LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Efficient fingerprint search based on database clustering

Fingerprint identification has been a great challenge due to its complex search of database. This paper proposes an efficient fingerprint search algorithm based on database clustering, which narrows down the search space of fine matching. Fingerprint is non-uniformly partitioned by a circular tessellation to compute a multi-scale orientation field as the main search feature. The average ridge distance is employed as an auxiliary feature. A modified K-means clustering technique is proposed to partition the orientation feature space into clusters. Based on the database clustering, a hierarchical query processing is proposed to facilitate an efficient fingerprint search, which not only greatly speeds up the search process but also improves the retrieval accuracy. The experimental results show the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed fingerprint search algorithm. 2006 Pattern Recognition Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
High-mobility Group Box Protein-1, Matrix Metalloproteinases, and Vitamin D in Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars

Keloids and hypertrophic scars represent excessive wound healing involving high production of collagen by skin fibroblasts. This review focuses on the role of high-mobility group box protein-1 (HMGB-1), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and vitamin D in these conditions. Although the role of HMGB-1 in keloids and hypertrophic scars is unclear, the effect of HMGB-1 on fibroblasts suggests a profibrotic role and a potential contribution to excessive scarring. MMPs contribute extensively to wound healing and characteristically degrade the extracellular matrix. MMP-1 is decreased in keloids and hypertrophic scars. However, other MMPs, including MMP-2, have been found to be increased and are thought to possibly contribute to keloid expansion through peripheral extracellular matrix catabolism. Many novel therapeutic approaches to keloids and hypertrophic scars target MMPs and aim to increase their levels and catabolic activity. The higher prevalence of keloids in darker skin types may partially be due to a tendency for lower vitamin D levels. The physiologically active form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3, inhibits the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts, and correlations between vitamin D receptor polymorphisms, such as the TaqI CC genotype, and keloid formation have been reported. Additionally, vitamin D may exert an antifibrotic effect partially mediated by MMPs. Here, we critically discuss whether keloid and hypertrophic scar formation could be predicted based on vitamin D status and vitamin D receptor polymorphisms. Specifically, the findings identified HMGB-1, MMPs, and vitamin D as potential avenues for further clinical investigation and potentially novel therapeutic approaches to prevent the development of keloids and hypertrophic scars.
Impedance methods for electrochemical sensors using nanomaterials

This article presents an overview of electrochemical sensors that employ nanomaterials and utilize electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for analyte detection. The most widely utilized nanomaterials in impedance sensors are gold (Au) nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Au nanoparticles have been employed in impedance sensors to form electrodes from nanoparticle ensembles and to amplify impedance signals by forming nanoparticle-biomolecule conjugates in the solution phase. CNTs have been employed for impedance sensors within composite electrodes and as nanoelectrode arrays. The advantages of nanomaterials in impedance sensors include increased sensor surface area, electrical conductivity and connectivity, chemical accessibility and electrocatalysis. a 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Predicting Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) from the Systemizing Quotient-Revised (SQ-R) and Empathy Quotient (EQ)

BACKGROUND
Empathizing is a specific component of social cognition. Empathizing is also specifically impaired in autism spectrum condition (ASC). These are two dimensions, measurable using the Empathy Quotient (EQ) and the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). ASC also involves strong systemizing, a dimension measured using the Systemizing Quotient (SQ). The present study examined the relationship between the EQ, AQ and SQ. The EQ and SQ have been used previously to test for sex differences in 5 'brain types' (Types S, E, B and extremes of Type S or E). Finally, people with ASC have been conceptualized as an extreme of the male brain.


METHOD
We revised the SQ to avoid a traditionalist bias, thus producing the SQ-Revised (SQ-R). AQ and EQ were not modified. All 3 were administered online.


SAMPLE
Students (723 males, 1038 females) were compared to a group of adults with ASC group (69 males, 56 females).


AIMS
(1) To report scores from the SQ-R. (2) To test for SQ-R differences among students in the sciences vs. humanities. (3) To test if AQ can be predicted from EQ and SQ-R scores. (4) To test for sex differences on each of these in a typical sample, and for the absence of a sex difference in a sample with ASC if both males and females with ASC are hyper-masculinized. (5) To report percentages of males, females and people with an ASC who show each brain type.


RESULTS
AQ score was successfully predicted from EQ and SQ-R scores. In the typical group, males scored significantly higher than females on the AQ and SQ-R, and lower on the EQ. The ASC group scored higher than sex-matched controls on the SQ-R, and showed no sex differences on any of the 3 measures. More than twice as many typical males as females were Type S, and more than twice as many typical females as males were Type E. The majority of adults with ASC were Extreme Type S, compared to 5% of typical males and 0.9% of typical females. The EQ had a weak negative correlation with the SQ-R.


DISCUSSION
Empathizing is largely but not completely independent of systemizing. The weak but significant negative correlation may indicate a trade-off between them. ASC involves impaired empathizing alongside intact or superior systemizing. Future work should investigate the biological basis of these dimensions, and the small trade-off between them.
Topical application of Calendula officinalis (L.): Formulation and evaluation of hydrophilic cream with antioxidant activity

Department of Drug Technology and Pharmaceutical Management, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kaunas University of Medicine, Kaunas, Lithuania. Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic. Kaunas College, Faculty of Healthcare, Kaunas, Lithuania. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kaunas University of Medicine, Kaunas, Lithuania.
A Hardware Acceleration Method for Volumetric Ray Tracing

In this paper we present an acceleration method for volumetric ray tracing which utilizes standard graphics hardware without compromising image accuracy. The graphics hardware is employed to ident@ those segments of each ray that could possibly contribute to the jinal image. A volumetric ray tracing algorithm is then used to compute the$nal image, traversing only the identi$ed segments of the rays. This technique can be used to render volumetric isosurfaces as well as translucent volumes. In addition, this method can accelerate the traversal of shadow rays when performing recursive ray tracing.
Comparative analysis of temozolomide (TMZ) versus 1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1 nitrosourea (BCNU) in newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients

Purpose Although TMZ replaced BCNU as the standard initial chemotherapy in the treatment of GBM, no studies have been reported comparing BCNU with TMZ. We therefore did a retrospective analysis comparing these agents as initial therapy in GBM. Patients and methods Eighty-one patients with GBM in our institution received both radiation and chemotherapy as initial treatment after surgery or biopsy; 49 receiving BCNU and 32 TMZ. These were analyzed for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) versus the type of chemotherapy used. The influence of salvage therapy on the outcome was investigated also. Results Median OS was superior in the TMZ versus the BCNU group (15.9 vs. 11.5 months) and the curves were judged to be significantly different by the log-rank test; P < 0.02. However, PFS was not significantly different between the two groups. Bevacizumab plus irinotecan (BI) was used as salvage therapy in one-third of the TMZ patients but in none of the BCNU patients. When patients receiving BI were omitted from the TMZ group the OS curve overlapped that of BCNU patients. Conclusion These data suggest that the superior OS of the TMZ-treated GBM patients was not due to better tumor control by TMZ but was possibly related to the newer salvage therapy that was available to them.
Passive Islanding Detection Approach Based on Tracking the Frequency-Dependent Impedance Change

This paper presents a passive islanding detection approach based on measurements of the frequency-dependent impedance at the point of common coupling. The approach exploits the presence of harmonics injected by the electric power system (EPS) and harmonics injected by the distributed generator (DG). Models of impedance are developed to characterize the interconnection topology among the DG, the EPS, and the local load. The interconnection topology changes when islanding occurs resulting in a frequency-dependent change of the impedance as seen by the DG. Islanding is detected when certain changes in the impedance magnitude are detected at certain harmonics. The approach is new: 1) an impedance-based analytic model is derived from the interconnection topology and this may be used as a basis for feature extraction and threshold selection; 2) a passive algorithm is proposed as an enhancement to the under/overfrequency (UF/OF) method; 3) a grid impedance parameter space is derived to characterize the detection zone; and 4) a local load parameter space is used to compare the nondetection zone (NDZ) of the proposed method with that of the UF/OF method without the enhancement. The proposed approach is shown to reduce the NDZ when combined with the UF/OF method.
Functional Wnt Signaling Is Increased in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

BACKGROUND
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease, characterized by distorted lung architecture and loss of respiratory function. Alveolar epithelial cell injury and hyperplasia, enhanced extracellular matrix deposition, and (myo)fibroblast activation are features of IPF. Wnt/beta-catenin signaling has been shown to determine epithelial cell fate during development. As aberrant reactivation of developmental signaling pathways has been suggested to contribute to IPF pathogenesis, we hypothesized that Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is activated in epithelial cells in IPF. Thus, we quantified and localized the expression and activity of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in IPF.


METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
The expression of Wnt1, 3a, 7b, and 10b, the Wnt receptors Fzd1-4, Lrp5-6, as well as the intracellular signal transducers Gsk-3beta, beta-catenin, Tcf1, 3, 4, and Lef1 was analyzed in IPF and transplant donor lungs by quantitative real-time (q)RT-PCR. Wnt1, 7b and 10b, Fzd2 and 3, beta-catenin, and Lef1 expression was significantly increased in IPF. Immunohistochemical analysis localized Wnt1, Wnt3a, beta-catenin, and Gsk-3beta expression largely to alveolar and bronchial epithelium. This was confirmed by qRT-PCR of primary alveolar epithelial type II (ATII) cells, demonstrating a significant increase of Wnt signaling in ATII cells derived from IPF patients. In addition, Western blot analysis of phospho-Gsk-3beta, phospho-Lrp6, and beta-catenin, and qRT-PCR of the Wnt target genes cyclin D1, Mmp 7, or Fibronectin 1 demonstrated increased functional Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in IPF compared with controls. Functional in vitro studies further revealed that Wnt ligands induced lung epithelial cell proliferation and (myo)fibroblast activation and collagen synthesis.


CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
Our study demonstrates that the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is expressed and operative in adult lung epithelium. Increased Wnt/beta-catenin signaling may be involved in epithelial cell injury and hyperplasia, as well as impaired epithelial-mesenchymal cross-talk in IPF. Thus, modification of Wnt signaling may represent a therapeutic option in IPF.
Isolated wetlands and their functions: An ecological perspective

The recent U.S. Supreme Court case of Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (SWANCC) has had profound implications on the legal status of isolated wetlands. As a result, policymakers need ecological information on the definition and functions of isolated wetlands to respond to this decision. The term “isolated wetlands” is of fairly recent usage and has been poorly defined. In response, I recommend Tiner’s (2003b) definition as wetlands “that are completely surrounded by upland.” Isolation needs to be considered with respect to specific processes and functions. I suggest that isolation not be viewed discretely but be considered within an isolation-connectivity continuum. Isolation has a fundamental influence on the way water enters and leaves a wetland. This consequently affects any wetland function that depends on water as a vector (e.g., pollutant transport and certain types of dispersal). These wetlands can also have a high level of endemism, extensive plant zonation, and high biodiversity. Isolated wetlands, however, do not represent ecologically isolated habitat for many organisms. I conclude that the effect of isolation may not be as significant as the term “isolated wetlands” suggests: many of the biological features of isolated wetlands may result from environmental conditions that also occur in nonisolated wetlands. As a result of SWANCC, assessment methods are needed that can help regulators distinguish between jurisdictional and non-jurisdictional isolated wetlands. I propose that the merger of simple, source-sink-transport vector concepts with landscape-level assessment methods could be useful in this regard. I point to the need for documented examples of organisms that spend most of their lives in waters of the U.S. but also require isolated wetlands. I conclude that wetland science would benefit from the development of a comprehensive view of isolation as a formative process across different regional wetland types.
The oncologic outcome and immediate surgical complications of lipofilling in breast cancer patients: a multicenter study--Milan-Paris-Lyon experience of 646 lipofilling procedures.

BACKGROUND
Lipofilling is now performed to improve the breast contour, after both breast-conserving surgery and breast reconstruction. However, injection of fat into a previous tumor site may create a new environment for cancer and adjacent cells. There is also no international agreement regarding lipofilling after breast cancer treatment.


METHODS
The authors included three institutions specializing in both breast cancer treatment and breast reconstruction (European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy; Paris Breast Center, Paris, France; and Leon Berard Centre, Lyon, France) for a multicenter study. A collective chart review of all lipofilling procedures after breast cancer treatment was performed.


RESULTS
From 2000 to 2010, the authors reviewed 646 lipofilling procedures from 513 patients. There were 370 mastectomy patients and 143 breast-conserving surgery patients. There were 405 patients (78.9 percent) with invasive carcinoma and 108 (21.1 percent) with carcinoma in situ. The average interval between oncologic surgical interventions and lipofilling was 39.7 months. Average follow-up after lipofilling was 19.2 months. The authors observed a complication rate of 2.8 percent (liponecrosis, 2.0 percent). Twelve radiologic images appeared after lipofilling in 119 breast-conserving surgery cases (10.1 percent). The overall oncologic event rate was 5.6 percent (3.6 percent per year). The locoregional event rate was 2.4 percent (1.5 percent per year).


CONCLUSIONS
Lipofilling after breast cancer treatment leads to a low complication rate and does not affect radiologic follow-up after breast-conserving surgery. A prospective clinical registry including high-volume multicenter data with a long follow-up is warranted to demonstrate the oncologic safety. Until then, lipofilling should be performed in experienced hands, and a cautious oncologic follow-up protocol is advised.


CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic, IV [corrected].
FORWARD LINK POWER CONTROL FOR HIGH ALTITUDE PLATFORM STATION W-CDMA SYSTEM

iii This work is dedicated to my beloved parents, for all the sacrifices they have made to ensure that I obtain the best education possible. Their unconditional love and words of encouragement has really been a tonic to me. Looking back to the dark days and tough times I have been through, my parents has always given me the strength to persevere. Then I dedicated to my brother and sisters. May Allah be with them every step of the way, and richly bless them in everything they do iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost, I would like to give thanks to the Almighty Allah for He made my dream comes true by giving me strength and good health to complete this study. Without Him, all my efforts would have been fruitless but because He is the only one who knows our fate, He made it possible for me to pursue my studies at UTM. Special thanks go to my supervisor Dr. Jafri Bin Din, for allowing me to carry out this study under his supervision, and for his constructive criticism and support, which has enabled me to complete this study on time. During the past one year of my research under his supervision, I have known Dr. Jafri Bin Din as a sympathetic and principle-centered person. He thought me how to be a challenger, how to set my benchmark ever higher and how to look for solutions to problems rather than focus on the problems. I learned to believe in myself, my work and my future. Thank you Dr. Jafri Bin Din, for your love, emotional and intellectual support as well as your never-ending faith in me. Last but not least, I am forever indebted to all my family members for their constant support throughout the entire duration of this project. Their words of encouragement never failed to keep me going even through the hardest of times and it is here that I express my sincerest gratitude to them. ABSTRACT In parallel with terrestrial and satellite wireless networks, a new alternative based on platforms located in the stratosphere has recently introduced, known as High Altitude Platforms (HAPS). HAPS are either airships or aircraft positioned between 17 and 22.5 km above the earth surface. It has capability to deliver a wide spectrum of applications to both mobile and fixed users over a broad coverage area. Wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) has …
Patterns Generate Architectures

We need ways to describe designs that communicate the reasons for our design decisions, not just the results. Design patterns have been proposed as ways of communicating design information. This paper shows that patterns can be used to derive an architecture from its problem statement. The resulting description makes it easier to understand the purpose of the various architectural features.
Improved Constant-Time Approximation Algorithms for Maximum Matchings and Other Optimization Problems

We study constant-time approximation algorithms for bounded-degree graphs, which run in time independent of the number of vertices n. We present an algorithm that decides whether a vertex is contained in a some fixed maximal independent set with expected query complexity O(d2), where d is the degree bound. Using this algorithm, we show constant-time approximation algorithms with certain multiplicative error and additive error n for many other problems, e.g., the maximum matching problem, the minimum vertex cover problem, and the minimum set cover problem, that run exponentially faster than existing algorithms with respect to d and 1 . Our approximation algorithm for the maximum matching problem can be transformed to a two-sided error tester for the property of having a perfect matching. On the contrary, we show that every one-sided error tester for the property requires at least Ω(n) queries.
The Ruggiero-Klinghardt (RK) Protocol for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Conditions with Particular Focus on Lyme Disease

Corresponding Author: Marco Ruggiero Sophia Health Institute and Klinghardt Academy, Woodinville, WA., USA Email: marco.drruggiero@gmail.com Abstract: Here we describe the Ruggiero-Klinghardt (RK) Protocol that is based on integration of Autonomic Response Testing (ART) with diagnostic ultrasonography and on application of therapeutic ultrasounds; the latter are used as a provocation tool and as an instrument to optimize drug uptake and utilization in specific areas of the body. This protocol consists of a precise sequence of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with the ultimate goal of improving sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis at the same time evaluating and optimizing efficacy of treatments in chronic conditions including, but not limited to, persistent Lyme disease. The RK Protocol represents a paradigm shift in diagnostics and therapeutics: Thus, compartmentalized microbes, transformed cells, toxins and metabolites could be detected using a safe and non-invasive method. In addition, the RK Protocol allows optimization of efficacy of drugs and other therapeutic interventions. Although the RK Protocol was initially developed for persistent Lyme disease, it shows significant potential in conditions ranging from cancer to neurodegenerative diseases and autism. In oncology, the RK Protocol may serve to facilitate early diagnosis and to increase sensitivity of cancer cells to the killing effects of a variety of remedies ranging from conventional radioand chemotherapy to more recent forms of immunotherapy. Thus, the 1st goal of the RK Protocol is diagnostic: That is, to make pathogens, toxins, transformed cells and cells infected by viruses that are inaccessible to conventional diagnostic and therapeutic tools, “visible” to the therapist who can detect them with laboratory methods and deal with them with appropriate interventions; and also to make them “visible” to the immune system that can fight them in a physiological manner. The 2nd goal is to optimize drug uptake and utilization in the organs and tissues studied and targeted with these procedures.