Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design of Large-scale Optical Networks

We consider the problem of designing a network of optical cross-connects (OXCs) to provide end-to-end lightpath services to large numbers of label switched routers (LSRs). We present a set of heuristic algorithms to address the combined problem of physical topology design and logical topology design. Unlike previous studies which were limited to small topologies, we have applied our algorithms to networks with hundreds or thousands of LSRs and with a number of lightpaths that is an order of magnitude larger than the number of LSRs. We present numerical results for up to 1000 LSRs and for a wide range of system parameters such as the number of wavelengths per fiber, the number of transceivers per LSR, and the number of ports per OXC.
Detection of JAK2 V617F mutation increases the diagnosis of myeloproliferative neoplasms

The Janus kinase (JAK)2 gene, which is located on chromosome 9p24, is involved in the signaling transduction pathways of the hematopoietic and immune system. Mutations in the JAK2 gene have served as disease markers for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of the JAK2 gene mutation in 140 clinical samples, and to evaluate its clinical significance in MPNs and other hematological diseases. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood leukocytes or bone marrow karyocytes of 140 clinical samples, which included 130 patients with various types of hematological disease and 10 control patients. In addition, exons 12 and 14 of the JAK2 gene were analyzed by direct sequencing and the mutation rates of various MPN subtypes were evaluated. Of the 140 samples, exons 12 and 14 were tested in 74 samples, however, exon 14 only was tested in 66 samples. No mutations were identified in exon 12. The V617F mutation rate in polycythemia vera was 82.1% (23/28), and the mutation rates in essential thrombocythemia histiocytosis, primary myelofibrosis and other MPNs were 53.1% (17/32), 40.0% (4/10) and 60.0% (6/10), respectively. Therefore, the total mutation rate of the JAK2 gene in MPN was 62.5% (50/80). For non-MPN hematological diseases, four V617F mutations were detected in samples of leukocytosis of unknown origin (4/12), however, no JAK2 V617F mutations were identified in the 10 controls. Therefore, JAK2 V617F mutations may present a novel marker for diagnosis of MPNs. Furthermore, the direct sequencing method appeared to be satisfactory for the clinical gene testing of hematological samples.
Spatio-temporal Dynamics of a Multi-species Host-parasitoid System with Non-overlapping Generations

A mathematical model of the spatio-temporal dynamics of a two host, two parasitoid system with non-overlapping generations is presented. The four species are coupled through parasitism and are modelled as interacting in discrete-time and continuous space by a system of four integrodifference equations. The underlying system of difference equations, modelling the homogeneous population dynamics, has a unique positive steady-state and is shown to be capable of undergoing bifurcations, which give rise to oscillatory temporal dynamics. The stability of the positive steady-state has a fundamental impact on the spatio-temporal dynamics: stable travelling waves of parasitoid and host invasion exhibit irregular periodic travelling wave behaviour when a key parameter is increased beyond its bifurcation point. These irregular periodic travelling waves give rise to domain-wide heterogeneous spatio-temporal patterns of species abundance. The heterogeneous patterns are related to integrodifference results in the literature and have ecological implications which are considered. The model dynamics are also compared with those of an analogous continuous-time, reaction-diffusion system.
Cortisol and Inflammatory Biomarkers Predict Poor Treatment Response in First Episode Psychosis

Background: Cortisol and inflammatory markers have been increasingly reported as abnormal at psychosis onset. The main aim of our study was to investigate the ability of these biomarkers to predict treatment response at 12 weeks follow-up in first episode psychosis. Methods: In a longitudinal study, we collected saliva and blood samples in 68 first episode psychosis patients (and 57 controls) at baseline and assessed response to clinician-led antipsychotic treatment after 12 weeks. Moreover, we repeated biological measurements in 39 patients at the same time we assessed the response. Saliva samples were collected at multiple time points during the day to measure diurnal cortisol levels and cortisol awakening response (CAR); interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels were analyzed from serum samples. Patients were divided into Non-Responders (n = 38) and Responders (n = 30) according to the Remission symptom criteria of the Schizophrenia Working Group Consensus. Results: At first onset, Non-Responders had markedly lower CAR (d = 0.6, P = .03) and higher IL-6 and IFN-γ levels (respectively, d = 1.0, P = .003 and d = 0.9, P = .02) when compared with Responders. After 12 weeks, Non-Responders show persistent lower CAR (P = .01), and higher IL-6 (P = .04) and IFN-γ (P = .05) when compared with Responders. Comparison with controls show that these abnormalities are present in both patients groups, but are more evident in Non-Responders. Conclusions: Cortisol and inflammatory biomarkers at the onset of psychosis should be considered as possible predictors of treatment response, as well as potential targets for the development of novel therapeutic agents.
SCALING RELATIONS IN DISSIPATIONLESS SPIRAL-LIKE GALAXY MERGERS

We determine both representations of the Fundamental Plane [FP; Re ∝ σa0〈I〉−be and Re ∝ (σ20〈I〉−1e)λ] and the luminosity-effective phase-space density (L ∝ f−γe) scaling relation for N-body remnants of binary mergers of spiral-like galaxies. The main set of merger simulations involves a mass ratio of the progenitors in the range of about 1:1 to 1:5, harboring or not a bulge-like component, and are constructed using a cosmological motivated model. Equal-mass mergers are also considered. Remnants lead to average values for the scaling indices of 〈a〉 ≈ 1.6, 〈b〉 ≈ 0.6, 〈λ〉 ≈ 0.7, and 〈γ〉 ≈ 0.65. These values are consistent with those of K–band observations of ellipticals: 〈a〉 ≈ 1.5, 〈b〉 ≈ 0.8, 〈λ〉 ≈ 0.7, and 〈γ〉 ≈ 0.60. The b index is, however, not well reproduced. This study does not allow us to establish a conclusive preference for models with or without a bulge as progenitors. Our results indicate that the L–fe and FP scalings might be determined to a large extent by dissipationless processes, a result that appears to be in contradiction to other dissipationless results.
Tax , Minimum-Quality Standard , and Label for Regulating Environmental Quality : A Welfare Analysis with Willingness to Pay Elicited in the Lab

The results of a lab experiment detailing consumers’ valuations for the environment are used for estimating the welfare impact of a tax, a minimum-quality standard, and a label. Two approaches using consumers’ valuations from the same experiment are considered for estimating welfare changes. The lab experiment is useful for identifying indifferent and concerned consumers, which is crucial for characterizing distortions determining the choice of instruments. Regarding the related empirical application, positive (negative) information revealed in the lab about the environmental effects linked to the shrimp production leads to a statistically-significant increase (decrease) in the willingness to pay. Based on these lab results, simulations show that the combination of a tax and a label is socially-optimal compared to other regulatory instruments.
Data Clustering by Laplacian Regularized L1-Graph

L1-Graph has been proven to be effective in data clustering, which partitions the data space by using the sparse representation of the data as the similarity measure. However, the sparse representation is performed for each datum separately without taking into account the geometric structure of the data. Motivated by L1-Graph and manifold leaning, we propose Laplacian Regularized L1-Graph (LRℓ1-Graph) for data clustering. The sparse representations of LRℓ1-Graph are regularized by the geometric information of the data so that they vary smoothly along the geodesics of the data manifold by the graph Laplacian according to the manifold assumption. Moreover, we propose an iterative regularization scheme, where the sparse representation obtained from the previous iteration is used to build the graph Laplacian for the current iteration of regularization. The experimental results on real data sets demonstrate the superiority of our algorithm compared to L1-Graph and other competing clustering methods.
Femtosecond lasers in corneal and refractive surgery

Femtosecond lasers were introduced in ophthalmology initially for flap creation for LASIK. This thesis describes a body of work undertaken by the author exploring the possibility of using these lasers in corneal and refractive surgery. The use of the femtosecond laser in corneal and refractive surgery offered the prospect of better precision with respect to their accuracy in depth cut, and the smoothest of lamellar interface. The development of multiple laser platforms allowed us to perform comparative studies in both ex vivo/animal and clinical studies and to explore the prospect of a new refractive procedure, lenticule extraction and also lenticule re-implantation. The laser proved to be accurate in its vertical depth cutting and following optimization was able to cut a smoothe lamellar interface. The clinical study showed the laser to be safe and effective. The comparative studies showed the superiority of the lower energy femtosecond laser on IOP rise, without compromising on clinical outcomes, which were the same for both lasers. Femtosecond laser lenticule creation was optimised in animal models and then shown to be safe and efficacious in a clinical study. The wound healing benefits of an ‘all in one’ femtosecond laser procedure were evident, in both animal as well clinical studies. Lenticule reimplantation was shown to be effective in both the rabbit and monkey models. The use of the femtosecond laser is set to increase in ophthalmology. The work in this thesis has provided fundmental ex vivo, animal and clinical benefits on the the use of femtosecond lasers in corneal and refractive surgery. It has also envisioned a concept of lenticule re-implantation for future clinical use.
The Effects of High Intensity Interval Training vs Steady State Training on Aerobic and Anaerobic Capacity.

UNLABELLED High intensity interval training (HIIT) has become an increasingly popular form of exercise due to its potentially large effects on exercise capacity and small time requirement. This study compared the effects of two HIIT protocols vs steady-state training on aerobic and anaerobic capacity following 8-weeks of training. Fifty-five untrained college-aged subjects were randomly assigned to three training groups (3x weekly). Steady-state (n = 19) exercised (cycle ergometer) 20 minutes at 90% of ventilatory threshold (VT). Tabata (n = 21) completed eight intervals of 20s at 170% VO2max/10s rest. Meyer (n = 15) completed 13 sets of 30s (20 min) @ 100% PVO2 max/ 60s recovery, average PO = 90% VT. Each subject did 24 training sessions during 8 weeks. RESULTS There were significant (p < 0.05) increases in VO2max (+19, +18 and +18%) and PPO (+17, +24 and +14%) for each training group, as well as significant increases in peak (+8, + 9 and +5%) & mean (+4, +7 and +6%) power during Wingate testing, but no significant differences between groups. Measures of the enjoyment of the training program indicated that the Tabata protocol was significantly less enjoyable (p < 0.05) than the steady state and Meyer protocols, and that the enjoyment of all protocols declined (p < 0.05) across the duration of the study. The results suggest that although HIIT protocols are time efficient, they are not superior to conventional exercise training in sedentary young adults. Key pointsSteady state training equivalent to HIIT in untrained studentsMild interval training presents very similar physiologic challenge compared to steady state trainingHIIT (particularly very high intensity variants were less enjoyable than steady state or mild interval trainingEnjoyment of training decreases across the course of an 8 week experimental training program.
Portfolio Selection with Predicted Returns Using Neural Networks

The Markowitz’s Portfolio Selection Model defines the return and risk variables as first-order statistical measurements, which have made this model to be known as meanvariance model. This work presents a modified version of the Markowitz’s Model that uses time series prediction instead of first order statistical measurements. We have used a neural network predictor for providing an estimate of future returns, which were used as expected returns on the Markowitz’s Model. The resulting new model was named prediction-quadratic deviation model. We carried out investment simulations using real data with the Markowitz’s model and our model. These simulations shown that the prediction-quadratic deviation model can achieve a return 12.39% higher than the mean-variance model.
The penal implications of austerity: Italian punishment in the wake of the Eurozone crisis

The article discusses the implications of the Eurozone crisis for Italian penality. It begins by analysing the ‘politics of austerity’ – the economic reforms and new political mode entrenched by the Eurozone crisis. It then reflects upon the penal implications of such changes, focusing on the conceptual links between state–citizen relations, political institutional arrangements, and punishment in Italy. The article argues that Italy will continue to display an alternation of punitiveness and moderation. However, the meaning and contours of both punitiveness and moderation are changing. Punitiveness is likely to be exacerbated as punishment is used to impose cohesion on an ever more fragmented polity. Moderation, far from being a collective good and ‘public philosophy’, is likely to become a narrow, stratified and personalistic good. The article urges us to consider whether austerity may be engendering similar dynamics across other EU polities.
A Comparison of Techniques for 90Y PET/CT Image-Based Dosimetry Following Radioembolization with Resin Microspheres

90Y PET/CT following radioembolization has recently been established as a viable diagnostic tool, capable of producing images that are both quantitative and have superior image quality than alternative 90Y imaging modalities. Because radioembolization is assumed to be a permanent implant, it is possible to convert quantitative 90Y PET image sets into data representative of spatial committed absorbed-dose. Multiple authors have performed this transformation using dose-point kernel (DPK) convolution to account for the transport of the high-energy 90Y β-particles. This article explores a technique called the Local Deposition Method (LDM), an alternative to DPK convolution for 90Y image-based dosimetry. The LDM assumes that the kinetic energy from each 90Y β-particle is deposited locally, within the voxel where the decay occurred. Using the combined analysis of phantoms scanned using 90Y PET/CT and ideal mathematical phantoms, an accuracy comparison of DPK convolution and the LDM has been performed. Based on the presented analysis, DPK convolution provides no detectible accuracy benefit over the LDM for 90Y PET-based dosimetry. For PET systems with 90Y resolution poorer than 3.25 mm at full-width and half-max using a small voxel size, the LDM may produce a dosimetric solution that is more accurate than DPK convolution under ideal conditions; however, image noise can obscure some of the perceived benefit. As voxel size increases and resolution decreases, differences between the LDM and DPK convolution are reduced. The LDM method of post-radioembolization dosimetry has the advantage of not requiring additional post-processing. The provided conversion factors can be used to determine committed absorbed-dose using conventional PET image analysis tools. The LDM is a recommended option for routine post-radioembolization 90Y dosimetry based on PET/CT imaging.
α‐Synuclein Inclusions in Amygdala in the Brains of Patients with the Parkinsonism‐Dementia Complex of Guam

We investigated by immunohistochemistry the deposition of α-synuclein in the brains of deceased patients with the parkinsonism-dementia complex (PDC) of Guam. Five of 13 PDC brains showed numerous α-synuclein positive neuronal inclusions and abnormal neurites, chiefly in the amygdala. Similar α-synuclein positive lesions were observed, although to a lesser extent, in the entorhinal cortex and the dorsal vagal nucleus. No α-synuclein positive inclusions were observed in motor cortex or locus coeruleus, and only a small number of positive inclusions were found in the Sommer's sector, temporal cortex, or substantia nigra. Some of the α-synuclein positive inclusions were reminiscent of cortical Lewy bodies (LB), but many of those in the amygdala coexisted with tau-positive pretangles and/or neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) within the same neurons. In these neurons, tau-positive shells encapsulated α-synuclein positive central cores or irregularly shaped α-synuclein-positive deposition intermingled with pretangles/NFT. Thus, the present study suggests that a common mechanism may govern aggregation of α-synuclein and tau in the amygdala, and that aggregation of α-synuclein may play some role in the neurodegenerative process of a tauopathy (i.e. PDC) in which Aβ deposition is virtually absent.
A Practical and Secure Multi-keyword Search Method over Encrypted Cloud Data

Cloud computing technologies become more and more popular every year, as many organizations tend to outsource their data utilizing robust and fast services of clouds while lowering the cost of hardware ownership. Although its benefits are welcomed, privacy is still a remaining concern that needs to be addressed. We propose an efficient privacy-preserving search method over encrypted cloud data that utilizes minhash functions. Most of the work in literature can only support a single feature search in queries which reduces the effectiveness. One of the main advantages of our proposed method is the capability of multi-keyword search in a single query. The proposed method is proved to satisfy adaptive semantic security definition. We also combine an effective ranking capability that is based on term frequency-inverse document frequency (tf-idf) values of keyword document pairs. Our analysis demonstrates that the proposed scheme is proved to be privacy-preserving, efficient and effective.
Professionalization of occupational therapists: A study of emergent identities

The unprecedented demand for occupational therapists and resulting growth in student numbers necessitates the need to understand how students acquire professional ideology, learn expected role behavior, and identify themselves as occupational therapists. This ethnographic study includes interview data from a series of three interviews with 37 trainees, from freshmen to the first year of employment, who had been or were in the occupational therapy program at Worcester State College, in central Massachusetts. Students included women and men who were preparing for either a first or second career. Interviews with six academic faculty and seven fieldwork supervisors in three areas of practice; observations in classes; and analysis of 11 frequently used occupational therapy textbooks have enabled me to identify the role of each in professional development. Students in this study follow steps of professionalization suggested by sociological literature beginning with entry, followed by acquisition of the professional language and ideology, then role-performance. Reflecting on feedback received after role-performance is essential for a positive self-image as a professional, as noted in the theory of Symbolic Interactionism. Learning opportunities which enable students to connect new information with experiences are essential to develop desired role behavior and promote identification with the profession. Academic faculty use activities, role playing, and clinical examples to promote student learning. Fieldwork supervisors model professional behavior, direct students, and facilitate thinking by constantly asking questions. Being well-trained as well as attached to one's role as a faculty member or field supervisor is of crucial importance in professionalization of students.
The Impact of Environmental Cooperation on Peacemaking: Definitions, Mechanisms, and Empirical Evidence

Abstract The literature on environmental peacemaking claims that groups in conflict can put aside their differences and cooperate in the face of shared environmental challenges, thereby facilitating more peaceful relations between them. This study provides the first comprehensive review of the widely dispersed empirical evidence on such environment-peace links. In order to do so, it distinguishes three understandings of peace and identifies four mechanisms connecting environmental cooperation to peace. The results suggest that environmental cooperation can facilitate the absence of violence within states as well as symbolic rapprochement within and between states, although such links are strongly dependent on the presence of several contextual factors. The most relevant mechanisms connecting environmental cooperation to peace are an increase in understanding and trust and especially the build-up of institutions. By contrast, environmental peacemaking is unlikely to have an impact on substantial integration between states or groups. Based on these findings, the article offers four suggestions for future research: (i) assess the relevance of environmental cooperation vis-a-vis other (presumably less context-dependent) drivers of peacemaking, (ii) pay more attention to the mechanisms connecting environmental cooperation to peacemaking, (iii) focus on the interactions between and the different time horizons of the three understandings of peace, and (iv) study the downside of environmental peacemaking to provide a more nuanced assessment and identify further relevant contextual factors.