Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Large-Scale Flood Inundation Modeling in Data Sparse Environments using TanDEM-X Terrain Data

This paper demonstrates a workflow used by the U.S. Army Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory to quickly generate high-resolution flood inundation maps nearly anywhere in the world. Previous research illustrates that hindcast and forecast streamflow for nearly any river/stream in the world is possible by combining global runoff datasets from land surface models (LSMs) with hydrography datasets from hydrologically corrected global elevation datasets. Recent research has also shown that flood inundation estimates are possible through combining resulting streamflow estimates with high-resolution terrain and land cover data. This paper provides a detailed workflow of how near global flood inundation maps runoff data are generated using the HRES/LAND LSM data from the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts; hydrography datasets from the Shuttle Elevation Derivatives at multiple Scales as well as derived from the World Wildlife Federation terrain data; Visual Navigation (VISNAV) land cover data; and the newly-collected TerraSAR-X add-on for Digital Elevation Measurements (TanDEM-X) digital elevation model (DEM) datasets. This current research discusses the inputs and outputs for this flood modeling methodology, limitations, and provides an example for Typhoon Lionrock that hit North Korea in late August 2016.
Finishing flows quickly with preemptive scheduling

Today's data centers face extreme challenges in providing low latency. However, fair sharing, a principle commonly adopted in current congestion control protocols, is far from optimal for satisfying latency requirements. We propose Preemptive Distributed Quick (PDQ) flow scheduling, a protocol designed to complete flows quickly and meet flow deadlines. PDQ enables flow preemption to approximate a range of scheduling disciplines. For example, PDQ can emulate a shortest job first algorithm to give priority to the short flows by pausing the contending flows. PDQ borrows ideas from centralized scheduling disciplines and implements them in a fully distributed manner, making it scalable to today's data centers. Further, we develop a multipath version of PDQ to exploit path diversity. Through extensive packet-level and flow-level simulation, we demonstrate that PDQ significantly outperforms TCP, RCP and D3 in data center environments. We further show that PDQ is stable, resilient to packet loss, and preserves nearly all its performance gains even given inaccurate flow information.
UK Guidelines for the Management of Bone Sarcomas

These guidelines have been developed in order to provide an overview and a set of broad-based key recommendations for the management of patients with bone sarcomas in the UK. They have taken into consideration the most up-to-date scientific literature along with the recent recommendations by the European Society of Medical Oncology. The principles of the NICE guidance on both “improving outcomes for patients with sarcomas” and “improving outcomes with children and young people with cancer” have been incorporated. As care evolves, it is acknowledged that these guidelines will need updating. The key recommendations are that bone pain or a palpable mass should always lead to further investigation and patients with clinicoradiological findings suggestive of a primary bone tumour should be sent to a reference centre. Patients should then have their care managed at such a specialist centre by a fully accredited multidisciplinary team.
Relay recommendation system (RRS) and selective anonymity for tor

As one of the most popular low-latency anonymous communication systems, Tor has been a great success but still faces some challenges, e.g., subject to low-resource attacks and no explicit mechanisms to explore tradeoffs between anonymity and performance. In this paper, we propose a Relay Recommendation System (RRS) for Tor to provide reliable relay information for building paths with better performance, mitigate low-resource attacks, and enable users to explore the tradeoffs between performance and anonymity based on their needs. We first present the design of RRS, and show its performance improvement and resistance to low-resource, high-resource, and reputation attacks. We further analyze the potential anonymity decrease, and propose new path selection schemes to enable selective anonymity based on user needs. We have evaluated RRS via both analysis and experiments on a Tor simulation platform. Our results show that RRS achieves significant performance improvement with a small decrease of anonymity.
Emerging Ubiquitous Systems and Pervasive Networks ( EUSPN-2013 ) MobileCA : Accumulative Secure Group Association with a Certification Path

In recent years, there has been growing interest in secure pairing, which refers to the establishment of a secure connection between two mobile devices. Many published studies have described the various types of out-of-band (OOB) channels through which authentication data can be transferred with user control and involvement. However, there has been little discussion of setting up secure connections between groups of mobile devices. Some security protocols have been proposed, but they have tended to focus on a scenario whereby all devices must be located in one place to perform the association. In this paper, we describe a new group association method, called MobileCA. Our method is designed for a broader range of scenarios and does not require all devices to be in one place at one time. MobileCA extends the OOB channel concept and utilizes digital certification. We have implemented a prototype system using smart phone handsets. © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of [name organizer]
Power-Minimization under Statistical Delay Constraints for Multi-Hop Wireless Industrial Networks

The increased deployment of wireless networks for battery-limited industrial applications in recent years highlights the need for tractable performance analysis and efficient QoS-aware transmit power management schemes. Modern industrial solutions deploy multi-hop topologies in order to bridge larger distances without necessarily shortening nodes' battery lifetime. This poses a significant challenge, as multi-hop analysis for heterogeneous wireless networks does not exist prior to our work. We overcome this challenge by extending a newly developed methodology based on (min,x) network calculus and provide a closed-form expression for the end-to-end delay violation probability over a cascade of heterogeneous buffered wireless fading channels. We further design model-based algorithms for power-minimization and network lifetime maximization which compute the optimal transmit power per node, along a QoS-constrained path. Our numerical study shows an overall transmit power savings of up to 95% when compared to a fixed power allocation. We also apply our algorithm to a realistic WirelessHART network setup and observe that link heterogeneity can significantly influence network lifetime when no efficient power management is applied. This work is especially useful for battery-powered wireless sensor nodes in QoS-constrained applications and offers a solid framework for network design and performance analysis of heterogeneous multi-hop wireless industrial networks.
Evaluation of Different Onscreen Keyboard Layouts Using EEG Signals

The paper aims at evaluation of different onscreen keyboard layouts based on the biological responses of the users. The signal used for the said purpose is Electroencephalogram acquired by low cost neuro-headset from Emotiv. We propose to use human cognition as the fundamental feature to discriminate between user-friendly vs. cumbersome onscreen layout designs. To validate our observations we compared our results with bench marked data based on user study and KLM-GOMS model. A classifier is first trained for high and low cognition tasks based on well-established cognitive tests (e.g. Stroop test) and then this classifier is used to report the cognition class for a particular onscreen layout. A high cognition load class indicates complexity in the layout design whereas a low cognition output indicates the layout to be user friendly. Present evaluation methods like user study or KLM-GOMS based model, serves as an indirect measure of goodness of layout designs. In contrast, our approach has a unique advantage as this is a direct measure of human's biological response subjected to stimuli (in our case onscreen keyboard layouts) hence more reliable.
Establishment of ‘normal’ nervous cell lines after transfer of polyoma virus and adenovirus early genes into murine brain cells.

Brain cells from murine embryos were transfected with the polyoma virus large T or the adenovirus 5 EIA gene and, simultaneously, with the phosphotransferase coding NeoR gene. The efficiently transfected cells were selected for their resistance to Geneticin (G418) and their ability to clone at low cell density. Subsequently, most of the selected cells could be sub‐cloned and continuously grown for 6‐18 months so far. Their doubling time varied between 18 and 72 h. From independent transfections, more than one hundred cell lines were established. They did not exhibit a transformed phenotype, but subsequent transfection with the polyoma middle T gene induced their oncogenic transformation. The maintenance and expression of the transferred genes were verified. Most of the analyzed cell lines retained glial properties. These results suggest that the lines obtained as well as a further extension of this in vitro system should be of interest for the study of nervous cell interactions, differentiation and functions.
Systematic review of instruments for measuring nurses' knowledge, skills and attitudes for evidence-based practice.

AIM To identify, appraise and describe the characteristics of instruments for measuring evidence-based knowledge, skills and/or attitudes in nursing practice. BACKGROUND Evidence-based practice has been proposed for optimal patient care for more than three decades, yet competence in evidence-based practice knowledge and skills among nurse clinicians remains difficult to measure. There is a need to identify well-validated and reliable instruments for assessing competence for evidence-based practice in nursing. DESIGN Psychometric systematic review. DATA SOURCES The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, CDSR, All EBM reviews and PsycInfo databases were searched from 1960-April 2013; with no language restrictions applied. REVIEW METHODS Using pre-determined inclusion criteria, three reviewers independently identified studies for full-text review, extracting data and grading instrument validity using a Psychometric Grading Framework. RESULTS Of 91 studies identified for full-text review, 59 met the inclusion criteria representing 24 different instruments. The Psychometric Grading Framework determined that only two instruments had adequate validity - the Evidence Based Practice Questionnaire measuring knowledge, skills and attitudes and another un-named instrument measuring only EBP knowledge and attitudes. Instruments used in another nine studies were graded as having 'weak' validity and instruments in the remaining 24 studies were graded as 'very weak'. CONCLUSION The Evidence Based Practice Questionnaire was assessed as having the highest validity and was the most practical instrument to use. However, the Evidence Based Practice Questionnaire relies totally on self-report rather than direct measurement of competence suggesting a need for a performance-based instrument for measuring evidence-based knowledge, skills and attitudes in nursing.
Antigen‐Induced Bronchial Anaphylaxis in Actively Sensitized SD Rats

We studied the effects of anti‐asthmatic and anti‐inflammatory drugs on antigen‐induced bronchial anaphylactic reactions (BAR) in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats immunized with ovalbumin (OA) and alum. The animals were treated locally (intratracheal instillation (i.t.) or by aerosol) with terbutaline (TERB), disodium cromoglycate (DSCG), theophylline (THEO), the xanthine derivative 3,7‐dihydro‐1,8‐dimethyl‐3‐phenyl‐1H‐purine‐2,6‐dione (D4026), budesonide (BUD) or dexamethasone (DEX) at various times before intravenous (i.v.) challenge with OA. The BAR was elicited by giving a low dose of OA. When the response to that challenge had levelled an additional high dose of antigen was given. Previous work had shown that TERB, DSCG, and D4026 given systemically (i.v.) at a suboptimal dose, had a better inhibitory efficacy when the animals were challenged with a low antigen dose late (6 weeks) than when challenged early (2–3 weeks) after immunization. We show here that such a difference in efficacy is not recorded after local treatment. Moreover, each of the drugs inhibited BAR to the same extent after i.t. as after i.v. treatment. Potent drugs like TERB and D4026 seemed to show similar efficacy when given cither i.t. or by aerosol, whereas less potent drugs like DSCG and THEO were less effective when given by aerosol. In a previous study, we showed that the inhibitory capacity of glucocorticoids (GCS) on the BAR did not vary with sensitization conditions of the rats, BUD and DEX showed the same inhibitory capacity after intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatment as after i.t. treatment. In the present study, DEX showed increased whereas BUD showed decreased inhibitory capacity when given by aerosol 18–24 h before challenge. The duration of the anti‐anaphylactic activity after inhalation was longer for DEX than for BUD.
Safety of Nöcker's strictness analysis

Abstract This paper proves correctness of Nöcker's method of strictness analysis, implemented in the Clean compiler, which is an effective way for strictness analysis in lazy functional languages based on their operational semantics. We improve upon the work Clark, Hankin and Hunt did on the correctness of the abstract reduction rules in two aspects. Our correctness proof is based on a functional core language and a contextual semantics, thus proving a wider range of strictness-based optimizations as correct, and our method fully considers the cycle detection rules, which contribute to the strength of Nöcker's strictness analysis. Our algorithm SAL is a reformulation of Nöcker's strictness analysis algorithm in a functional core language LR. This is a higher order call-by-need lambda calculus with case, constructors, letrec, and seq, which is extended during strictness analysis by set constants like Top or Inf, denoting sets of expressions, which indicate different evaluation demands. It is also possible to define new set constants by recursive equations with a greatest fixpoint semantics. The operational semantics of LR is a small-step semantics. Equality of expressions is defined by a contextual semantics that observes termination of expressions. Basically, SAL is a nontermination checker. The proof of its correctness and hence of Nöcker's strictness analysis is based mainly on an exact analysis of the lengths of evaluations, i.e., normal-order reduction sequences to WHNF. The main measure being the number of “essential” reductions in evaluations. Our tools and results provide new insights into call-by-need lambda calculi, the role of sharing in functional programming languages, and into strictness analysis in general. The correctness result provides a foundation for Nöcker's strictness analysis in Clean, and also for its use in Haskell.
The Occurrence of HR1b in the Venom of the Snake Okinawa Habu (Protobothrops flavoviridis)

This study describes the first isolation of hemorrhagic metalloproteinase HR1b from the venom of Okinawa habu, and its cDNA cloning. The substrate specificity of isolated HR1b definitely differed from that of HR1a, further supporting the presence of a metalloproteinase distinguishable from HR1a in the venom of Okinawa habu. The deduced amino acid sequence of HR1b showed 99.67% identity with HR1b of Amami habu, with only two amino acid residue replacements.
Case record review of adverse events: a new approach

Objectives: To redesign the existing clinical review form (RF2) used in previous retrospective case record review studies in order to clarify the review process and provide a more powerful analysis of adverse events; and then to ask clinicians to pilot and evaluate the new modular review form (MRF2). The review form is divided into five sections, each with a defined purpose, providing a modular structure. Design: Design and testing of the MRF2 on a sample of medical and nursing records, and evaluation of the reviewers’ responses regarding the new review form. Setting: Hospital based teams from eight countries. Results: The modular review form was reported to be comprehensive, well structured, and clear. Most of the reviewers agreed with the positive statements regarding the review form. Overall, the modular structure was thought to be helpful. Several modifications have been made to the final version to take account of criticisms and suggestions. Conclusions: The full potential of case record review has yet to be explored. The benefits of this review form include a modular format which enables reviewers or project leaders to select the focus of their review based on resources and the purpose of the review, and to identify contributory factors which indicate areas for improvement and prevention. The training of reviewers is of vital importance for record review. Record review remains one of the primary methods for assessing the incidence of adverse events and the new format is suitable for both prospective and retrospective review.
Inducible Expression of Human β-Defensin 2 byFusobacterium nucleatum in Oral Epithelial Cells: Multiple Signaling Pathways and Role of Commensal Bacteria in Innate Immunity and the Epithelial Barrier

ABSTRACT Human gingival epithelial cells (HGE) express two antimicrobial peptides of the β-defensin family, human β-defensin 1 (hBD-1) and hBD-2, as well as cytokines and chemokines that contribute to innate immunity. In the present study, the expression and transcriptional regulation of hBD-2 was examined. HBD-2 mRNA was induced by cell wall extract of Fusobacterium nucleatum, an oral commensal microorganism, but not by that of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a periodontal pathogen. HBD-2 mRNA was also induced by the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), an epithelial cell activator. HBD-2 mRNA was also expressed in 14 of 15 noninflamed gingival tissue samples. HBD-2 peptide was detected by immunofluorescence in HGE stimulated with F. nucleatum cell wall, consistent with induction of the mRNA by this stimulant. Kinetic analysis indicates involvement of multiple distinct signaling pathways in the regulation of hBD-2 mRNA; TNF-α and F. nucleatum cell wall induced hBD-2 mRNA rapidly (2 to 4 h), while PMA stimulation was slower (∼10 h). In contrast, each stimulant induced interleukin 8 (IL-8) within 1 h. The role of TNF-α as an intermediary in F. nucleatum signaling was ruled out by addition of anti-TNF-α that did not inhibit hBD-2 induction. However, inhibitor studies show that F. nucleatum stimulation of hBD-2 mRNA requires both new gene transcription and new protein synthesis. Bacterial lipopolysaccharides isolated from Escherichia coli andF. nucleatum were poor stimulants of hBD-2, although they up-regulated IL-8 mRNA. Collectively, our findings show inducible expression of hBD-2 mRNA via multiple pathways in HGE in a pattern that is distinct from that of IL-8 expression. We suggest that different aspects of innate immune responses are differentially regulated and that commensal organisms have a role in stimulating mucosal epithelial cells in maintaining the barrier that contributes to homeostasis and host defense.
Measurement of oxygen concentration delivered via nasal cannulae by tracheal sampling

Oxygen is used in many clinical scenarios, however the variable performance of nasal cannulae makes determining the precise fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) difficult. We developed a novel method for measurement of the tracheal FiO2 using a catheter placed via bronchoscopy. We investigate the effects of oxygen delivery, respiratory rate, mouth position and estimated minute ventilation (VE) on the FiO2 delivered by nasal cannulae.
Optimization Techniques for Retrieving Resources Described in OWL/RDF Documents: First Results

Practical description logic systems play an evergrowing role for knowledge representation and reasoning research even in distributed environments. In particular, the often-discussed semantic web initiative is based on description logics (DLs) and defines important challenges for current system implementations. Recently, several standards for representation languages have been proposed (RDF, OWL). By introducing optimization techniques for inference algorithms we demonstrate that sound and complete query engines for semantic web representation languages can be built for practically significant query classes. The paper introduces and evaluates optimization techniques for the instance retrieval problem w.r. t. the description logic SHIQ(Dn)-, which covers large parts of OWL. The paper discusses practical experiments with the description logic system RACER.
Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in a free-ranging giant anteater Detecção de Toxoplasma gondii em tamanduá-bandeira de vida livre

Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligatory intracellular protozoan, which establishes acute and chronic infections in birds and mammals, including humans. This note reports, for the first time, the detection and sequencing of DNA from T. gondii in the peripheral blood of a young free range giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). For the diagnosis, the following methods were used: polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and positive serology (1:800) by means of the modified agglutination test (MAT). Since this species may be consumed by humans and predated by wild felids, its importance is emphasized as a probable source of zoonotic infection, in addition to its possible participation in the infection enzootic cycle. Although, parasitemia has been confirmed in this specimen, it presented no clinical sign of infection.
Searching an Unsorted Database in Quantum Computers and Duality Quantum Computers

Quantum computers exploits quantum entanglement and provides more computing power. Duality quantum computer is a new type of quantum computer that exploits the particle wave duality of quantum mechanics. In a duality computer, the computing gates need not be unitary. This provides more flexibility and familiarity to computer scientists. Here we use the unsorted database search problem as an example to show how to construct search algorithms in quantum computer and duality quantum computers.
Energy minimization of wireless sensor networks based on modulation and coding optimization under finite frame length constraint

Recent hardware advances allow more signal processing functionality to be integrated into a single chip. In sensor networks, the wireless nodes are typically operated with small batteries for which their replacement, when not impossible, is very difficult and expensive. Thus, minimizing the energy consumption of transmitting sensor nodes is an important issue on the design of such communication systems. The previous work in the literature proposes modulation as well as coding optimization considering uncoded and coded bit error rate (BER) of M-ary QAM as well as its average mutual information. However, these approaches do not address the coded case with finite frame length, which is always the case in practical systems. In this paper, we consider a design of coding and modulation that minimizes the transmit circuit energy under finite codeword length constraint of capacity-approaching channel codes and analyze its performance through simulation using regular low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes in a point-to-point communication link. The results are also compared with those of information-theoretic analysis based on the mutual information rate.