Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Validity of the visual function index (VF-14) in patients with retinal disease.

OBJECTIVE To test the validity of the Visual Function Index (VF-14) in patients with retinal disease. DESIGN A self-administered questionnaire package in association with clinical examination findings. PARTICIPANTS Consecutive patients attending the Vancouver General Hospital Eye Care Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, retina clinic between May 1 and August 15, 1998. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Responses to the questionnaire package as they relate to global self-assessment scales and visual acuity. In addition, correlations were calculated between the VF-14, the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, a Weighted Comorbidity Scale, and visual acuity scores. RESULT Five hundred forty-seven patients were given the questionnaire package to complete. The VF-14 demonstrated a moderately strong positive association with patient self-rating of amount of trouble, satisfaction, and overall quality of vision. Correlations between the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, visual acuity, and the global scales were mild to moderate. The VF-14 was moderately correlated with visual acuity in the better and the worse eyes. CONCLUSIONS This study provides support for the validity of the VF-14 as a measure of functional impairment in patients with retinal disease. Once responsiveness has been measured and an analysis of disease subtypes has been carried out, the VF-14 will be ready for inclusion in clinical trials to evaluate patients' functional ability. Further implementation and development of this outcome measure will better our understanding of the utility of the functional assessment format for patients with retinal disease.
Understanding Pen and Touch Interaction for Data Exploration on Interactive Whiteboards

Current interfaces for common information visualizations such as bar graphs, line graphs, and scatterplots usually make use of the WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus and a Pointer) interface paradigm with its frequently discussed problems of multiple levels of indirection via cascading menus, dialog boxes, and control panels. Recent advances in interface capabilities such as the availability of pen and touch interaction challenge us to re-think this and investigate more direct access to both the visualizations and the data they portray. We conducted a Wizard of Oz study to explore applying pen and touch interaction to the creation of information visualization interfaces on interactive whiteboards without implementing a plethora of recognizers. Our wizard acted as a robust and flexible pen and touch recognizer, giving participants maximum freedom in how they interacted with the system. Based on our qualitative analysis of the interactions our participants used, we discuss our insights about pen and touch interactions in the context of learnability and the interplay between pen and touch gestures. We conclude with suggestions for designing pen and touch enabled interactive visualization interfaces.
SmokeGrenade: An Efficient Key Generation Protocol With Artificial Interference

Leveraging a wireless multipath channel as the source of common randomness, many key generation methods have been proposed according to the information-theory security. However, existing schemes suffer a low generation rate and a low entropy, and mainly rely on nodes' mobility. To overcome this limitation, we present a key generation protocol with known artificial interference, named SmokeGrenade, a new physical-layer approach for secret key generation in a narrowband fading channel. Our scheme utilizes artificial interference to contribute to the change of measured values on channel states. Our theoretical analysis shows that the key generation rate increases with the increment of the interference power. Particularly, the achievable key rate of SmokeGrenade gains three times better than that of the traditional key generation schemes when the average interference power is normalized to 1. Simulation results also demonstrate that SmokeGrenade achieves a higher generation rate and entropy compared with some state-of-the-art approaches.
Generation of a herpes simplex virus type 2 variant devoid of XbaI sites: removal of the 0.91 map coordinate site results in impaired synthesis of glycoprotein G-2.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 (strain HG52) has four XbaI sites at map coordinates (m.c.) 0.45, 0.7, 0.91 and 0.94, i.e. two in the unique long and two in the unique short regions of the genome. Previously, we had isolated a genome containing only the 0.45 and 0.94 XbaI sites. Here we report the isolation of a mutant (JH2611) in which all four XbaI sites have been removed using an enrichment selection procedure, without any loss of viability. Removal of each site has been shown to be due to a base change or small undetectable deletion/insertion of less than 100 bp. In HSV-1, the XbaI site at 0.45 m.c. is in an open reading frame coding for a polypeptide of 14K. Both the 0.7 and 0.94 m.c. HSV-2 XbaI sites are in intergenic positions. The 0.91 m.c. XbaI site has been shown to be within the coding sequence of the glycoprotein gG-2. Synthesis of gG-2 by JH2611 and two other mutants, JH2610 (formerly HG52X163X3) and JH2609 (formerly HG52X163X21), in which the 0.91 m.c. site has been deleted was analysed by immunoprecipitation using the gG-2-specific monoclonal antibodies AP1 and LP5 and the anti-peptide serum 14713. In the mutants JH2610 and JH2611 neither gG-2 nor its precursor were detected but the monoclonal antibodies detected two polypeptides migrating above the normal positions of gG-2 and the gG-2 precursor; these were not precipitated by the anti-peptide serum. With the mutant JH2609 neither gG-2 nor its precursors could be detected by either the monoclonal antibodies or the anti-peptide serum. The results strongly suggest that gG-2 is non-essential for the growth of HSV-2 in vitro.
Identification of dyneins that localize exclusively to the proximal portion of Chlamydomonas flagella

The movements of cilia and flagella are driven by multiple species of dynein heavy chains (DHCs), which constitute inner- and outer-dynein arms. In Chlamydomonas, 11 DHC proteins have been identified in the axoneme, but 14 genes encoding axonemal DHCs are present in the genome. Here, we assigned each previously unassigned DHC gene to a particular DHC protein and found that DHC3, DHC4 and DHC11 encode novel, relatively low abundance DHCs. Immunofluorescence microcopy revealed that DHC11 is localized exclusively to the proximal ∼2 μm region of the ∼12 μm long flagellum. Analyses of growing flagella suggested that DHC3 and DHC4 are also localized to the proximal region. By contrast, the DHC of a previously identified inner-arm dynein, dynein b, displayed an inverse distribution pattern. Thus, the proximal portion of the flagellar axoneme apparently differs in dynein composition from the remaining portion; this difference might be relevant to the special function performed by the flagellar base.
Run-time selection of block size in pipelined parallel programs

Parallelizing compiler technology has improved in recent years. One area in which compilers have made progress is in handling DOACROSS loops, where cross-processor data dependencies can inhibit efficient parallelization. In regular DOACROSS loops, where dependencies can be determined at compile time, a useful parallelization technique is pipelining, where each processor (node) performs its computation in blocks; after each, it sends data to the next processor in the pipeline. The amount of computation before sending a message is called the block size; its choice, although difficult for a compiler to make, is critical to the efficiency of the program. Compilers typically use a static estimation of workload, which cannot always produce an effective block size. The paper describes a flexible run-time approach to choosing the block size. Our system takes measurements during the first iteration of the program and then uses the results to build an execution model and choose an appropriate block size which, unlike those chosen by compiler analysis, may be nonuniform. Performance on a network of workstations shows that programs using our run-time analysis outperform those that use static block sizes when the workload is either unbalanced or unanalyzable. On more regular programs, our programs are competitive with their static counterparts.
Generating low-degree 2-spanners

A k-spanner of a connected (undirected unweighted) graph G=(V,E) is a subgraph G' consisting of all the vertices of V and a subset of the edges, with the additional property that the distance between any two vertices in G' is larger than that distance in G by no more than a factor of k. This paper is concerned with approximating the problem of finding a 2-spanner in a given graph, with minimum maximum degree. We first show that the problem is at least as hard to approximate as set cover. Then a randomized approximation algorithm is provided for this problem, with approximation ratio of $\tilde O(\Delta^{1/4})$. We then present a probabilistic algorithm that is more efficient for sparse graphs. Our algorithms are converted into deterministic ones using derandomization.
Automatic speech recognition of multiple accented English data

Accent variability is an important factor in speech that can significantly degrade automatic speech recognition performance. We investigate the effect of multiple accents on an English broadcast news recognition system. A multi-accented English corpus is used for the task, including broadcast news segments from 6 different geographic regions: US, Great Britain, Australia, North Africa, Middle East and India. There is significant performance degradation of a baseline system trained on only US data when confronted with shows from other regions. The results improve significantly when data from all the regions are included for accent-independent acoustic model training. Further improvements are achieved when MAP-adapted accentdependent models are used in conjunction with a GMM accent classifier.
Aberration‐corrected microscopy for structural biology applications

This study explores the potential of a Cs‐corrected transmission electron microscope for structural studies of biological samples, in particular isolated macromolecular complexes. A 300‐kV transmission electron microscope, equipped with a Cs corrector was employed to record sets of images at different defocus and Cs settings. The experiments were designed to determine whether imaging with large defocus benefits from Cs correction. Defocus contrast in biological imaging has a stronger influence on image resolution than any other parameter. We find the results are in good agreement with theoretical framework, verifying that the typical imaging conditions required for biological investigations are not affected by Cs correction.
Developer-soluble gap fill materials for patterning metal trenches in via-first dual-damascene process

This paper discusses a novel approach of using a developer-soluble gap fill material, wherein the gap fill material is coated in a layer thick enough to planarize all the topography and is then recessed using a standard 0.26N TMAH developer. The material recess process takes place in the same coater track where it is coated and therefore simplifies the process and increases wafer throughput. Performance and properties of two types of developer-soluble gap fill materials (EXP03049 and NCA2528) based on two different polymer platforms will be discussed in detail.
Anterior cruciate ligament injury about 20 years post‐treatment: A kinematic analysis of one‐leg hop

Reduced dynamic knee stability, often evaluated with one‐leg hops (OLHs), is reported after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This may lead to long‐standing altered movement patterns, which are less investigated. 3D kinematics during OLH were explored in 70 persons 23 ± 2 years after ACL injury; 33 were treated with physiotherapy in combination with ACL reconstruction (ACLR) and 37 with physiotherapy alone (ACLPT). Comparisons were made to 33 matched controls. We analyzed (a) maximal knee joint angles and range of motion (flexion, abduction, rotation); (b) medio‐lateral position of the center of mass (COM) in relation to knee and ankle joint centers, during take‐off and landing phases. Unlike controls, ACL‐injured displayed leg asymmetries: less knee flexion and less internal rotation at take‐off and landing and more lateral COM related to knee and ankle joint of the injured leg at landing. Compared to controls, ACLR had larger external rotation of the injured leg at landing. ACLPT showed less knee flexion and larger external rotation at take‐off and landing, and larger knee abduction at Landing. COM was more medial in relation to the knee at take‐off and less laterally placed relative to the ankle at landing. ACL injury results in long‐term kinematic alterations during OLH, which are less evident for ACLR.
Acoustic Based Structural Health Monitoring for Composites Using Optimal Sensor Placement: Analysis and Experiments

An acoustic based sensor network with optimal sensor placement is designed to characterize the existence of damage in composites. By incorporating the sensor certainty region and the sensing density, the developed optimal sensor set is able to provide an accurate description of the perturbations caused by the presence of damage. In the present study, piezoelectric sensors and actuators are used. A round-robin inspection is performed on the entire structure. Initially, the sensing region and the certainty region of a sensor-actuator pair are estimated, based on experimental data. The parameters of actuator position, excitation intensity, material properties of the host structure, the sensitivity property of the transducers, and detectable perturbations have been taken into account in the estimation. In multi-sensor applications, the placement of two neighboring sensors leads to an overlap between their certainty regions. Therefore, the overlap of the neighboring sensors is determined next and the minimum overlapping criteria is imposed in the design of sensor sets. This is further extended for each sensor member until certainty regions of the optimal number of sensors cover the entire structure, provided the minimum overlap criteria and additional geometric constraints are satisfied. Thus, the developed procedure is able to provide the optimal placement of the sensors. Parametric studies are conducted using composite laminates with seeded delaminations. Comparisons between healthy and delaminated structures are presented. The local effects of the sensors are identified. Both numerical and experimental results are presented for validation.
Hepatic Metabolism and Biliary Excretion of Silymarin Flavonolignans in Isolated Perfused Rat Livers: Role of Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 2 (Abcc2)

Silymarin, an extract from seeds of Silybum marianum, is used by 8 to 33% of patients to self-treat chronic viral hepatitis C in the United States. Studies in humans and rodents suggest that biliary excretion of glucuronide and sulfate conjugates is the major route for silymarin's elimination. To determine the role of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2) (Abcc2) in the biliary excretion of silymarin, the hepatobiliary disposition of the six major silymarin flavonolignans was studied using isolated perfused livers (IPRLs) from wild-type (WT) and Mrp2-deficient (TR-) Wistar rats. For all the flavonolignans, approximately 96% of the dose was cleared from perfusate within 30 min in both WT and TR- livers, and <5% of parent was recovered in bile or perfusate by the end of the perfusion. In WT livers, the percentage of dose excreted as conjugates into bile varied for each flavonolignan (silychristin, 51.6 ± 9.3%; silydianin, 101.5 ± 28.3%; silybin A, 21.0 ± 8.3%; silybin B, 31.7 ± 13.2%; isosilybin A, 50.5 ± 23.6%; isosilybin B, 42.8 ± 19.3%). Among the flavonolignans, only silydianin was primarily glucuronidated and almost completely recovered in bile. In TR- livers, biliary excretion of flavonolignan conjugates was reduced 80 to 92%, with 30 to 83% of each flavonolignan conjugate recovered in perfusate compared with only 5 to 30% at 90 min. Biliary excretion of glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of all the flavonolignans were reduced by 94 to 98% and 73 to 84%, respectively, in TR- IPRLs. These data indicate a primary role for Mrp2 in the biliary elimination of silymarin flavonolignan conjugates.
Outer-Loop Power Control Optimization Analysis and a New Algorithm

This paper first presents an outer-loop power control (OLPQ optimization analysis in the EVDO Rev. A (DOrA) system where we focus on the limitations of the power control in different channel fading conditions. Based on the analysis, a new OLPC framework is proposed and simulated in DOrA link-level simulation testbed. It is shown that the new algorithms could bring 1.5%-2% power saving in slow fading channels and only 0.5% enhancement in fast fading scenarios while maintaining a similar or better convergence speed and static state than the conventional approach. Tradeoffs could also be made between convergence speed and power consumption. Also, in order to identify the channels, a channel classification algorithm is introduced which can be implemented at BTS and provide slow/fast/stationary /transition channel information to BSC via Abis message.
Estimation and segmentation of a dense disparity map for 3D reconstruction

This paper presents a new algorithm of disparity map segmentation in planar facets. The origins of this method lie in the process of dense disparity map estimation, using the dynamic programming subject to interest points previously extracted. The segmentation of this map uses the normal vector at each pixel surface. The matching of pixels between the two images by dynamic programming provides us with a scattered disparity map. So the densification of this map is achieved by matching contour points extracted between the two available images. Experiments with real images have validated our method and have clearly shown the improvement over the existing methods. The dense disparity map obtained is reliable when compared to classical methods. We also get a normal vector map segmented in contours and in homogeneous regions reflecting 3D planar facets.
The Institutionalization of Life Cycle Assessment in Mexico

This article presents a study of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) at a slaughterhouse located in north-western Mexico with the purpose of testing the premise of a low degree of institutionalization of Industrial Ecology in Mexico. The article aims at analyzing the current role played by the Mexican academia in increasing the degree of institutionalization of the concept of LCA in northwestern Mexico. There was conducted a life cycle analysis study according to the standards ISO 14040: 2006, NMX-SAA-14040-IMNC-2008NOM in a Federally Inspected Type (TIF by Spanish acronym) Slaughterhouse in the state of Sonora in Northwest Mexico. The slaughter process was characterized by observing the production tasks during several walkthroughs the production lines and by having short interviews with workers, supervisors, and the manager. The CH4 emissions were calculated using the guidelines suggested by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC 2006). The present LCA case study revealed opportunities for improving the environmental performance of the slaughterhouse by taking measures such as the reduction of CH4 from enteric fermentation since methane was one of the main greenhouse gases responsible for climate change. Although, the LCA generated reliable information in terms of climate change or water eutrophication, the chances of implementing sustainable initiatives were unlikely because the benefits to reduce the impacts to climate change or to reduce the water crisis would be unnoticeable and unaffordable for companies. Findings in this study also confirmed the importance of Mexican universities for promoting and conducting more LCA studies among private and public organizations in order to guide firms towards this tool. The case study here presented gives insights to LCA stakeholders in Mexico to implement or improve the effectiveness of their potential LCA initiatives through the identification of strategies, opportunities, and barriers.
Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in lower motor neuron disease associated with highly raised anti-GM1 antibodies

The effect of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment was studied in five patients with lower motor neuron disease associated with highly raised anti-GM1 antibodies but without evidence of conduction block on neurophysiological examination. The patients received IVIg treatment (0.4 g/kg for five consecutive days) in an open study. Only one patient responded to IVIg treatment, which was confirmed in a double blind, placebo controlled study (two placebo treatments and two IVIg treatments in a randomised order). However, after six months of maintenance IVIg treatment (0.4 g/kg weekly) muscle weakness gradually deteriorated below pretreatment levels despite continued treatment. It is concluded that the presence of raised anti-GM1 antibodies does not identify a subgroup of patients with lower motor neuron disease who respond to IVIg treatment and although some patients with lower motor neuron disease may initially respond, IVIg treatment does not seem to be sufficient as long term treatment.
Formation of Aluminum Particles with Shell Morphology during Pressureless Spark Plasma Sintering of Fe–Al Mixtures: Current-Related or Kirkendall Effect?

A need to deeper understand the influence of electric current on the structure and properties of metallic materials consolidated by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) stimulates research on inter-particle interactions, bonding and necking processes in low-pressure or pressureless conditions as favoring technique-specific local effects when electric current passes through the underdeveloped inter-particle contacts. Until now, inter-particle interactions during pressureless SPS have been studied mainly for particles of the same material. In this work, we focused on the interactions between particles of dissimilar materials in mixtures of micrometer-sized Fe and Al powders forming porous compacts during pressureless SPS at 500–650 °C. Due to the chemical interaction between Al and Fe, necks of conventional shape did not form between the dissimilar particles. At the early interaction stages, the Al particles acquired shell morphology. It was shown that this morphology change was not related to the influence of electric current but was due to the Kirkendall effect in the Fe–Al system and particle rearrangement in a porous compact. No experimental evidence of melting or melt ejection during pressureless SPS of the Fe–Al mixtures or Fe and Al powders sintered separately was observed. Porous FeAl-based compacts could be obtained from Fe-40at. %Al mixtures by pressureless SPS at 650 °C.
Strong Appearance and Expressive Spatial Models for Human Pose Estimation

Typical approaches to articulated pose estimation combine spatial modelling of the human body with appearance modelling of body parts. This paper aims to push the state-of-the-art in articulated pose estimation in two ways. First we explore various types of appearance representations aiming to substantially improve the body part hypotheses. And second, we draw on and combine several recently proposed powerful ideas such as more flexible spatial models as well as image-conditioned spatial models. In a series of experiments we draw several important conclusions: (1) we show that the proposed appearance representations are complementary, (2) we demonstrate that even a basic tree-structure spatial human body model achieves state-of-the-art performance when augmented with the proper appearance representation, and (3) we show that the combination of the best performing appearance model with a flexible image-conditioned spatial model achieves the best result, significantly improving over the state of the art, on the ``Leeds Sports Poses'' and ``Parse'' benchmarks.