Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An explorative study of visual scanning strategies of motorcyclists in urban environment

Motivation --- To identify the objects/entities that determine the ontology of the motorcyclist's visual exploration activity, when driving in urban arterials. This ontology may form the basis for modelling the motorcyclists' visual activity in urban traffic as well as shed light in their interaction with automobile drivers. Research approach --- An explorative naturalistic field study was conducted, using the eye-tracking method, in which three experienced motorcyclists were asked to drive normally in a predefined route consisting of three road sections: motorway, avenue, local urban two way street. Immediately after driving an interview of each participant was conducted using the video assisted autoconfrontation method. Findings/Design --- The results suggest that (i) visual scan patterns of motorcyclists in urban arterials are much more vivid compared to those in motorway and extend well beyond formal signals, (ii) to minimize the cognitive effort of scanning motrocyclists seek for specific cues to monitor the future intentions of the other road users (iii) motorcyclists feel more vulnerable than car drivers, which leads them to recurring visual checks of the points of concern. Research limitations/Implications --- The results presented are based on a small sample of motorcyclists. In the near future we intend to extend our sample of participants and to perform formal protocol analysis of the a-posteriory, verbalizations. Originality/Value --- One of the very few naturalistic field studies of motorcyclist visual exploration activity in urban environment using eye tracking and autoconfrontation. Promises to offer fresh insights to safety measures for motorcyclists. Take away message --- Urban driving scan patterns of motorcyclists are very systematic and recurring across situations and participants. Fixation points are rarely directed to road elements as such. Fixations tend to be clearly directed at specific points (e.g. side mirrors, car wheels, rear edge of car roofs) that convey information about the other road users' state and intentions.
Differential response to H. pylori eradication therapy of co‐existing diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and MALT lymphoma of stomach—significance of tumour cell clonality and BCL10 expression

We recently reported that low‐grade mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALToma) and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with MALToma (DLBCL[MALT]) of stomach are equally responsive to H. pylori eradication therapy (HPET) and that H. pylori‐independent status is closely associated with nuclear translocation of BCL10. However, co‐existing MALToma and DLBCL components of gastric DLBCL(MALT) may respond differentially to HPET and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Tumour tissue samples from 18 patients with microdissectable co‐existing MALToma and DLBCL cells were studied. The clonality of lymphoma cells was examined by polymerase chain reaction‐based amplification of the CDR3 region of the IgH gene and confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. BCL10 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Differential response of co‐existing MALToma and DLBCL to HPET was defined as complete eradication of one component while the other component remained. Five (27.8%) of the 18 patients showed different IgH gene rearrangements in the two components and three (60%) of these five patients had differential response of MALToma and DLBCL to HPET. By contrast, 13 patients showed identical IgH gene rearrangements and only one (8%) of them had differential response of the two components to HPET (p = 0.044). Further, all four patients with differential response of MALToma and DLBCL to HPET showed nuclear expression of BCL10 in the H. pylori‐independent component and cytoplasmic expression of BCL10 in the H. pylori‐dependent component while the expression patterns of BCL10 were identical in both of these components in the 14 patients who had similar tumour response to HPET. We conclude that different clonality is a common reason for the differential response of co‐existing MALToma and DLBCL of gastric DLBCL(MALT) to HPET and that immunohistochemical examination of BCL10 expression may help to identify the co‐existence of these components. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Change in Erythrocyte Mean Corpuscular Volume During Combination Therapy with Azathioprine and Infliximab Is Associated with Mucosal Healing: A Post hoc Analysis from SONIC

Background:The adequacy of exposure of purine analogs as measured by 6-thioguanine nucleotides concentrations in the setting of combination therapy remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) value (as a surrogate marker of 6-thioguanine nucleotides concentration) and Crohn's disease outcomes in the setting of combination therapy with infliximab. Methods:The SONIC trial was a randomized controlled trial comparing infliximab to azathioprine and to infliximab plus azathioprine in 508 Crohn's disease patients. An increase of at least 7 femtoliter (fL) of the MCV (&Dgr;MCV) was used for statistical analysis. Results:At week 26, the mean increase of MCV was similar among patients treated with azathioprine alone (mean of 7.9 fL) or in combination with infliximab (mean of 8.5 fL). In the azathioprine group, 63.6% of patients with &Dgr;MCV >7 were in steroid-free clinical remission at week 26 as compared with 33.3% of patients without &Dgr;MCV >7 (P = 0.0046). In the combination therapy group, &Dgr;MCV above 7 was associated with mucosal healing (75.0% for &Dgr;MCV >7 versus 47.1% for &Dgr;MCV <7, P = 0.0172) but not with steroid-free clinical remission. Patients with a &Dgr;MCV above 7 were more likely to have infliximab trough level above 3 &mgr;g/mL at week 30 (68.4% versus 38.8% for &Dgr;MCV <7, P = 0.0032). Conclusions:These results suggest that &Dgr;MCV above 7 (which is a surrogate for a higher 6-thioguanine nucleotides concentration) leads to improved Crohn's disease outcomes, even when combined with infliximab. It also suggests the possibility that a lower azathioprine exposure might be less effective in combination therapy.
Aortic pulse wave velocity as a marker of cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients.

Large artery damage is a major contributory factor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of patients with hypertension. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), a classic evaluation of arterial distensibility, has never been ascertained as a cardiovascular risk marker. To determine the factors influencing aortic PWV and the potential predictor role of this measurement, we studied a cohort of 710 patients with essential hypertension. Atherosclerosis alterations (AA) were defined on the basis of clinical events. Calculation of cardiovascular risks, by use of Framingham equations, was performed in subjects without AA. PWV was higher in the presence of AA (14.9+/-4.0 versus 12.4+/-2.6 m/s, P<0.0001), even after adjustments on confounding factors and was the first determinant (P<0.0001) of the extent of atherosclerosis assessed as the sum of the atherosclerotic sites. In patients without AA, all cardiovascular risks increased constantly with PWV. Furthermore, at a given age, aortic PWV was the best predictor of cardiovascular mortality. The odds ratio of being in a high cardiovascular mortality risk group (>5% for 10 years) for patients in the upper quartile of PWV was 7.1 (95% confidence intervals 4.5 to 11.3). The presence of a PWV >13 m/s, taken alone, appeared as a strong predictor of cardiovascular mortality with high performance values. This study shows that aortic PWV is strongly associated with the presence and extent of atherosclerosis and constitutes a forceful marker and predictor of cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients.
Gene-carried hepatoma targeting complex induced high gene transfection efficiency with low toxicity and significant antitumor activity

Background The success of gene transfection is largely dependent on the development of a vehicle or vector that can efficiently deliver a gene to cells with minimal toxicity. Methods A liver cancer-targeted specific peptide (FQHPSF sequence) was successfully synthesized and linked with chitosan-linked polyethylenimine (CP) to form a new targeted gene delivery vector called CPT (CP/peptide). The structure of CPT was confirmed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The particle size of CPT/ DNA complexes was measured using laser diffraction spectrometry and the cytotoxicity of the copolymer was evaluated by methylthiazol tetrazolium method. The transfection efficiency evaluation of the CP copolymer was performed using luciferase activity assay. Cellular internalization of the CP/DNA complex was observed under confocal laser scanning microscopy. The targeting specificity of the polymer coupled to peptide was measured by competitive inhibition transfection study. The liver targeting specificity of the CPT copolymer in vivo was demonstrated by combining the copolymer with a therapeutic gene, interleukin-12, and assessed by its abilities in suppressing the growth of ascites tumor in mouse model. Results The results showed that the liver cancer-targeted specific peptide was successfully synthesized and linked with CP to form a new targeted gene delivery vector called CPT. The composition of CPT was confirmed and the vector showed low cytotoxicity and strong targeting specificity to liver tumors in vitro. The in vivo study results showed that interleukin-12 delivered by the new gene vector CPT/DNA significantly enhanced the antitumor effect on ascites tumor-bearing imprinting control region mice as compared with polyethylenimine (25 kDa), CP, and other controls, which further demonstrate the targeting specificity of the new synthesized polymer. Conclusion The synthesized CPT copolymer was proven to be an effective liver cancer-targeted vector for therapeutic gene delivery, which could be a potential candidate for targeted cancer gene therapy.
Synthesis of PCHB-WCHB hybrid quasi-delay insensitive circuits

The increasing cost paid in clocking integrated circuits and combating timing variations forces designers to rethink asynchronous approaches to system realization. Among various techniques, quasi-delay-insensitive (QDI) design is promising due to its very relaxed timing assumption. Its expensive logic overhead, however, often nullifies its promise of performance and power improvements, and remains a major obstacle against its adoption. To overcome this obstacle, this paper proposes an efficient static performance analysis procedure and a synthesis flow for precharged half buffer (PCHB) and weak-conditioned half buffer (WCHB) circuit optimization. Experimental results demonstrate efficient performance analysis and effective area reduction under pipeline cycle time constraints.
Requirements for a cocitation similarity measure, with special reference to Pearson's correlation coefficient

Author cocitation analysis (ACA), a special type of cocitation analysis, was introduced by White and Griffith in 1981. This technique is used to analyze the intellectual structure of a given scientific field. In 1990, McCain published a technical overview that has been largely adopted as a standard. Here, McCain notes that Pearson's correlation coefficient (Pearson's r) is often used as a similarity measure in ACA and presents some advantages of its use. The present article criticizes the use of Pearson's r in ACA and sets forth two natural requirements that a similarity measure applied in ACA should satisfy. It is shown that Pearson's r does not satisfy these requirements. Real and hypothetical data are used in order to obtain counterexamples to both requirements. It is concluded that Pearson's r is probably not an optimal choice of a similarity measure in ACA. Still, further empirical research is needed to show if, and in that case to what extent, the use of similarity measures in ACA that fulfill these requirements would lead to objectively better results In full-scale studies. Further, problems related to incomplete cocitation matrices are discussed.
Information Technologies Pre-service Teachers ’ Acceptance of Tablet PCs as an Innovative Learning Tool

The use of a tablet PC as an innovative tool in teaching-learning processes has become increasingly widespread on the university level. Liaw, Hatala, and Huang (2010) report that the fast spread of the tablet PC and relevant technologies parallel to the rise in internet access options has altered the nature of higher education thoroughly. A set of studies focusing on the use of the tablet PC in the university has shown that such technologies have contributed positively to teaching-learning processes (Dickerson, Williams, & Browning, 2009; El-Gayar, Moran, & Hawkes, 2011; Li, Pow, Wong, & Fung, 2010; Steinweg, Williams, & Stapleton, 2010). On one hand, Dickerson, Williams, and Browning (2009) describe learners of the modern age as advanced technology users. On the other hand, tablet PCs are a totally new concept for a majority of these users since they lack adequate experience with tablet PCs that they do not personally own. Based on this fact, Kyu (2011) claims that to promote this new technological tooltablet PCsa certain length of time should be spent to enable not only wider manufacturing of this electronic material but also to become familiarized with this new technology. Additionally, because of the high cost of their technical features and the limited software options Abstract The current study is aimed to determine if Turkish IT pre-service teachers’ acceptance of tablet PCs is within the framework of the Technology Acceptance Model. The research was patterned as a phenomenological study which is among the qualitative research methods. Participants were eight pre-service teachers studying in Trakya University, Faculty of Education, Computer Education and Instructional Technologies Department during the 2011-2012 academic year. A semi-structured interview, an activity list for tablet PCs, the students’ reflective journal and the researcher’s reflective journal were used to collect the data. Research data were analyzed via content analysis. Findings showed that IT pre-service teachers have technology acceptance towards tablet PCs which in turn directs in a positive way their attitude and behavioral intention to use. Nonetheless, various challenges concerning the hardware, software and communication may have negative effects on IT pre-service teachers’ technology acceptance of tablet PC.
Hydrologically Induced Karst Deformation: Insights From GPS Measurements in the Adria‐Eurasia Plate Boundary Zone

We apply a blind source separation algorithm to the ground displacement time series recorded at continuous Global Positioning System (GPS) stations in the European Eastern Alps and Northern Dinarides. As a result, we characterize the temporal and spatial features of several deformation signals. Seasonal displacements are well described by loading effects caused by Earth surface mass redistributions. More interestingly, we highlight a horizontal, nonseasonal, transient deformation signal, with spatially variable amplitudes and directions. The stations affected by this signal reverse the sense of movement with time, implying a sequence of dilatational and compressional deformation that is oriented normal to rock fractures in karst areas. The temporal evolution of this deformation signal is correlated with the history of cumulated precipitations at monthly time scales. This transient horizontal deformation can be explained by pressure changes associated with variable water levels within vertical fractures in the vadose zones of karst systems. The water level changes required to open or close these fractures are consistent with the fluctuations of precipitation and with the dynamics of karst systems.
Group wisdom support systems: Aggregating the insights of many through information technology

Evidence from a variety of domains suggests that the wisdom of crowds, the aggregated insights and judgments of large groups of non-experts, can generate results that are equal or better to those of experts. Traditionally, aggregating the insights of many has been a tedious and often infeasible task. Even the group decision support systems of a few years ago were not ready for this challenge. They would usually only facilitate small or medium sized groups and not easily scale. Recent developments in ICTs, however have made the access to large groups of diverse individuals significantly more feasible, suggesting the feasibility of group wisdom support systems (GWSSs). Within this article we determine key requirements for a GWSS, based on the characteristics to be fulfilled for collective intelligence to successfully emerge. We then discuss specific system requirements for two types of systems, a Type 1 numeric belief aggregation system, and a Type 2 knowledge aggregation system. Type 1, represented for instance by prediction markets is relatively simpler, while Type 2, represented for instance by wiki-like mechanisms, is considerable more complex (not necessarily in the software, but in the processes that make the system work). The article concludes with design suggestions.
Phototropin Influence on Eyespot Development and Regulation of Phototactic Behavior in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii[W]

This study shows that an eyespot is a dynamic organelle and that the blue light photoreceptor phototropin is involved in the regulation of eyespot size and level of channelrhodopsin 1, which is the primary photoreceptor for photo-movement responses. This work also describes that, in addition to the C-terminal kinase domain, the N-terminal photoreceptor domains have independent signaling functions. The eyespot of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a light-sensitive organelle important for phototactic orientation of the alga. Here, we found that eyespot size is strain specific and downregulated in light. In a strain in which the blue light photoreceptor phototropin was deleted by homologous recombination, the light regulation of the eyespot size was affected. We restored this dysfunction in different phototropin complementation experiments. Complementation with the phototropin kinase fragment reduced the eyespot size, independent of light. Interestingly, overexpression of the N-terminal light, oxygen or voltage sensing domains (LOV1+LOV2) alone also affected eyespot size and phototaxis, suggesting that aside from activation of the kinase domain, they fulfill an independent signaling function in the cell. Moreover, phototropin is involved in adjusting the level of channelrhodopsin-1, the dominant primary receptor for phototaxis within the eyespot. Both the level of channelrhodopsin-1 at the onset of illumination and its steady state level during the light period are downregulated by phototropin, whereas the level of channelrhodopsin-2 is not significantly altered. Furthermore, a light intensity–dependent formation of a C-terminal truncated phototropin form was observed. We propose that phototropin is a light regulator of phototaxis that desensitizes the eyespot when blue light intensities increase.
Comparison of Western and Asian Guidelines Concerning the Management of Colon Cancer

BACKGROUND: Guidelines are important to standardize treatments and optimize outcomes. Several societies have published authoritative guidelines for patients with colon cancer, and a certain degree of variation can be predicted. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare Western and Asian guidelines for the management of colon cancer. DATA SOURCES: A literature review was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for studies published between 2010 and 2017 by the online resources from the official Web sites of the societies/panels. Sources included guidelines by European Society of Medical Oncology, the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. STUDY SELECTION: Only full-text studies and the latest guidelines dealing with colon cancer were included. Studies and guidelines were separately assessed by 2 authors, who independently identified discrepancies and areas for further research. These were discussed and agreed with by all the authors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The recommendations of the guidelines of each society were compared, seeking discrepancies and potential areas for improvement. RESULTS: Endoscopic techniques for the management of early colon cancer are discussed in detail in the Asian guidelines. Asian guidelines advocate extended (D3) lymphadenectomy on a routine basis in T3/T4 and in selected T2 patients, whereas such an approach is still under investigation in Western countries. Only US guidelines describe neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. All the guidelines recommend adjuvant treatment in selected stage II patients, but agreement exists that this is performed without solid evidence, because better outcomes are hypothesized based on studies including stage III or stage II/III patients. The role of cytoreductive surgery with intra-abdominal chemotherapy is dubious, and European guidelines only recommend it in the setting of trials. Asian guidelines endorse an aggressive surgical approach to peritoneal disease. Only US guidelines include a patient advocate in the drafting panel. LIMITATIONS: Bias may have arisen from country-specific socioeconomic and cultural issues, and from the latest available updates. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical approaches to colon cancer differ significantly among Western and Asian guidelines, reflecting different concepts of treatment. The role of adjuvant treatment in node-negative disease and quality-of-life assessment need further research.
Cytoplasmic peptide:N‐glycanase (PNGase) in eukaryotic cells: occurrence, primary structure, and potential functions

A cytoplasmic peptide:N‐glycanase has been implicated in the proteasomal degradation of newly synthesized misfolded glycoproteins exported from the endoplasmic reticulum. The gene encoding this enzyme (Png1p) has been identified in yeast. Based on sequence analysis, Png1p was classified as a member of the ‘transglutaminase‐like superfamily’ that contains a putative catalytic triad of amino acids (cysteine, histidine, and aspartic acid). More recent studies in yeast indicate that Png1p can bind to the 26S proteasome through its interaction with the DNA repair protein Rad23p. A mouse homologue of Png1p (mPng1p) bound not only to the Rad23 protein, but also to various proteins related to ubiquitin and/or the proteasome through an extended amino‐terminal domain. This NH2 terminus of mPng1p, which is not found in yeast, contains a PUB domain predicted to be involved in the ubiquitin‐related pathway. This review will focus on the primary structure and potential functions of the cytoplasmic PNGases.
A cluster-based security architecture for ad hoc networks

Secure communication is very important in computer networks and authentication is one of the most eminent preconditions. However, common authentication schemes are not applicable in ad hoc networks because public key infrastructures with a centralized certification authority are hard to deploy there. We propose and evaluate a security concept based on a distributed certification facility. A network is divided into clusters with one special head node each. These cluster head nodes execute administrative functions and hold shares of a network key used for certification. New nodes start to participate in the network as guests; they can only become full members with a network-signed certificate after their authenticity has been warranted by some other members. The feasibility of this concept was verified by simulation. Three different models for node mobility were used in order to include realistic scenarios as well as make the results comparable to other work. The simulation results include an evaluation of the log-on times, availability, and communication overhead.