Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Framework for Software Defect Prediction Using Neural Networks

Despite the fact that a number of approaches have been proposed for effective and accurate prediction of software defects, yet most of these have not found widespread applicability. Our objective in this communication is to provide a framework which is expected to be more effective and acceptable for predicting the defects in multiple phases across software development lifecycle. The proposed framework is based on the use of neural networks for predicting defects in software development life cycle. Further, in order to facilitate the easy use of the framework by project managers, a software graphical user interface has been developed that allows input data (including effort and defect) to be fed easily for predicting defects. The proposed framework provides a probabilistic defect prediction approach where instead of a definite number, a defect range (minimum, maximum, and mean) is predicted. The claim of efficacy and superiority of proposed framework is established through results of a comparative study, involving the proposed frame-work and some well-known models for software defect prediction.
Extension of the CD4+Foxp3+CD25−/low regulatory T-cell subpopulation in type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Regulatory T-cells (Treg) have a crucial role in limiting physiologic autoreactivity. Foxp3 is a master regulator transcription factor of Treg differentiation and active Treg cells express high levels of IL-2 receptor α-chain (CD25). The aim of our study was to assess the key markers of Treg cell function in type 1 diabetic (T1DM) and control subjects by flow cytometry. The proportion of CD25−/low cells among CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells was higher in T1DM patients that might suggest a shifted proportion of the incomplete/reserve and the fully active (CD4+Foxp3+CD25+) Treg cell subpopulations in T1DM, similarly to other Th1-mediated autoimmune diseases. In addition to the decreased expression of CD25 and CTLA-4 in T1DM patients, a positive correlation was observed between the CD25 expression on CD4+ and the CTLA-4 expression in CD8− T-lymphocytes both in the T1DM and in the healthy control group. Our results suggest an impaired balance of CD25+ and CD25−/low Treg cells in T1DM which might reflect a decreased late phase peripheral Treg activation even in patients with a mean disease duration of more than a decade.
Multi-Aspect Detection of Articulated Objects

A wide range of methods have been proposed to detect and recognize objects. However, effective and efficient multiviewpoint detection of objects is still in its infancy, since most current approaches can only handle single viewpoints or aspects. This paper proposes a general approach for multiaspect detection of objects. As the running example for detection we use pedestrians, which add another difficulty to the problem, namely human body articulations. Global appearance changes caused by different articulations and viewpoints of pedestrians are handled in a unified manner by a generalization of the Implicit Shape Model [5]. An important property of this new approach is to share local appearance across different articulations and viewpoints, therefore requiring relatively few training samples. The effectiveness of the approach is shown and compared to previous approaches on two datasets containing pedestrians with different articulations and from multiple viewpoints.
Classification of nasopharyngeal microvessels detected by narrow band imaging endoscopy and its role in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract Conclusions: The new NBI classification of nasopharyngeal mucosal microvessels was helpful in differential diagnosis for benign and malignant lesions of the nasopharyngeal region. NBI endoscopy facilitates the detection of superficial nasopharyngeal lesions and might enable early diagnoses of NPC. Objectives: To propose a new microvessel diagnostic classification using narrow band imaging (NBI) endoscopy and to investigate the role of an NBI classification in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: Between January 2009 and December 2010, a total of 290 patients with a suspected nasopharyngeal tumor were enrolled in this study. The NBI endoscopic system was used to examine the nasopharynx. Each lesion was observed by NBI endoscopy and judged according to the detailed morphologic findings of epithelial microvessels. The superficial microvessel patterns were classified into five types (types I–V). The diagnostic effectiveness of NBI for benign and malignant nasopharyngeal lesions was evaluated. Results: Approximately 93.5% (29/31) of lymphoid hyperplasia appeared as the type II microvessel pattern under NBI endoscopy, whereas 96.2% (51/53) of nasopharyngeal radiation-induced inflammation exhibited the type III or IV microvessel pattern. The characteristics of NPC under NBI endoscopy mainly appeared as a type V microvessel pattern (79.5%, 167/210), and the sensitivity, specificity, predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of type V in the diagnosis of NPC were 79.5%, 91.3%, 96.0%, and 62.9%, respectively. NBI endoscopy could significantly improve the detection of superficial lesions (χ2 = 12.789, p = .000).
MPC for LPV systems with bounded parameter variations

This article deals with the model predictive control (MPC) design problem for systems which are linearly dependent on a time-varying parameter. The main novelty is that, motivated by practical issues, the bounds on the rate of variation of the parameters are taken into account in the control design. Moreover, a Lyapunov function depending multiaffinely on the parameters computed at a set of instants of time and a parameter-dependent control gain are used to provide an upper bound to a quadratic performance index. The solution is obtained by means of a semidefinite programming algorithm. Examples illustrate the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Temporal in vivo assessment of fresh osteochondral allograft transplants to the distal aspect of the femur by dGEMRIC (delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage) and zonal T2 mapping MRI.

BACKGROUND Zonal T2 mapping and dGEMRIC (delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage) are diagnostic quantitative techniques to evaluate the biochemical health of articular cartilage. We adapted these techniques to investigate the results of osteochondral allograft transplantation and correlated the findings with patient-reported outcomes. METHODS Nine patients with contained ICRS (International Cartilage Repair Society) grade-4 defects of the articular portion of a femoral condyle were treated with fresh osteochondral allografts and were evaluated prospectively with dGEMRIC and T2 mapping before and after gadolinium administration. The KOOS (Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) and IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) subjective scores were obtained at baseline and at one and two years postoperatively. For quantitative T2 mapping, regions of interest were drawn in the deep and superficial layers of allograft and control cartilage. For dGEMRIC analyses, the relaxation rate, post-gadolinium change in relaxation rate, and ratio between changes in the allograft and control regions of interest were calculated from T1 values. RESULTS The mean ratio between the post-gadolinium changes in the allograft and control cartilage was 1.13 at one year and 1.55 at two years, and the ratio increased in eight of nine patients from one to two years. There was no difference between the mean T2 values in the deep zone of the allograft and control cartilage at one or two years (p > 0.05), but mean T2 values were higher in the superficial zone of the allograft cartilage at one (p < 0.0001) and two (p < 0.028) years. The mean improvement from baseline was significant at one and two years for the IKDC and all five KOOS subdomains (p < 0.05). All or nearly all patients showed improvements in all clinical outcomes scores at one year. CONCLUSIONS Functional MRI techniques can be applied to noninvasively assess the biochemical health of cartilage after osteochondral allograft transplantation. The MRI findings correlated with certain patient-reported outcomes in the early postoperative period. Relative glycosaminoglycan content and the collagen structure of allograft cartilage may undergo time-dependent degeneration. A patient's perception of clinical outcome and quality of life is likely multifactorial and is impacted by more than the health of the allograft cartilage.
Trends in Advanced Functional Material Applications of Nanocellulose

The need to transition to more sustainable and renewable technology has resulted in a focus on cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and nanocrystals (CNCs) as one of the materials of the future with potential for replacing currently used synthetic materials. Its abundance and bio-derived source make it attractive and sought after as well. CNFs and CNCs are naturally hydrophilic due to the abundance of -OH group on their surface which makes them an excellent recipient for applications in the medical industry. However, the hydrophilicity is a deterrent to many other industries, subsequently limiting their application scope. In either light, the increased rate of progress using CNCs in advanced materials applications are well underway and is becoming applicable on an industrial scale. Therefore, this review explores the current modification platforms and processes of nanocellulose directly as functional materials and as carriers/substrates of other functional materials for advanced materials applications. Niche functional attributes such as superhydrophobicity, barrier, electrical, and antimicrobial properties are reviewed due to the focus and significance of such attributes in industrial applications.
Clinical Relevance of Cryoglobulinaemia and Extrahepatic Neurocutaneous Manifestations of Chronic Hepatitis C

The association of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with the extrahepatic complications of cryoglobulinaemia is widely recognized. The aim of this research was to examine the prevalence of cryoglobulinaemia (Cg) in patients with chronic HCV infection and its relation to extrahepatic neuro-cutaneous manifestations. Patients and Methods: Forty patients (26 males & 14 females), with clinical, laboratory and histopathologically established chronic HCV, with a mean age of 37.5 years were submitted to clinical examination with stress on stigmata of chronic liver disease, dermatological and neurological evaluation as well as neurophysiological evaluation, laboratory assessment including liver function tests, serum cryoprecipitate immunoelectrophoresis, and revision of histopathlogical findings. Results: a high prevalence of Cg: 62.5% in patients with chronic HCV infection, the presenting symptoms were fatigue (67.5%), artheralgia (32.5%), parathesia (30%) and pruritus (25%), however, there were no statistically significant difference between cryo +ve versus Cryo –ve patients except for pruritis, face pigmentation. Skin manifestations inclding face pigmentation (42.5%), leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) (22.5%), Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) (20%), Lichen planus (17.5%), acral necrolytic erythema (15%) and vitiligo (15%). Neurological manifestations including symptomatic neuropathy in 10%, neuropathic changes detected by nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and electromyography (EMG) in 30% and electroencephalographic changes in 22.5%. Interestingly, these cutaneous and neurological manifestations were significantly associated with the presence of cryoglobulinaemia. Liver histopathology of the studied patients according to METAVIR score (Activity) A0-3 (Fibrosis) F0-4 showed no statistically significant difference between cryo positive versus cryo negative patients. In conclusion our findings confirmed a clear association between cryoglobulianemia and extrahepatic neurocutaneous manifestations of HCV infection. The presence of these manifestations in the appropriate clinical setting should suggest the presence of HCV infection. (Egypt J. Neurol. Psychiat. Neurosurg., 2008, 45(1): 117-127)
Three Approaches to Using Lengthy Ordinal Scales in Structural Equation Models

Lengthy scales or testlets pose certain challenges for structural equation modeling (SEM) if all the items are included as indicators of a latent construct. Three general approaches to modeling lengthy scales in SEM (parceling, latent scoring, and shortening) have been reviewed and evaluated. A hypothetical population model is simulated containing two exogenous constructs with 14 indicators each and an endogenous construct with four indicators. The simulation generates data sets with varying numbers of response options, two types of distributions, factor loadings ranging from low to high, and sample sizes ranging from small to moderate. The population model is varied to incorporate one of the following: (a) single parcels, (b) various parcels as indicators of two exogenous constructs, (c) latent scores as observed exogenous variables, and (d) four and six individual items as indicators of two exogenous constructs. The dependent variables evaluated are biases in the covariance and partial covariance population parameters. Biases in these parameters are found to be minimal under the following conditions: (a) when parcels of indicators of five response options are used as indicators of two latent exogenous constructs, (b) when latent scores are used as observed variables at sample sizes above 100 and with indicators that are relatively less skewed in the case of dichotomous indicators, and (c) when four or six individual items with high or diverse factor loadings are used as indicators of two exogenous constructs. These findings provide guidelines for resolving the inconsistency of findings from applying various approaches to empirical data.
The Impact of Information in Electronic Auctions: An Analysis of Buy-It-Now Auctions

Our study on the Buy-it-now (BIN) option at electronic auctions examines the impact of information in making electronic transactions more efficient. We show that the BIN price itself works as valuable information, which can improve the performance of auctions even though the option may discourage bidders from participating in auctions because of the possibility of losing the auction when a competing bidder executes the option. With auction data, we empirically show that, even when the BIN option is not executed, the performance of auctions with the BIN option is better than that of auctions without the option. This shows that the BIN price helps bidders get a better estimate of the final auction price, while the negative discouraging impact is not so significant. We suggest that market makers should try their best to provide more information with devices like BIN and to minimize the negative side effects of more information.
High expression of B lymphocyte stimulator in lesional keratinocytes of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Belimumab, an anti‐B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) monoclonal antibody, is approved for systemic lupus erythematosus; however, it is unclear if it can be used to treat specific skin lesions in this disease. In this analysis, we investigated the expression of BLyS and its receptors in skin lesions of different subtypes of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) using immunohistochemistry and gene expression analyses. Compared to healthy controls, the expression of BLyS was significantly higher in skin lesions of all included CLE subtypes. Similar results were seen for the BLyS receptors BAFF‐R and BCMA. Moreover, CLE‐typical pro‐inflammatory mediators (immunostimulatory DNAs) significantly enhanced the BLyS expression of keratinocytes in vitro. This study suggests a potential role for BLyS as therapeutic target in the treatment of CLE skin lesions.
Synthesis and performance evaluation of Al/Fe oxide coated diatomaceous earth in groundwater defluoridation: Towards fluorosis mitigation

ABSTRACT The quest to reduce fluoride in groundwater to WHO acceptable limit of 1.5 mg/L to prevent diseases such as teeth mottling and skeletal fluorosis was the motivation for this study. Al/Fe oxide-modified diatomaceous earth was prepared and its defluoridation potential evaluated by batch method. The sorbent with pHpzc 6.0 ± 0.2 is very reactive. The maximum 82.3% fluoride removal attained in 50 min using a dosage of 0.3 g/100 mL in 10 mg/L fluoride was almost attained within 5 min contact time; 81.3% being the percent fluoride removal at 5 min contact time. The sorbent has a usage advantage of not requiring solution pH adjustment before it can exhibit its fluoride removal potential. A substantial amount of fluoride (93.1%) was removed from solution when a sorbent dosage of 0.6 g/100 mL was contacted with 10 mg/L fluoride solution for 50 min at a mixing rate of 200 rpm. The optimum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent was 7.633 mg/g using a solution containing initially 100 mg/L fluoride. The equilibrium pH of the suspensions ranged between 6.77 and 8.26 for 10 and 100 mg/L fluoride solutions respectively. Contacting the sorbent at a dosage of 0.6 g/100 mL with field water containing 5.53 mg/L at 200 rpm for 50 min reduced the fluoride content to 0.928 mg/L—a value below the upper limit of WHO guideline of 1.5 mg/L fluoride in drinking water. The sorption data fitted to both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms but better with the former. The sorption data obeyed only the pseudo-second-order kinetic, which implies that fluoride was chemisorbed.
Evidence-Based Management

In den Managementwissenschaften wird aktuell vielfach über den Ansatz der evidenzbasierten Forschung diskutiert. Ziel dieses Artikels ist es daher, einen Überblick über den aktuellen Stand der Forschung des Evidence-based Management zu liefern. Ein besonderer Fokus liegt dabei auf der Metaanalyse, deren Ablauf anhand eines Beispiels aus der Innovationsforschung vorgestellt wird. Grenzen des Evidence-based Management und Handlungsfelder zur Nutzung damit verbundener Chancen in Wissenschaft und Praxis schließen den Beitrag ab.
Relation of Nickel Allergy with in-Stent Restenosis in Patients Treated with Cobalt Chromium Stents

Background In-stent restenosis (ISR) is the major limitation of percutaneous coronary stenting procedure. The elements like nickel, chromate and molybdenum are known to cause contact allergy. Hypersensitivity reaction, against these metal ions, may be one of the reasons of ISR. Cobalt chromium coronary stents, which are increasingly being used in percutaneous coronary interventions, have more nickel amount than the stainless steel stents. Objective We aimed to investigate the association between nickel hypersensitivity reaction and ISR in patients treated with cobalt chromium coronary stents. Methods Epicutaneous patch tests for nickel were applied to 31 patients who had undergone elective cobalt chromium coronary stent implantation and had ISR in control angiogram. Thirty patients, without ISR, were included as the control group. Patch test results and other clinical variables were compared. Results There was no statistically significant difference of the mean age, sex, body mass index, rate of hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, hypertension and smoking between the patients with and without ISR. All other lesion characteristics were similar in the 2 groups. According to the patch test results, 7 patients had nickel contact allergy. All of these patients were in the ISR group, which was statistically significant (p<0.006). Conclusion Patients treated with cobalt chromium coronary stents and had ISR were found to have significantly more nickel allergy than the control group. Nickel allergy may play role in restenosis pathophysiology.
A Spiking Neural Model for Stable Reinforcement of Synapses Based on Multiple Distal Rewards

In this letter, a novel critic-like algorithm was developed to extend the synaptic plasticity rule described in Florian (2007) and Izhikevich (2007) in order to solve the problem of learning multiple distal rewards simultaneously. The system is augmented with short-term plasticity (STP) to stabilize the learning dynamics, thereby increasing the system's learning capacity. A theoretical threshold is estimated for the number of distal rewards that this system can learn. The validity of the novel algorithm was verified by computer simulations.
Role of Wnt-5A in interleukin-1beta-induced matrix metalloproteinase expression in rabbit temporomandibular joint condylar chondrocytes.

OBJECTIVE To determine the possible involvement and regulatory mechanisms of Wnt-5A signaling in interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-induced increase in matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-13 expression in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) condylar chondrocytes. METHODS Primary rabbit condylar chondrocytes were treated with IL-1beta, purified Wnt-5A protein, or both and transfected with Wnt-5A expression vector. Expression of Wnt-5A, MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, and type II collagen, as well as cell morphologic changes, were examined. To explore the mechanisms of action of Wnt-5A, the accumulation and nuclear translocation of beta-catenin, the transcription activity of the beta-catenin-Tcf/Lef complex, phosphorylated JNK, phosphorylated ERK, and phosphorylated p38 were analyzed. SP600125, a JNK inhibitor, was used to investigate the role of the JNK pathway in Wnt-5A induction of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-13. RESULTS Treatment of rabbit condylar chondrocytes with IL-1beta up-regulated Wnt-5A expression. Purified Wnt-5A protein and transfection with Wnt-5A expression vector promoted the expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-13. Wnt-5A did not cause accumulation and nuclear translocation of beta-catenin or activation of the beta-catenin-Tcf/Lef transcription complex. Instead, Wnt-5A activated JNK, and an inhibitor of JNK blocked the Wnt-5A-induced up-regulated expression of MMPs. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that IL-1beta up-regulates Wnt-5A, and the activation of Wnt-5A signaling induces the expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-13 via the JNK signaling pathway in rabbit TMJ condylar chondrocytes. Blockage of JNK signaling impairs the Wnt-5A-induced up-regulation of MMPs. Thus, Wnt-5A may be associated with cartilage destruction by promoting the expression of MMPs.
Prospective study of the progression of low‐grade dysplasia in ulcerative colitis using current cancer surveillance guidelines

Background: The goal of this study was to assess the natural history of low‐grade dysplasia (LGD) and its risk of progression in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients by prospective endoscopic surveillance. Methods: Forty‐two UC patients with LGD were followed prospectively using a uniform approach to surveillance colonoscopy with an average of 43 biopsies per exam. The interval between colonoscopies ranged from 3–12 months. Progression was defined as development of high‐grade dysplasia (HGD) or cancer at subsequent colonoscopy or at colectomy. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify risk factors associated with progression. Results: Patients were followed for an average of 3.9 years (range 1–13). Over that period 19% (8/42) of patients progressed to advanced neoplasia (two cancer, six HGD) while 17% (7/42) had persistent LGD and 64% (27/42) had indefinite dysplasia or no dysplasia at the end of follow‐up. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the number of biopsies with LGD at baseline was associated with an increased risk of progression to advanced neoplasia (relative risk [RR] 5.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: (1.29–26.04). Among the 15 patients who underwent colectomy, four were found to have higher‐grade neoplasia on their colectomy specimen than their preoperative colonoscopy, and these patients were more likely to be nonadherent with recommendations for colectomy. Conclusions: The majority (81%) of UC patients with LGD did not progress to higher grades of dysplasia during a 4‐year follow‐up. Patients with three or more biopsies demonstrating LGD at a single colonoscopy were at increased risk for progression to advanced neoplasia. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012;)