Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Airblue: A system for cross-layer wireless protocol development

Over the past few years, researchers have developed many crosslayer wireless protocols to improve the performance of wireless networks. Experimental evaluations of these protocols have been carried out mostly using software-defined radios, which are typically two to three orders of magnitude slower than commodity hardware. FPGA-based platforms provide much better speeds but are quite difficult to modify because of the way high-speed designs are typically implemented. Experimenting with cross-layer protocols requires a flexible way to convey information beyond the data itself from lower to higher layers, and a way for higher layers to configure lower layers dynamically and within some latency bounds. One also needs to be able to modify a layer's processing pipeline without triggering a cascade of changes. We have developed Airblue, an FPGA-based software radio platform, that has all these properties and runs at speeds comparable to commodity hardware. We discuss the design philosophy underlying Airblue that makes it relatively easy to modify it, and present early experimental results.
Rho-Associated Kinase Inhibitor Eye Drop Treatment as a Possible Medical Treatment for Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy

Purpose: To report a case of Fuchs corneal dystrophy that was successfully treated by Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor eye drops, subsequent to transcorneal freezing of damaged corneal endothelial cells. Methods: A 52-year-old Japanese man with a diagnosis of late-onset Fuchs corneal dystrophy was referred to our hospital as a candidate for keratoplasty. Best-corrected vision was 20/20 in the right eye and 20/63 in the left eye. Multiple guttae were observed in both eyes. The right cornea was clear, but the left showed severe central edema, with a central corneal thickness of 703 &mgr;m. We were unable to perform specular microscopy in the central cornea, but endothelial cells were observed in the midperiphery at a density of 757 cells per square millimeter. The patient was treated by a corneal endothelial denudation in the prepupillary region followed by the topical administration of a selective ROCK inhibitor, Y-27632, as eye drops for 1 week. Follow-up of 24 months is reported. Results: Corneal clarity recovered and vision improved to 20/20 two weeks after the treatment. At 6 months, vision had improved to 20/16 and central corneal thickness measured was 568 &mgr;m, significantly lower than its pretreatment value. Endothelial function and vision have been well maintained up to the most recent observation, 24 months after the treatment. The average corneal endothelial density in the central and peripheral cornea was 1549.3 ± 89.7 and 705.0 ± 61.1 cells per square millimeter, respectively. Conclusions: The case highlights the possibility of medical treatments involving the use of ROCK inhibitor eye drops as an alternative to graft surgery for certain forms of corneal endothelial disease.
Hierarchical Cluster Analysis of Three-Dimensional Reconstructions of Unbiased Sampled Microglia Shows not Continuous Morphological Changes from Stage 1 to 2 after Multiple Dengue Infections in Callithrix penicillata

It is known that microglial morphology and function are related, but few studies have explored the subtleties of microglial morphological changes in response to specific pathogens. In the present report we quantitated microglia morphological changes in a monkey model of dengue disease with virus CNS invasion. To mimic multiple infections that usually occur in endemic areas, where higher dengue infection incidence and abundant mosquito vectors carrying different serotypes coexist, subjects received once a week subcutaneous injections of DENV3 (genotype III)-infected culture supernatant followed 24 h later by an injection of anti-DENV2 antibody. Control animals received either weekly anti-DENV2 antibodies, or no injections. Brain sections were immunolabeled for DENV3 antigens and IBA-1. Random and systematic microglial samples were taken from the polymorphic layer of dentate gyrus for 3-D reconstructions, where we found intense immunostaining for TNFα and DENV3 virus antigens. We submitted all bi- or multimodal morphological parameters of microglia to hierarchical cluster analysis and found two major morphological phenotypes designated types I and II. Compared to type I (stage 1), type II microglia were more complex; displaying higher number of nodes, processes and trees and larger surface area and volumes (stage 2). Type II microglia were found only in infected monkeys, whereas type I microglia was found in both control and infected subjects. Hierarchical cluster analysis of morphological parameters of 3-D reconstructions of random and systematic selected samples in control and ADE dengue infected monkeys suggests that microglia morphological changes from stage 1 to stage 2 may not be continuous.
A study of turbulent fluxes and their measurement errors for different wind regimes over the tropical Zongo glacier (16° S) during the dry season

Abstract. Over glaciers in the outer tropics, during the dry winter season, turbulent fluxes are an important sink of melt energy due to high sublimation rates, but measurements in stable surface layers in remote and complex terrains remain challenging. Eddy-covariance (EC) and bulk-aerodynamic (BA) methods were used to estimate surface turbulent heat fluxes of sensible (H) and latent heat (LE) in the ablation zone of the tropical Zongo Glacier, Bolivia (16° S, 5080 m a.s.l.), from 22 July to 1 September 2007. We studied the turbulent fluxes and their associated random and systematic measurement errors under the three most frequent wind regimes. For nightly, density-driven katabatic flows, and for strong downslope flows related to large-scale forcing, H generally heats the surface (i.e. is positive), while LE cools it down (i.e. is negative). On average, both fluxes exhibit similar magnitudes and cancel each other out. Most energy losses through turbulence occur for daytime upslope flows, when H is weak due to small temperature gradients and LE is strongly negative due to very dry air. Mean random errors of the BA method (6 % on net H + LE fluxes) originated mainly from large uncertainties in roughness lengths. For EC fluxes, mean random errors were due mainly to poor statistical sampling of large-scale outer-layer eddies (12 %). The BA method is highly sensitive to the method used to derive surface temperature from longwave radiation measurements and underestimates fluxes due to vertical flux divergence at low heights and nonstationarity of turbulent flow. The EC method also probably underestimates the fluxes, albeit to a lesser extent, due to underestimation of vertical wind speed and to vertical flux divergence. For both methods, when H and LE compensate each other in downslope fluxes, biases tend to cancel each other out or remain small. When the net turbulent fluxes (H + LE) are the largest in upslope flows, nonstationarity effects and underestimations of the vertical wind speed do not compensate, and surface temperature errors are important, so that large biases on H + LE are expected when using both the EC and the BA method.
Learning Objects Update: Review and Critical Approach to Content Aggregation

The structure and composite nature of a learning object is still open to interpretation. Although several theoretical studies advocate integrated approaches to the structure and aggregation level of learning objects, in practice, many content specifications, such as SCORM, IMS Content Packaging, and course authoring tools, do not explicitly state the aggregation level or granularity of learning content. The aim of this paper is to review, compare, and amalgamate different content models for learning objects into a single and coherent learning content hierarchy. To fulfil the objectives of this study, a substantive body of literature was reviewed and analysed to identify current issues in the field of learning objects, and more specifically, learning object content models.
Extragalactic constraints on the initial mass function

The local stellar mass density is observed to be significantly lower than the value obtained from integrating the cosmic star formation history (SFH), assuming that all the stars formed with a Salpeter initial mass function (IMF). Even other favoured IMFs, more successful in reconciling the observed z= 0 stellar mass density with that inferred from the SFH, have difficulties in reproducing the stellar mass density observed at higher redshift. In this study, we investigate to what extent this discrepancy can be alleviated for any universal power-law IMF. We find that an IMF with a high-mass slope shallower (2.15) than the Salpeter slope (2.35) reconciles the observed stellar mass density with the cosmic SFH, but only at low redshifts. At higher redshifts z > 0.5, we find that the observed stellar mass densities are systematically lower than predicted from the cosmic SFH, for any universal power-law IMF.
Randomized clinical trial comparing two natural surfactant preparations to treat respiratory distress syndrome

Objective: Natural surfactant preparations have been shown to reduce the severity and mortality of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of two natural surfactants, namely SF-RI 1 (Alveofact®) and barectant (Survanta®), on the incidence of chronic lung disease (CLD) and other associated complications of RDS in preterm infants.Methods: Preterm infants with RDS requiring artificial ventilation were randomly selected to receive an initial dose of either Alveofact or Survanta. The two treatment groups were tested for variation in gas exchange, ventilatory settings and neonatal complications such as CLD and mortality.Results: After 5 days the Survanta-treated infants had a lower fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) compared with the Alveofact-treated infants. There were no differences in the ventilatory settings. More infants in the Survanta group were extubated at 3 days and fewer required the use of postnatal steroids. Less CLD and duration of oxygenation were experienced by the Survanta-treated group.Conclusions: Improved oxygenation and reduced ventilatory requirements were greater with Survanta compared to Alveofact, which in turn was associated with a trend towards a lower incidence of serious pulmonary complications.
Understanding user needs: a practice-based approach to exploring the role of weather and sea ice services in European Arctic expedition cruising

ABSTRACT Climate change has been credited with making the Arctic Ocean more accessible to maritime transport, but those navigating its waters must contend with highly dynamic and unpredictable weather and sea ice conditions. Despite ongoing developments in weather and sea ice services to enable responsible and safe operation and navigation, little is known about what and how these information services are used, and whether the services meet the information needs of maritime sectors. Here we address this gap by providing insights from the expedition cruise tourism sector active in European Arctic ocean areas. By applying a social practice theory perspective and relying on semi-structured interviews we show how weather and sea ice services are currently used by expedition cruise operators in various operational decision-making contexts. We argue that practice theory contributes to understanding user needs in a more contextualized way, which is essential for enhancing and tailoring information services. Our analysis suggests that weather and sea ice are only two elements in a complex socio-material setting. Finally, we argue that weather and sea ice services contribute to the resilience and rationalization of the expedition cruise sector in the European Arctic and beyond.
Changes in Parenting Self-Efficacy and Mood Symptoms in the Transition to Parenthood: A Bidirectional Association

SYNOPSIS Objective. Anxiety and depressive symptoms are assumed to relate to parenting self-efficacy in the context of changes and adaptations taking place in the transition to parenthood. The aim of this study was to elucidate the direction of effects. Design. Participants were 822 first-time expectant women who filled out questionnaires on depressive and anxiety symptoms and parenting self-efficacy at 32 weeks of pregnancy and at 3 and 12 months postpartum. Results. From 32 weeks of pregnancy to 3 months postpartum, parenting self-efficacy increased, whereas anxiety and depressive symptoms decreased. Multivariate response models showed that higher prenatal parenting self-efficacy was associated with more decreases in anxiety and depressive symptoms; lower prenatal mood symptoms were associated with more increases in parenting self-efficacy to 3 months postpartum. Higher postpartum parenting self-efficacy at 3 months predicted less increase in trait anxiety from 3 to 12 months postpartum. Conclusions. Parenting self-efficacy appears to be a result of mental health and a predictor for the course of mental health in first-time mothers. These results highlight the importance of focusing on both factors for intervention and prevention efforts.
E-Government Web Portal Adoption: A Service Level and Service Quality Perspective

E-government web portal service level and service quality are critical factors that determine user's adoption and continuance use. The paper reports results of a study that examines user's adoption and continuance intention (CI) of e-government web portal from the perspective of service level and service quality. Three types of user groups are identified based on the purposes of use and the primary activities: information acquisition, information exchange, and transaction processing. Service quality is measured by web portal's information quality, design/function, reliability, security and privacy, and system responsiveness. A research model is proposed and tested using data based on a sample of 630 individual e-government web portal users in China. Results show that web portal's service quality affects user's adoption and continuance intention and the effect differs among different types of user groups. Implications based on the findings of the study are discussed in term of e-government web portal implementation.
An ICT and mobile health integrated approach to optimize patients' education on hypertension and its management by physicians: The Patients Optimal Strategy of Treatment(POST) pilot study

Introduction: Uncontrolled hypertension is largely attributed to unsatisfactory doctor's engagement in its optimal management and to poor patients' compliance to therapeutic interventions. ICT and mobile Health solutions might improve these conditions, being widely available and providing highly effective communication strategies. Objective: To evaluate whether ICT and mobile Health tools are able to improve hypertension control by improving doctors' engagement and by increasing patients' education and involvement, and their compliance to lifestyle modification and prescribed drug therapy. Methods: In a pilot study, we have included 690 treated hypertensive patients with uncontrolled office blood pressure (BP), consecutively recruited by 9 general practitioners over 3 months. Patients were alternatively assigned to routine management based on repeated office visits or to an integrated ICT-based Patients Optimal Strategy for Treatment (POST) system including Home BP monitoring teletransmission, a dedicated web-based platform for patients' management by physicians (Misuriamo platform), and a smartphone mobile application (Eurohypertension APP, E-APP), over a follow-up of 6 months. BP values, demographic and clinical data were collected at baseline and at all follow-up visits (at least two). BP control and cardiovascular risk level have been evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the study. Results: 89 patients did not complete the follow-up, thus data analysis was carried out in 601 of them (303 patients in the POST group and 298 in the control group). Office BP control (<;149/90 mmHg) was 40.0% in control group, and 72.3% in POST group at 6 month follow-up. At the same time Home BP control (<;135/85 mmHg average of 6 days) in POST group was 87.5%. Conclusion: this pilot study suggests that ICT based tools might be effective in improving hypertension management, implementing positive patients' involvement with better adherence to treatment prescriptions and providing the physicians with dynamic control of patients' home BP measurements, resulting in lesser clinical inertia.
Associations of special care units and outcomes of residents with dementia: 2004 national nursing home survey.

PURPOSE We compared the rates of specialized care for residents with Alzheimer's disease or dementia in special care units (SCUs) and other nursing home (NH) units and examined the associations of SCU residence with process of care and resident outcomes. DESIGN AND METHODS Data came from the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey. The indicators of process of care included physical restraints, continence management, feeding tubes, and influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations. Resident outcomes included pressure ulcers, hospitalization, emergency room visits, weight loss, and falls. Analyses were conducted by using Stata SE version 10. RESULTS Multivariate logistic regression analyses show that SCU residents were more likely to have received specialized dementia care and specialized behavioral problem management. They were less likely to have bed rails (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.39, AOR = 0.35, ps < .01), use catheters (AOR = 0.33, AOR = 0.33, ps < .01), and yet more likely to have toilet plans/bladder training for incontinence control (AOR = 1.90, AOR = 1.62, ps < .01) than those in regular units and those in NHs without an SCU. Moreover, SCU residents were less likely to have pressure ulcers, hospitalization than those in regular units, and less likely to have experienced weight loss than those in NHs without an SCU. However, they were more likely to have falls (AOR = 1.32, AOR = 1.36, ps < .05) than those in regular units and those in NHs without an SCU. IMPLICATIONS Our study shows that SCU residents had, in general, better process of care than those in regular units and in NHs without an SCU. Further studies are needed to assess specific outcome changes among SCU residents and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of having such units.
The XMM-Newton survey of the ELAIS-S1 field. I. Number counts, angular correlation function and X-ra

Aims. The formation and evolution of cosmic structures can be probed by studying the evolution of the luminosity function of the Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs), galaxies and clusters of galaxies and of the clustering of the X-ray active Universe, compared to the IR-UV active Universe. Methods. To this purpose, we have surveyed with XMM-Newton the central ∼0. 6d eg 2 region of the ELAIS-S1 field down to flux limits of ∼5.5 × 10 −16 erg cm −2 s −1 (0.5–2 keV, soft band, S), ∼2 × 10 −15 erg cm −2 s −1 (2–10 keV, hard band, H), and ∼4 × 10 −15 erg cm −2 s −1 (5–10 keV, ultra hard band, HH). We present here the analysis of the XMM-Newton observations, the number counts in different energy bands and the clustering properties of the X-ray sources. Results. We detect a total of 478 sources, 395 and 205 of which detected in the S and H bands respectively. We identified 7 clearly extended sources and estimated their redshift through X-ray spectral fits with thermal models. In four cases the redshift is consistent with z = 0.4, so we may have detected a large scale structure formed by groups and clusters of galaxies through their hot intra-cluster gas emission. We have computed the angular correlation function of the sources in the S and H bands finding best fit correlation angles θ0 = 5.2 ± 3. 8a rcsec andθ0 = 12.8 ± 7.8 arcsec in the two bands respectively. The correlation angle of H band sources is therefore formally ∼2.5 times that of the S band sources, although the difference is at only ∼1σ confidence level. A rough estimate of the present-day correlation length r0 can be obtained inverting the Limber equation and assuming an appropriate redshift distribution dN/dz. The results range between 12.8 and 9.8 h −1 Mpc in the S band and between 17.9 and 13.4 h −1 Mpc in the H band, with 30–40% statistical errors, assuming either smooth redshift distributions or redshift distributions with spikes accounting for the presence of significant structure at z = 0.4. The relative density of the S band sources is higher near the clusters and groups at z ∼ 0.4 and extends toward East and toward South/West. This suggests that the structure is complex, with a size comparable to the full XMM-Newton field. Conversely, the highest relative source densities of the H band sources are located in the central-west region of the field.
Regulation of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Replication Using Tumor-Associated Promoters

ObjectiveTo investigate use of transcriptional regulatory elements (promoters) for tumor-associated antigens to achieve HSV-1 replication preferentially in cells that overexpress the tumor-associated antigens. Summary Background DataAn important advantage of replicating viruses for cancer therapy is their ability to simultaneously destroy tumor cells by replication and release progeny virion to infect and destroy adjacent cancer cells. This strategy requires regulation of the viral life cycle to obtain robust replication in neoplastic cells and minimize replication in nonneoplastic cells. MethodsPromoters for the human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and MUC1/DF3 tumor-associated antigens were characterized and cloned into HSV-1 mutants as heterologous promoters regulating expression of two different HSV-1 genes. Viral replication in tumor cells and cytotoxicity was quantified with in vitro assays. Antineoplastic efficacy was characterized in a flank tumor xenograft model. ResultsSeveral CEA promoters were cloned and characterized using luciferase reporter assays. The most specific promoter was used to construct and isolate two different HSV-1 mutants in which critical genes are regulated by this promoter (ICP4 and &ggr;134.5). Similarly, the promoter for the DF3/MUC1 tumor-associated antigen was cloned into a third HSV-1 mutant such that it regulates expression of &ggr;134.5. Regulation of ICP4 expression by the CEA promoter during HSV-1 infection overly attenuates viral replication. Regulation of &ggr;134.5 expression by either the CEA promoter or the MUC1/DF3 promoter during HSV-1 infection modulates viral replication, with preferential replication in cells that overexpress the corresponding tumor-associated antigen. A single intratumoral inoculation of an HSV-1 mutant with the MUC1/DF3 promoter regulating &ggr;134.5 expression results in significant antineoplastic activity in MUC1-positive pancreatic carcinoma xenografts as compared to mock inoculation. ConclusionsPromoters for tumor-associated antigens may be incorporated into the HSV-1 genome to regulate HSV-1 replication. The choices of HSV-1 gene and tumor-associated promoter are important determinants of success of this strategy. Because of its preferential replication in MUC1-positive tumors, an HSV-1 mutant with the MUC1/DF3 promoter regulating &ggr;134.5 expression will undergo further examination as a novel cancer therapy agent.