Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of passive millimeter-wave images with Graph Cuts

We present in this paper a method to reconstruct passive millimeter-wave images. We formulate the Graph Cuts concept to estimate the image by performing a global optimization through all the samples of the passive millimeter-wave radiometer. Our scheme assigns labels for each pixel to be reconstructed by defining a cost function consisting of two terms. The first term reflects the cost that each pixel can have by taking a certain label value. The second term ensures that the image is piecewise smooth. For the latter, we assess the performance of several discontinuity cost models to find out which model is best suited to our problem. Compared to state of the art schemes, results show that our method leads to images with enhanced contrast and the shapes of the objects are better preserved. Compared to optimization schemes like belief propagation, the graph cuts scheme leads to improved temperature resolution and is more robust against label assignment.
Numerical Simulation of Collisionless Driven Reconnection Controlled by Multi-Scale Physics in Open Systems

Dynamical process of magnetic reconnection controlled by multi-scale physics is investigated using a series of numerical simulation models developed for the analysis of magnetic reconnection in open systems. Two dissipation regions with different spatial scales are formed inside the kinetic regime and a new force balance state is realized there through the combined action of the Hall effect and the effect of external driving source. MHDPIC interlocked simulation scheme is developed based on domain decomposition method for the investigation of multi-scale physics in magnetic reconnection. The scheme is applied to propagation of MHD waves and is
White Dwarf Rotation: Observations and Theory

White dwarfs rotate. The angular momentum in single white dwarfs must originate early in the life of the star, but also must be modified (and perhaps severely modified) during the many stages of evolution between birth as a main--sequence star and final appearance as a white dwarf. Observational constraints on the rotation of single white dwarf stars come from traditional spectroscopy and from asteroseismology, with the latter providing hints of angular velocity with depth. Results of these observational determinations, that white dwarfs rotate with periods ranging from hours to days (or longer), tells us that the processes by which angular momentum is deposited and/or drained from the cores of AGB stars are complex. Still, one can place strong limits on these processes by considering relatively simple limiting cases for angular momentum evolution in prior stages, and on subsequent angular momentum evolution in the white dwarfs. These limiting-case constraints will be reviewed in the context of the available observations.
Pengaruh Motivasi Berprestasi terhadap Disiplin Kerja Pegawai dalam Mewujudkan Mutu Pelayanan Pendidikan

Tujuan penulisan artikel ini adalah Tujuan penulisan artikel ini adalah membahas tentang pengaruh motivasi berprestasi terhadap disiplin kerja pegawai dalam mewujudkan mutu pelayanan pendidikan. Metoda analisis yang digunakan dalam pembahasan topik utama menggunakan model analisis causal efektual dengan meninjau hubungan rasional yang menganalisa hubungan sebab akibat antara motivasi berprestasi, motivasi disiplin kerja pegawai dan mutu pelayanan pendidikan. Lokasi penelitian dilakukan di SMPN Se-Kecamatan Cigedug Garut dengan jumlah responden sebanyak 65 orang. Hasil pembahasan menunjukkan bahwa motivasi berprestasi berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap disiplin kerja pegawai dan mutu pelayanan pendidikan. Artikel ini berkesimpulan bahwa untuk mewujudkan mutu pelayanan pendidikan dapat dilakukan dengan meningkatkan motivasi berprestasi dan disiplin kerja pegawai. Kata kunci: disiplin kerja pegawai, motivasi berprestasi, mutu pelayanan pendidikan.
Valuing Corporate Liabilities

We implement a structural bond pricing framework on a large panel of US industrial issues using an efficient maximum likelihood methodology. Although, like others before us, we underpredict yield spread levels when using only stock market data in the estimation, our errors are much less dispersed. In addition, we show that when our model underpredicts spreads, the errors are correlated with liquidity proxies, suggesting that an underestimation of total yield spreads may be economically plausible. When we include bond price information in our estimation, our errors become similar in magnitude to those found in recent implementations of reduced form models.
Farsi License Plate Detection based on Element Analysis and Characters Recognition

In this paper, a safe and powerful method is presented which can detect and identify Farsi license plate irrespective of distance (how far a vehicle is), rotation (angle between camera and vehicle), and contrast (being dirty, reflected, or deformed). In addition, more than one car can be existed in an image. The proposed method extracts edges and then determines the candidate regions by using adaptive image enhancement and applying window movement. Finally by region elements analysis, the license plates are detected. The region elements analysis is working according to the plate geometric structure, continuity and parallelism. After detecting license plates, we estimate rotation angle and try to compensate it. In order to identify a detected plate, every character should be recognized. For this purpose, we present 53 features and use them as input to artificial neural network classifier.
Corriger ou ne pas corriger, là n'est pas la question

Si on accepte la premisse que tout apprenant de langue seconde produit des formes non autochtones des qu'il ouvre la bouche (ne serait-ce qu'au niveau de la prononciation) on comprendra que l'enseignant, devant chacune des productions de ses apprenants, doit prendre des decisions plus ou moins immediates quant aux QUI, QUOI, QUAND et COMMENT de sa reaction. Cet article propose quelques elements de reponses a ces questions, et ce, compte tenu de la grande relativite du concept d' « erreur » (selon la norme transgressee), du type d'erreur commise, des objectifs de la lecon en cours et de l'efficacite des diverses techniques telle qu'etablie a l'aide de certaines observations systematiques
Transesophageal Echocardiography as the Sole Guidance for Occlusion of Patent Ductus Arteriosus using a Canine Ductal Occluder in Dogs

Background Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is usually performed by fluoroscopy alone or together with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) guidance has been used for deployment of Amplatz Canine Ductal Occluder (ACDO), but sometimes is limited by suboptimal acoustic windows. Transesophageal echocardiography can overcome such issues and provides higher image resolution at the level of the great vessels. Objectives To determine if TEE without fluoroscopy could be used to successfully perform ductal occlusion for the treatment of PDA in dogs. Animals Twenty client‐owned dogs with PDA. Methods A prospective consecutive case series of PDA occlusion was performed using only TEE guidance. Dogs were positioned in right lateral recumbency and the TEE probe was positioned to visualize the descending aorta, PDA, and pulmonary artery. The guide wire, long introducer sheath, and ACDO were imaged by TEE to direct deployment. Results Ductal occlusion was performed successfully without need for fluoroscopy and without complications in 19 dogs. One dog required a second larger ACDO because of embolization of the first device 18 hours after positioning. Conclusions and Clinical Importance We have demonstrated that TEE monitoring without concurrent fluoroscopy can guide each step of transcatheter ACDO embolization thereby providing an alternate method of visualization for this procedure. Use of TEE alone can reduce radiation exposure or is an option when fluoroscopy is not available, and, therefore, should be evaluated in a larger case series to better assess procedural failure rates.
NK Cells and Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic condition of the skin characterised by distinctive scaly plaques. The immune system is now thought to play a major role in the development and pathogenesis of psoriasis with immune cells and cytokines influencing keratinocyte function. Keratinocytes in turn, can activate and recruit immune cells leading to a positive feedback loop in disease. Natural Killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes that are best known for killing virally infected and cancer cells. However, evidence is emerging to support a role for NK cells in psoriasis. NK cells are found in the inflammatory infiltrate in psoriatic skin lesions. They can produce a range of inflammatory cytokines, many of which are important in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Recent genetic studies have identified a range of potential molecules relating to NK cell biology that are known to be important in psoriasis. This paper will discuss the evidence, both cellular and genetic, for NK cell involvement in psoriasis.
Characterization of Leishmania donovani Aquaporins Shows Presence of Subcellular Aquaporins Similar to Tonoplast Intrinsic Proteins of Plants

Leishmania donovani, a protozoan parasite, resides in the macrophages of the mammalian host. The aquaporin family of proteins form important components of the parasite-host interface. The parasite-host interface could be a potential target for chemotherapy. Analysis of L. major and L. infantum genomes showed the presence of five aquaporins (AQPs) annotated as AQP9 (230aa), AQP putative (294aa), AQP-like protein (279aa), AQP1 (314aa) and AQP-like protein (596aa). We report here the structural modeling, localization and functional characterization of the AQPs from L. donovani. LdAQP1, LdAQP9, LdAQP2860 and LdAQP2870 have the canonical NPA-NPA motifs, whereas LdAQP putative has a non-canonical NPM-NPA motif. In the carboxyl terminal to the second NPA box of all AQPs except AQP1, a valine/alanine residue was found instead of the arginine. In that respect these four AQPs are similar to tonoplast intrinsic proteins in plants, which are localized to intracellular organelles. Confocal microscopy of L. donovani expressing GFP-tagged AQPs showed an intracellular localization of LdAQP9 and LdAQP2870. Real-time PCR assays showed expression of all aquaporins except LdAQP2860, whose level was undetectable. Three-dimensional homology modeling of the AQPs showed that LdAQP1 structure bears greater topological similarity to the aquaglyceroporin than to aquaporin of E. coli. The pore of LdAQP1 was very different from the rest in shape and size. The cavity of LdAQP2860 was highly irregular and undefined in geometry. For functional characterization, four AQP proteins were heterologously expressed in yeast. In the fps1Δ yeast cells, which lacked the key aquaglyceroporin, LdAQP1 alone displayed an osmosensitive phenotype indicating glycerol transport activity. However, expression of LdAQP1 and LdAQP putative in a yeast gpd1Δ strain, deleted for glycerol production, conferred osmosensitive phenotype indicating water transport activity or aquaporin function. Our analysis for the first time shows the presence of subcellular aquaporins and provides structural and functional characterization of aquaporins in Leishmania donovani.
Towards Rational Use of Antibiotics for Suspected Secondary Infections in Buruli Ulcer Patients

Background The emerging disease Buruli ulcer is treated with streptomycin and rifampicin and surgery if necessary. Frequently other antibiotics are used during treatment. Methods/Principal Findings Information on prescribing behavior of antibiotics for suspected secondary infections and for prophylactic use was collected retrospectively. Of 185 patients that started treatment for Buruli ulcer in different centers in Ghana and Bénin 51 were admitted. Forty of these 51 admitted patients (78%) received at least one course of antibiotics other than streptomycin and rifampicin during their hospital stay. The median number (IQR) of antibiotic courses for admitted patients was 2 (1, 5). Only twelve patients received antibiotics for a suspected secondary infection, all other courses were prescribed as prophylaxis of secondary infections extended till 10 days on average after excision, debridement or skin grafting. Antibiotic regimens varied considerably per indication. In another group of BU patients in two centers in Bénin , superficial wound cultures were performed. These cultures from superficial swabs represented bacteria to be expected from a chronic wound, but 13 of the 34 (38%) S. aureus were MRSA. Conclusions/Significance A guide for rational antibiotic treatment for suspected secondary infections or prophylaxis is needed. Adherence to the guideline proposed in this article may reduce and tailor antibiotic use other than streptomycin and rifampicin in Buruli ulcer patients. It may save costs, reduce toxicity and limit development of further antimicrobial resistance. This topic should be included in general protocols on the management of Buruli ulcer.
Neuropilin-1 Is Involved in Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 Entry

ABSTRACT Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is transmitted through a viral synapse and enters target cells via interaction with the glucose transporter GLUT1. Here, we show that Neuropilin-1 (NRP1), the receptor for semaphorin-3A and VEGF-A165 and a member of the immune synapse, is also a physical and functional partner of HTLV-1 envelope (Env) proteins. HTLV-1 Env and NRP1 complexes are formed in cotransfected cells, and endogenous NRP1 contributes to the binding of HTLV-1 Env to target cells. NRP1 overexpression increases HTLV-1 Env-dependent syncytium formation. Moreover, overexpression of NRP1 increases both HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 Env-dependent infection, whereas down-regulation of endogenous NRP1 has the opposite effect. Finally, overexpressed GLUT1, NRP1, and Env form ternary complexes in transfected cells, and endogenous NRP1 and GLUT1 colocalize in membrane junctions formed between uninfected and HTLV-1-infected T cells. These data show that NRP1 is involved in HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 entry, suggesting that the HTLV receptor has a multicomponent nature.
A comparison of simulation event list algorithms

Four algorithms are considered which can be used to schedule events in a general purpose discrete simulation system. Two of the algorithms are new, one is based on an end-order tree structure for event notices, and another uses an indexed linear list. The algorithms are tested with a set of typical stochastic scheduling distributions especially chosen to show the advantages and limitations of the algorithms. The end-order tree algorithm is shown to be an advantageous, immediate replacement for the algorithm in use with current simulation languages. The most promising algorithm uses the indexed list concept. It will require an adaptive routine before it can be employed in general purpose simulators, but its performance is such that further study would be fruitful.
Social Determinants of Health and Tobacco Use in Thirteen Low and Middle Income Countries: Evidence from Global Adult Tobacco Survey

Background Tobacco use has been identified as the single biggest cause of inequality in morbidity. The objective of this study is to examine the role of social determinants on current tobacco use in thirteen low-and-middle income countries. Methodology/Principal Findings We used nationally representative data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) conducted during 2008–2010 in 13 low-and-middle income countries: Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Philippines, Poland, Russian Federation, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Viet Nam. These surveys provided information on 209,027 respondent's aged 15 years and above and the country datasets were analyzed individually for estimating current tobacco use across various socio-demographic factors (gender, age, place of residence, education, wealth index, and knowledge on harmful effects of smoking). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to predict the impact of these determinants on current tobacco use status. Current tobacco use was defined as current smoking or use of smokeless tobacco, either daily or occasionally. Former smokers were excluded from the analysis. Adjusted odds ratios for current tobacco use after controlling other cofactors, was significantly higher for males across all countries and for urban areas in eight of the 13 countries. For educational level, the trend was significant in Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Philippines and Thailand demonstrating decreasing prevalence of tobacco use with increasing levels of education. For wealth index, the trend of decreasing prevalence of tobacco use with increasing wealth was significant for Bangladesh, India, Philippines, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay and Viet Nam. The trend of decreasing prevalence with increasing levels of knowledge on harmful effects of smoking was significant in China, India, Philippines, Poland, Russian Federation, Thailand, Ukraine and Viet Nam. Conclusions/Significance These findings demonstrate a significant but varied role of social determinants on current tobacco use within and across countries.
Neural Competition for Conscious Representation across Time: An fMRI Study

Background The information processing capacity of the human mind is limited, as is evidenced by the attentional blink (AB) - a deficit in identifying the second of two temporally-close targets (T1 and T2) embedded in a rapid stream of distracters. Theories of the AB generally agree that it results from competition between stimuli for conscious representation. However, they disagree in the specific mechanisms, in particular about how attentional processing of T1 determines the AB to T2. Methodology/Principal Findings The present study used the high spatial resolution of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the neural mechanisms underlying the AB. Our research approach was to design T1 and T2 stimuli that activate distinguishable brain areas involved in visual categorization and representation. ROI and functional connectivity analyses were then used to examine how attentional processing of T1, as indexed by activity in the T1 representation area, affected T2 processing. Our main finding was that attentional processing of T1 at the level of the visual cortex predicted T2 detection rates Those individuals who activated the T1 encoding area more strongly in blink versus no-blink trials generally detected T2 on a lower percentage of trials. The coupling of activity between T1 and T2 representation areas did not vary as a function of conscious T2 perception. Conclusions/Significance These data are consistent with the notion that the AB is related to attentional demands of T1 for selection, and indicate that these demands are reflected at the level of visual cortex. They also highlight the importance of individual differences in attentional settings in explaining AB task performance.
The RAP74 Subunit of Human Transcription Factor IIF Has Similar Roles in Initiation and Elongation

ABSTRACT Transcription factor IIF (TFIIF) is a protein allosteric effector for RNA polymerase II during the initiation and elongation phases of the transcription cycle. In initiation, TFIIF induces promoter DNA to wrap almost a full turn around RNA polymerase II in a complex that includes the general transcription factors TATA-binding protein, TFIIB, and TFIIE. During elongation, TFIIF also supports a more active conformation of RNA polymerase II. This conformational model for elongation is supported by three lines of experimental evidence. First, a region within the RNA polymerase II-associating protein 74 (RAP74) subunit of TFIIF (amino acids T154 to M177), a region that is critical for isomerization of the preinitiation complex, is also critical for elongation stimulation. Amino acid substitutions within this region are shown to have very similar effects on initiation and elongation, and mutagenic analysis indicates that L155, W164, N172, I176, and M177 are the most important residues in this region for transcription. Second, TFIIF is shown to have a higher affinity for rapidly elongating RNA polymerase II than for the stalled elongation complex, indicating that RNA polymerase II alternates between active and inactive states during elongation and that TFIIF stimulates elongation by supporting the active conformational state of RNA polymerase II. The deleterious I176A substitution in the critical region of RAP74 decreases the affinity of TFIIF for the active form of the elongation complex. Third, TFIIF is shown by Arrhenius analysis to stimulate elongation by populating an activated state of RNA polymerase II.
Evaluating CLIL Programmes: Instrument Design and Validation

This article presents the three sets of questionnaires which have been originally designed and validated within a broader governmentally-funded research project to determine how CLIL schemes are playing out across a broad array of contexts (Primary and Secondary Education; urban and rural settings; public and private schools; with teachers, students, and parents). They are the first qualitative instruments whose design has been based on recent research outcomes and which have undergone a carefully controlled double-fold pilot process for their validation (external ratings approach and pilot phase with a representative sample of nearly 300 subjects). After characterizing the questions included in the surveys, along with their format and chief categories, the article goes on to describe the steps undertaken for their research-based design and the doublefold pilot process followed for their validation. The actual questionnaires are then presented (for language teachers, non-linguistic area teachers, teaching assistants, students, and parents) in a format which can directly be applied in any CLIL classroom in order to gauge how bilingual programmes are playing out at present.
Effect of Fluoride, Casein Phosphopeptide–Amorphous Calcium Phosphate and Casein Phosphopeptide–Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Fluoride on Enamel Surface Microhardness After Microabrasion: An in Vitro Study

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of applying casein phosphopeptide– amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) paste, casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride (CPP-ACPF) paste and sodium fluoride gel on surface microhardness of enamel after microabrasion. Materials and Methods: Thirty freshly extracted human premolars were selected. All samples were subjected to hardness indentations made with the Vickers hardness machine and the average value was recorded as the initial surface microhardness. The specimens were then randomly divided into three groups (n=10) of CPP-ACPF, fluoride and CPPACP. The teeth were micro-abraded with Opalustre. Microhardness test was performed to assess the post-abrasion hardness. Three remineralization modalities were performed on samples of each group. The enamel surface microhardness measurements were performed. To compare the difference between groups, the rehardening and softening values were defined. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test at a significance level of 5% were used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean microhardness value (MMV) had a significant decrease after microabrasion from baseline. The MMV had a significant increase after remineralization in all groups. The MMV of CPP-ACPF group was significantly more than that of fluoride group (P=0.027). The rehardening value of fluoride group was significantly more than that of other groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: All the remineralizing agents were effective for rehardening the enamel after microabrasion. The CPP-ACP and CPP-ACPF pastes are effective, but to a lesser extent than neutral sodium fluoride gel in remineralizing enamel surface. Incorporation of fluoride to CPP-ACP formulation does not provide any additional remineralizing potential.