Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Usage and Distribution for Commercial Purposes Requires Written Permission. Anterior Segment Scleral Fluorescein Angiography in the Evaluation of Ciliary Body Neoplasm: Two Case Reports

Introduction: Anterior segment tumors can be difficult to detect until tumor growth is substantial enough to cause local signs or symptoms. Earlier detection may result in improved outcomes, particularly the ability to option for globe-conserving therapy. Multiple diagnostic modalities such as ultrasound or optical coherence tomography exist to aid for earlier detection of ciliary body tumors, but they also have limitations. Here we describe the potential for scleral angiography as an adjunctive modality to assist in evaluating anterior segment ciliary body tumors. Case Presentations: A 61-year-old Caucasian male and a 57-year-old Hispanic female presented for ciliary body tumor evaluation. The Caucasian male notably had abnormal scleral, episcleral, and conjunctival vessels in the affected eye. Scleral angiography was performed in both cases with the abnormal vasculature highlighted in the Caucasian male. The Hispanic female did not demonstrate abnormal scleral angiographic patterns. Notably, the Caucasian male also had regions of abnormal scleral angiography arising in locations of otherwise normal appearing sclera. Both patients had the affected eyes enucleated. Histology of the enucleated eyes demonstrated a ciliary body melanoma in the Caucasian male associated with abnormal vascular and tumor infiltration of the scleral bed. The Hispanic female had a pigmented ciliary body adenoma without involvement of the scleral bed. Conclusion: With limited sample size, scleral angiography has the potential to detect abnormal scleral vascular patterns in otherwise normal appearing sclera in cases of ciliary body tumor with scleral vascular invasion.
Oxidative Stress in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): No Systemically Elevated Levels of Malondialdehyde, F2-Isoprostanes and 8OHdG in a Selected Sample of Patients

Exaggerated inflammation and oxidative stress are involved in the pathogenesis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). However, studies assessing markers for oxidative stress in CRPS patients are limited. In this study, markers for lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde and F2-isoprostanes) and DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine) were measured in nine patients (mean age 50.1 ± 17.1 years) with short term CRPS-1 (median 3 months) and nine age and sex matched healthy volunteers (mean age 49.3 ± 16.8 years) to assess and compare the level of oxidative stress. No differences were found in plasma between CRPS patients and healthy volunteers for malondialdehyde (5.2 ± 0.9 μmol/L vs. 5.4 ± 0.5 μmol/L) F2-isoprostanes (83.9 ± 18.7 pg/mL vs. 80.5 ± 12.3 pg/mL) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (92.6 ± 25.5 pmol/L vs. 86.9 ± 19.0 pmol/L). Likewise, in urine, no differences were observed between CRPS patients and healthy volunteers for F2-isoprostanes (117 ng/mmol, IQR 54.5–124.3 vs. 85 ng/mmol, IQR 55.5–110) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (1.4 ± 0.7 nmol/mmol vs. 1.4 ± 0.5 nmol/mmol). Our data show no elevation of systemic markers of oxidative stress in CRPS patients compared to matched healthy volunteers. Future research should focus on local sampling methods of oxidative stress with adequate patient selection based on CRPS phenotype and lifestyle.
Stability indicating UPLC Method for the Estimation of Telmisartan Related Substances in Tablets Formulation

A simple, precise, accurate stability-indicating gradient reverse phase ultra-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-UPLC) method was developed for the quantitative estimation of purity of Telmisartan drug substance and drug products in bulk samples and pharmaceutical dosage forms in the presence of its degradation products and impurities. The present method was developed using Waters Aquity BEH C18 (100 mm x 2.1 mm, 1.7 µ) column with mobile phase containing a gradient time programme of the solvents A and B. The wave length selected for monitoring eluted compounds were monitored at 290 nm, the run time was within 10 min, which Telmisartan and its seven impurities were well separated. Telmisartan was found to degrade significantly in acid stress condition when it was subjected for various stress conditions. The degradation products were well separated from main peak and its impurities, proving the stability-indication of the method. The present method was validated as per international conference on harmonization (ICH) guidelines with respect to precision, specificity, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, accuracy, and robustness.
A Fast Color Synthesis Algorithm Using the l-α-β Color Space and a Non-parametric MRF Model

We present a fast method for adding color to grayscale images. The method uses a statistical learning approachbased on changes in intensity to color by example. Typically, these approaches take a considerable amount of time, proportional to the image size. To reduce the computational time, we propose a framework that first obtains a synthesized color image of a scaled version of the input grayscale image. Then, it scales up the synthesized color together with the high-frequencies (luminance) of the image original size by using the l-alpha-beta color space. Preliminary results on a set of nature images are shown.
Evaluation of the Matlab Simulink Design Verifier versus the model checker SPIN

An increasing number of industrial strength software design tools come along with veriﬁcation tools that oﬀer some property checking capabilities. On the other hand, there is a large number of general purpose model checking tools available. The question whether users of the industrial strength design tool preferably use the built-in veriﬁcation tool or a general purpose model checking tool arises quite naturally. In this bachelor thesis, the Simulink Design Veriﬁer and the SPIN model checking tool are compared. The comparison is based on the case study of an AUTOSAR compliant memory management module. The comparison is both functional in that it analyzes the suitability to verify a set of basic system properties
In Vivo Imaging of Thrombin Activity in Experimental Thrombi With Thrombin-Sensitive Near-Infrared Molecular Probe

Objective—Thrombin, a serine protease, plays an important role in thrombosis as well as other cellular and developmental processes. In this study, we investigated the ability of a novel thrombin-activatable molecular probe to provide in vivo images of thrombin activity in experimental thrombi. Methods and Results—The thrombin probe consists of a near-infrared (NIR) fluorochrome attached to a delivery vehicle via a thrombin-specific oligopeptide substrate. In human blood, endogenous thrombin activated the thrombin probe and increased the fluorescence signal by 18-fold (P =0.008). Hirudin, a specific thrombin inhibitor, suppressed probe activation by 82% (P =0.007). Imaging of in vivo thrombin activity was then investigated in acute experimental murine thrombosis models up to 12 hours. After systemic thrombin probe injection, focal NIR fluorescence signal enhancement was rapidly detected within acute and subacute thrombi. In contrast, no thrombosis signal enhancement was seen in similar experiments with a control NIR fluorochrome. Conclusions—Thrombin activity can be imaged in vivo by using a novel thrombin-activatable and thrombin-specific NIR molecular probe. The thrombin probe could enhance the understanding of the role of thrombin in thrombogenesis and other homeostatic and pathological conditions.
Triglycerides and Coronary Heart Disease: Implications of Recent Clinical Trials

This paper reviews the clinical trial data that offer insight into the question of whether, and in what groups of people, triglycerides might be an appropriate therapeutic target for the primary or secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Two angiographic trials (the Lopid Coronary Angiography Trial and the Bezafibrate Coronary Atherosclerosis Intervention Trial) and three clinical endpoint trials (the Helsinki Heart Study, the Bezafibrate Infarction Prevention Study, and the VA HDL Intervention Trial) are reviewed. Hypertriglyceridemia per se is probably not an appropriate therapeutic target for the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease because it is a poor marker of atherogenic risk and because there have been no clinical trials that have directly addressed the question of whether lowering the triglyceride level reduces the number of clinical events. The studies reviewed here, however, suggest that patients with established coronary heart disease and a high triglyceride level, in association with either a low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level or perhaps other features of the metabolic syndrome, such as obesity, diabetes, or hypertension, may benefit from fibrate therapy. For patients without established coronary heart disease, it is reasonable to consider hypertriglyceridemia as a risk marker prompting the aggressive treatment of other risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, high low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and obesity.
Vaccinia virus morphogenesis is blocked by temperature-sensitive mutations in the F10 gene, which encodes protein kinase 2

Four previously isolated temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants of vaccinia virus WR (ts28, ts54, ts61, and ts15) composing a single complementation group have been mapped by marker rescue to the F10 open reading frame located within the genomic HindIII F DNA fragment. Sequencing of the F10 gene from wild-type and mutant viruses revealed single-amino-acid substitutions in the F10 polypeptide responsible for thermolabile growth. Although the ts mutants displayed normal patterns of viral protein synthesis, electron microscopy revealed a profound morphogenetic defect at the nonpermissive temperature (40 degrees C). Virion assembly was arrested at an early stage, with scant formation of membrane crescents and no progression to normal spherical immature particles. The F10 gene encodes a 52-kDa serine/threonine protein kinase (S. Lin and S. S. Broyles, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:7653-7657, 1994). We expressed a His-tagged version of the wild-type, ts54, and ts61 F10 polypeptides in bacteria and purified these proteins by sequential nickel affinity and phosphocellulose chromatography steps. The wild-type F10 protein kinase activity was characterized in detail by using casein as a phosphate acceptor. Whereas the wild-type and ts61 kinases displayed similar thermal inactivation profiles, the ts54 kinase was thermosensitive in vitro. These findings suggest that protein phosphorylation plays an essential role at an early stage of virion assembly.
A note on the avoidability of binary patterns with variables and reversals

In this note we present a characterisation of all unary and binary patterns that do not only contain variables, but also reversals of their instances. These types of variables were studied recently in either more general or particular cases. We show that the results are not surprising at all in the general case, and extend the avoidability of these patterns to enforce aperiodic words.
Enriching Public displays Ads Recommendations using an Individual: Group cooperation model

Ads recommendations delivery on digital signage environments must consider group and individual profiles. Although the ads recommendation precision is relevant and frequently explored, a good serendipity/precision balance must be a concern on Digital Signage context. This paper introduces a public display recommender system approach based on an individual-group cooperation model implemented throughout a Smart TV -- Smartphone interaction scheme.
On the complexity of local distributed graph problems

This paper is centered on the complexity of graph problems in the well-studied LOCAL model of distributed computing, introduced by Linial [FOCS '87]. It is widely known that for many of the classic distributed graph problems (including maximal independent set (MIS) and (Δ+1)-vertex coloring), the randomized complexity is at most polylogarithmic in the size n of the network, while the best deterministic complexity is typically 2O(√logn). Understanding and potentially narrowing down this exponential gap is considered to be one of the central long-standing open questions in the area of distributed graph algorithms. We investigate the problem by introducing a complexity-theoretic framework that allows us to shed some light on the role of randomness in the LOCAL model. We define the SLOCAL model as a sequential version of the LOCAL model. Our framework allows us to prove completeness results with respect to the class of problems which can be solved efficiently in the SLOCAL model, implying that if any of the complete problems can be solved deterministically in logn rounds in the LOCAL model, we can deterministically solve all efficient SLOCAL-problems (including MIS and (Δ+1)-coloring) in logn rounds in the LOCAL model. Perhaps most surprisingly, we show that a rather rudimentary looking graph coloring problem is complete in the above sense: Color the nodes of a graph with colors red and blue such that each node of sufficiently large polylogarithmic degree has at least one neighbor of each color. The problem admits a trivial zero-round randomized solution. The result can be viewed as showing that the only obstacle to getting efficient determinstic algorithms in the LOCAL model is an efficient algorithm to approximately round fractional values into integer values. In addition, our formal framework also allows us to develop polylogarithmic-time randomized distributed algorithms in a simpler way. As a result, we provide a polylog-time distributed approximation scheme for arbitrary distributed covering and packing integer linear programs.
Integration of the Vwa plasmid into the chromosome of Yersinia pestis strains harboring F' plasmids of Escherichia coli

Conditional virulent strains of Yersinia pestis were used as recipients of an F-lac plasmid from either Escherichia coli 23.10S or E. coli CSH23. The transconjugants of Y. pestis were calcium independent; however, calcium dependence was restored after the loss of the E. coli plasmid. The plasmid contents of several Y. pestis F-lac clones were compared with those of the parent strains and several lac segregants. Although the 6- and 61-megadalton plasmids were detected in all strains tested, the Vwa plasmid was absent in the F-containing strains. The plasmid was evident, however, in the lac segregants derived from the F-lac clones. Results of Southern transfers indicated that the Vwa plasmid had integrated into the chromosome of Y. pestis strains harboring F-lac.
Tabu Search Fundamentals and Uses

Tabu search has achieved widespread successes in solving practical optimization problems. Applications are rapidly growing in areas such as resource management, process design, logistics, technology planning, and general combinatorial optimization. Hybrids with other procedures, both heuristic and algorithmic, have also produced productive results. We examine some of the principal features of tabu search that are most responsible for its successes, and that offer a basis for improved solution methods in the future. Note: This expanded version contains additional illustrations and information on candidate list strategies, probabilistic tabu search, strategic oscillation and parallel processing options. Sections have also been added on principles of intelligent search. Acknowledgement: This work has been supported in part by the National Science and Engineering Council of Canada under Grants 5-83998 and 5-84181.
Patterning of nanopillars-based CdS/CdTe thin films for photonic applications

In this study we propose a new design to place the contacts for both p-type and n-type semiconductors at the bottom of solar cell to increase photons entering the absorber layer. The fabricated device contains periodic nanopillars of ∼243 nm radius and centre to centre pillar distance of ∼550 nm. In addition to the fabrication, thin films of n-CdS and p-CdTe have been characterised for their material properties at different annealing temperatures in this study. The X-ray diffraction pattern for CdTe and CdS revealed that the growth is preferentially along the (111) plane with a cubic zinc blend and cubic structure, respectively. Optimum absorption of the solar spectrum for a single junction solar cell occurs with the optical band gap of 2.36 eV for CdS and 1.45 eV for CdTe. The significance of the work creates a new beginning for the fabrication of textured thin film photovoltaic cell.
ML estimation of time and frequency offset in OFDM systems

We present the joint maximum likelihood (ML) symbol-time and carrier-frequency offset estimator in orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. Redundant information contained within the cyclic prefix enables this estimation without additional pilots. Simulations show that the frequency estimator may be used in a tracking mode and the time estimator in an acquisition mode.
Composite Materials Based on Shape‐Memory Ti2NiCu Alloy for Frontier Micro‐ and Nanomechanical Applications

Composite materials based on Ti2NiCu alloy, exhibiting shape memory effect (SME), have the unique capability of temperature‐controlled reversible actuation on micro‐ and nanoscale. Three approaches to realizing this objective are demonstrated. The first one involves creating an amorphous‐crystalline composite by passing accurately controlled electrical pulses through a rapidly‐quenched amorphous Ti2NiCu ribbon. After undergoing partial crystallization (40–60% of crystalline phase), the composite acquires SME, and can be trained to undergo reversible deformations by a single bend in the martensitic condition. The second approach involves a layered composite consisting of a layer of Ti2NiCu and an elastic metallic layer, such as Pt. It is found that the reversible deformation of the Ti2NiCu/Pt composite created by FIB milling is >1%, when the thickness of SME layer is reduced from 1 μm to 100 nm. Further reduction (below 100 nm) results in smaller deformation. The third approach combines these two methods. A layer of crystalline Ti2NiCu is covered by a layer of the same alloy in the amorphous state using FIB. The authors believe that these composites, exhibiting SME, will trigger the fabrication of many novel devices and open up new opportunities in diverse areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.
Proposed immunopathogenic factors associated with progression from human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity to clinical disease

It is recognized that transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may result from having either homosexual or heterosexual intercourse with an infected individual (5, 14). Thus, it can be asked why there are not already many more cases of clinical acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS-related complex (ARC) among, for example, the sexual partners of drug addicts, even in cities in which as many as a third of new cases are intravenous drug users (1). One reasonable explanation is that many of these sexual partners, if not drug abusers themselves, are not commonly exposed to potentially immunostimulatory cofactors which may trigger the conversion from a state of asymptomatic HIV seropositivity to clinical disease.
A Scalable Stagewise Approach to Large-Margin Multiclass Loss-Based Boosting

We present a scalable and effective classification model to train multiclass boosting for multiclass classification problems. A direct formulation of multiclass boosting had been introduced in the past in the sense that it directly maximized the multiclass margin. The major problem of that approach is its high computational complexity during training, which hampers its application to real-world problems. In this paper, we propose a scalable and simple stagewise multiclass boosting method which also directly maximizes the multiclass margin. Our approach offers the following advantages: 1) it is simple and computationally efficient to train. The approach can speed up the training time by more than two orders of magnitude without sacrificing the classification accuracy and 2) like traditional AdaBoost, it is less sensitive to the choice of parameters and empirically demonstrates excellent generalization performance. Experimental results on challenging multiclass machine learning and vision tasks demonstrate that the proposed approach substantially improves the convergence rate and accuracy of the final visual detector at no additional computational cost compared to existing multiclass boosting.
Stochastic games

Stochastic games are a generalization of Markov decision processes to the case of two or more controllers. In this paper we discuss the main existence results on optimality and equilibria in two-person stochastic games with finite state and action spaces. Moreover, we present some algorithms for computing optimal strategies. Stochastic games are classified in discounted or limiting average reward problems and zero-sum or general-sum games. In each section, we provide several examples to illustrate the most important phenomena.
Retrieval of ISR Data for Image Interpretation Exercises

infrared, electro-optical) is a complex task in context of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR). To support and enhance education and training of image interpreters operation-related reconnaissance data is advantageous and important. In this paper a concept of a semi-automatic generation of image interpretation exercises is presented by using data based on NATO standardization agreements (STANAG). The novel approach thereby is to utilize these different mission-requirements-based data formats effectively within the context of technology-enhanced learning by creating web-based exercises for online usage and presentation slides for classroom lessons.
Service management: from definition to information modeling

In this paper, we split the service management layer, as defined in the telecommunication management network (TMN), into two sublayers, namely the service application management sublayer and the service network management sublayer. The former deals with managing the mapping of the non functional requirements into functional constraints over the telecommunication service of interest, while the second reveals the management details related to meeting the functional requirements over that service. At each sublayer, we propose an information model and emphasize the correspondence with the other sublayer.
Perna canaliculus Lipid Complex PCSO-524™ Demonstrated Pain Relief for Osteoarthritis Patients Benchmarked against Fish Oil, a Randomized Trial, without Placebo Control

Osteoarthritis (OA) typically generates pain, reduced mobility and reduced quality of life. Most conventional treatments for osteoarthritis, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and simple analgesics, have side effects. PCSO-524™, a non polar lipid extract from the New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and has been shown to reduce inflammation in both animal studies and patient trials. This OA trial examined pain relief changes in relation to quality of life and safety of use for OA patients who took PCSO-524™ compared with patients who took fish oil (containing an industry standard EPA-18% and DHA-12% blend). PCSO-524™ patients showed a statistically significant improvement compared with patients who took fish oil. There was an 89% decrease in their pain symptoms and 91% reported an improved quality of life. Patients treated with fish oil showed significantly less improvement and a greater level of physical discomfort during the study. These results suggest that PCSO-524™ might offer a potential alternative complementary therapy with no side effects for OA patients.