We have implemented a prototype system PSY-AAAT: Psychological Animal Agent Assisted Therapy (si-'at) based on this Cyber-Therapy Model. The goal is to design a compelling Cyber-Therapy Model, that involves the psychological therapy of single and multiple identity users and create an effective therapy system based on the model. The PSY-AAAT prototype system converts the user's psychological illness into an animal agent. The therapy method reflected into the agent is the Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). The animal agent becomes an indirect personal therapist to the user to lighten the psychological overload of the user. The user indirectly engages in a cooperative process with the animal agent. The user is educated about his/her illness through the caring/therapy process of their animal agent. Therapy is performed without the conscious awareness of the user. Both the user and agent initiate communication, monitor events, and perform tasks. As a result, we have designed a Cyber-Therapy Model, and have implemented the PSY-AAAT prototype system based on the model. The system has successfully converted an existing real world therapy method into the virtual community. We have laid an example that physical, and stereotypical restrictions on therapy are possible to overcome if put to practice in a virtual community.
Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made

We present the first ever global account of the production, use, and end-of-life fate of all plastics ever made by humankind. Plastics have outgrown most man-made materials and have long been under environmental scrutiny. However, robust global information, particularly about their end-of-life fate, is lacking. By identifying and synthesizing dispersed data on production, use, and end-of-life management of polymer resins, synthetic fibers, and additives, we present the first global analysis of all mass-produced plastics ever manufactured. We estimate that 8300 million metric tons (Mt) as of virgin plastics have been produced to date. As of 2015, approximately 6300 Mt of plastic waste had been generated, around 9% of which had been recycled, 12% was incinerated, and 79% was accumulated in landfills or the natural environment. If current production and waste management trends continue, roughly 12,000 Mt of plastic waste will be in landfills or in the natural environment by 2050.