Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional median-related filters for color image sequence filtering

Most current algorithms developed for image sequence filtering require motion information in order to obtain good results both in the still and moving parts of an image sequence. In the present paper, filters which completely preserve stationary regions in image sequences are introduced. In moving regions, the 3D filters inherently reduce to spatial filters and perform well in these areas without any motion-compensation or motion-detection. A new multivariate filtering operation called the alpha-trimmed vector median is proposed. Guidelines for the determination of optimal 3D median-related structures for color and gray-level image sequence filtering are given. Algorithms based on vector median, extended vector median, alpha-trimmed vector median, and componentwise median operations are developed. Properties of the human visual system are taken into account in the design of filters. Noise attenuation and detail preservation capability of the filters is examined. In particular, the impulsive noise attenuation capability of the filters is analyzed theoretically. Simulation results based on real image sequences are given. >
The netrin receptor UNC5B promotes angiogenesis in specific vascular beds

There is emerging evidence that the canonical neural guidance factor netrin can also direct the growth of blood vessels. We deleted the gene encoding UNC5B, a receptor for the netrin family of guidance molecules, specifically within the embryonic endothelium of mice. The result is a profound structural and functional deficiency in the arterioles of the placental labyrinth, which leads first to flow reversal in the umbilical artery and ultimately to embryonic death. As this is the only detectable site of vascular abnormality in the mutant embryos, and because the phenotype cannot be rescued by a wild-type trophectoderm, we propose that UNC5B-mediated signaling is a specific and autonomous component of fetal-placental angiogenesis. Disruption of UNC5B represents a unique example of a mutation that acts solely within the fetal-placental vasculature and one that faithfully recapitulates the structural and physiological characteristics of clinical uteroplacental insufficiency. This pro-angiogenic, but spatially restricted requirement for UNC5B is not unique to murine development, as the knock-down of the Unc5b ortholog in zebrafish similarly results in the specific and highly penetrant absence of the parachordal vessel, the precursor to the lymphatic system.
Carrier Frequency Offset Mitigation in Asynchronous Cooperative OFDM Transmissions

Carrier frequency offset (CFO) mitigation is critical for orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM)-based cooperative transmissions because even small CFO per transmitter may lead to severe performance loss, especially when the number of cooperative transmitters is large. In this paper, we show that cyclic prefix (CP) can be exploited to mitigate or even remove completely the CFO. The mitigation performance increases along with the CP length. In particular, long CP with length proportional to NI, where N is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) block length and I is the number of cooperative transmitters, can guarantee a complete CFO removal. While this comes with a reduction in bandwidth efficiency, the long CP in the proposed scheme is exploited to enhance transmission power efficiency in a way similar to spread-spectrum systems, and thus is different from conventional CP that degrades both bandwidth and power efficiency. An efficient CFO-mitigation algorithm is developed that has complexity at most O(NI 2), or even linear in N approximately in some cases. Implemented as a preprocessing procedure independently from cooperative encoding/decoding details, this algorithm makes the CFO problem effectively transparent to and thus has general applications in OFDM-based transmissions.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Artemisinin Based Therapies for the Treatment and Prevention of Schistosomiasis

Background Chemotherapy based on repeated doses of praziquantel is still the most effective control strategy against Schistosomiasis, however artemisinin derivatives emerged as a family of compounds with schistomicide activity. The aim of the present work is to compare the efficacy of artemisinin-based therapies in the treatment and prophylaxis of human schistosomiasis. The design of this work involved a quantitative systematic review and meta-analysis. Methodology/Principal Findings Retrieval of published studies was carried out through an electronic search of the PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, Cochrane Library and CINAHL databases. This included reports comparing the therapeutic efficacy of artesunate alone, artesunate plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and a combination of artemisinin derivatives plus praziquantel against praziquantel alone on different types of schistosomiasis. Moreover, studies on artesunate and artemether used as preventive drugs were also analyzed against placebo. The primary outcome measure for schistosomiasis treatment was “parasitological cure”, whereas for the prophylaxis the outcome evaluated was “infection rate”. Our results show that patients treated with artesunate alone have significantly lower cure rates than those treated with praziquantel (OR = 0.27 (95% C.I. 0.13–0.53; p<0.001)) and that the combined therapy of artesunate plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is also significantly less effective than praziquantel treatment (OR = 0.14 (95% C.I. 0.02–0.92; p = 0.04)). However, the combination of an artemisinin derivatives plus praziquantel showed a higher cure rate than praziquantel monotherapy with OR = 2.07 (95% C.I. 1.27–3.36; p = 0.003). Finally, chemoprophylaxis with either artesunate (RR = 0.11 (95% C.I. 0.06–0.22; p<0.001)) or artemether (RR = 0.25 (95% C.I. 0.16–0.40; p<0.001)) was significantly better than a placebo in both cases. Conclusions/Significance This meta-analysis confirms that artemisinin derivatives used in combination with praziquantel have the potential to increase the cure rates in schistosomiasis treatment, but not artesunate alone. It is also confirmed that repeated doses of artemisinin derivatives play a prophylactic role, significantly reducing the incidence of Schistosoma japonicum infections compared with placebo.
Nanoparticles containing allotropes of carbon have genotoxic effects on glioblastoma multiforme cells

The carbon-based nanomaterial family consists of nanoparticles containing allotropes of carbon, which may have a number of interactions with biological systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of nanoparticles comprised of pristine graphene, reduced graphene oxide, graphene oxide, graphite, and ultradispersed detonation diamond in a U87 cell line. The scope of the work consisted of structural analysis of the nanoparticles using transmission electron microscopy, evaluation of cell morphology, and assessment of cell viability by Trypan blue assay and level of DNA fragmentation of U87 cells after 24 hours of incubation with 50 μg/mL carbon nanoparticles. DNA fragmentation was studied using single-cell gel electrophoresis. Incubation with nanoparticles containing the allotropes of carbon did not alter the morphology of the U87 cancer cells. However, incubation with pristine graphene and reduced graphene oxide led to a significant decrease in cell viability, whereas incubation with graphene oxide, graphite, and ultradispersed detonation diamond led to a smaller decrease in cell viability. The results of a comet assay demonstrated that pristine graphene, reduced graphene oxide, graphite, and ultradispersed detonation diamond caused DNA damage and were therefore genotoxic in U87 cells, whereas graphene oxide was not.
Evaluation of a 3D visualization based measurement technique for source localization

Directional listening tests are an integral part of overall psychoacoustic evaluation of spatial rendering systems as well as general audiological evaluation. A new test paradigm is proposed, where, to reduce the effect of mapping bias, a 3D perspective plot of the visual scene is provided to the listener. Both visual and acoustic stimuli are used to evaluate the proposed technique against an approach where only 2D exocentric scenes are provided to the listener. Results show improved performance in some cases whereas further investigation is warranted for other cases.
Software defined radio architecture survey for cognitive testbeds

In this paper we present a survey of existing prototypes dedicated to software defined radio. We propose a classification related to the architectural organization of the prototypes and provide some conclusions about the most promising architectures. This study should be useful for cognitive radio testbed designers who have to choose between many possible computing platforms. We also introduce a new cognitive radio testbed currently under construction and explain how this study have influenced the test-bed designers choices.
Geoprocessing Optimization in Grids

Geoprocessing is commonly used in solving problems across disciplines which feature geospatial data and/or phenomena. Geoprocessing requires specialized algorithms and more recently, due to large volumes of geospatial databases and complex geoprocessing operations, it has become data- and/or compute-intensive. The conventional approach, which is predominately based on centralized computing solutions, is unable to handle geoprocessing efficiently. To that end, there is a need for developing distributed geoprocessing solutions by taking advantage of existing and emerging advanced techniques and high-performance computing and communications resources. As an emerging new computing paradigm, grid computing offers a novel approach for integrating distributed computing resources and supporting collaboration across networks, making it suitable for geoprocessing. Although there have been research efforts applying grid computing in the geospatial domain, there is currently a void in the literature for a general geoprocessing optimization. In this research, a new optimization technique for geoprocessing in grid systems, Geoprocessing Optimization in Grids (GOG), is designed and developed. The objective of GOG is to reduce overall response time with a reasonable cost. To meet this objective, GOG contains a set of algorithms, including a resource selection algorithm and a parallelism processing algorithm, to speed up query execution. GOG is validated by comparing its optimization time and estimated costs of generated execution plans with two existing optimization techniques. A proof of concept based on an application in air quality control is developed to demonstrate the advantages of GOG.
Esthetic and cosmetic dermatology

ABSTRACT: The field of esthetic and cosmetic dermatology has gained remarkable interest all over the world. The major advantage of recent years is the high scientific levels of the most significant new developments in techniques and pharmacotherapy and other nonsurgical approaches. The present paper reviews selected fields of interest under this view. Sexual hormones are involved in the aging process of men and women. Skin function, in particular the epidermal barrier, is affected by a loss of endocrine activity. Hormone replacement therapy has only recently been introduced in treatment of aging males. This is an area of gender‐medicine in dermatology with a strong well‐aging attempt. Botulinum toxin therapy for hyperfunctional lines has become not only well‐established but evidence‐based medicine on its highest level. Recent advantages were gained in objective evaluation and monitoring the effect. Digital imaging techniques with various facets have been introduced to assess the achievements of treatment in the most objective way. This may become an example for other techniques as peeling, laser therapy, or radiofrequency in esthetic and cosmetic dermatology. Botulinum toxin has become a valuable tool for brow lifts. Details of the technique are discussed. Cellulite is a strongly female gender‐related condition. During the past decades numerous treatments had been recommended but only recently a more critical scientific approach led to improvements in therapy of this common and disfiguring condition. Three major approaches are developed: (a) skin loosing with techniques such as subcision, (b) skin tightening with radiofrequency and other approaches, and (c) improving circulation in blood and lymphatic microvasculature using both physical treatments and pharmacotherapy. The last two chapters are devoted to body sculpturing by lipotransfer and lipolysis. Lipotransfer for facial or body sculpturing has a history of about 100 years. Nevertheless, recently the role of adult stem cells in adipose tissue has gained much interest. By optimizing the harvesting, storage, and transplantation of adipose tissue, remarkable long‐standing results have been obtained. Here the present authors will focus on midface contouring, where lipotransfer competes with dermal fillers. Lipolysis is another effective tool in body sculpturing. The present authors will focus on recent advances in laser‐assisted lipolysis for delicate body sculpturing in the submental region but also for gynecomastia abdominal region, flanks, and hips. In conclusion, esthetic and cosmetic dermatology has become a scientific‐based subspeciality of dermatology with evidence‐based treatments and a great variety of high‐tech approaches to provide more effective, more selective, and safer therapeutic options.
Treatment of Eating Disorders in Women

This article reviews the most recent treatment literature for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder and serves as a guide for recommended readings and therapist resources. The primary focus is on empirically tested treatment modalities; for each of these approaches reviewed, the theoretical background, nature of the intervention, and existing empirical support are summarized. The article also presents less researched, albeit promising, approaches to eating disorder treatment, describing the rationale and available research. A focus on multicultural issues, including the paucity of eating disorder treatment research among participants of color, and suggestions for building research and enhancing treatment effectiveness with ethnic minority clients, is incorporated throughout. Recommendations concerning pressing research needs are made, and a summary of clinical recommendations for each disorder is formulated.
Optical Pumping.

This experiment involves techniques and phenomena many of which were initially explored by members of the Columbia Physics department. Prof. I. I. Rabi and his colleagues, used R. F. spin flip techniques in atomic beam experiments. The “BreitRabi” formula used is from Phys. Rev. 38, 2082 (1931). The g factor for the electron spin is 2.0 vs. 1.0 for the orbital momentum in Dirac’s theory of the electron. The KushFoley studies (Phys. Rev. 72, 1256 (1947)) first established the anomalous value gs ≈ 2 0023 . for the electron spin. This, along with Columbia results of W. E. Lamb and Rutherford on the hydrogen fine structure, provided the theoretical stimulus for the development of Quantum Electrodynamics as it is today. Professors R. Novick, S. Hartmann, and W. Happer were active in developing the field of optical pumping.
Human α-l-iduronidase uses its own N-glycan as a substrate-binding and catalytic module

N-glycosylation is a major posttranslational modification that endows proteins with various functions. It is established that N-glycans are essential for the correct folding and stability of some enzymes; however, the actual effects of N-glycans on their activities are poorly understood. Here, we show that human α-l-iduronidase (hIDUA), of which a dysfunction causes accumulation of dermatan/heparan sulfate leading to mucopolysaccharidosis type I, uses its own N-glycan as a substrate binding and catalytic module. Structural analysis revealed that the mannose residue of the N-glycan attached to N372 constituted a part of the substrate-binding pocket and interacted directly with a substrate. A deglycosylation study showed that enzyme activity was highly correlated with the N-glycan attached to N372. The kinetics of native and deglycosylated hIDUA suggested that the N-glycan is also involved in catalytic processes. Our study demonstrates a previously unrecognized function of N-glycans.
MiniCD4 Microbicide Prevents HIV Infection of Human Mucosal Explants and Vaginal Transmission of SHIV162P3 in Cynomolgus Macaques

In complement to an effective vaccine, development of potent anti-HIV microbicides remains an important priority. We have previously shown that the miniCD4 M48U1, a functional mimetic of sCD4 presented on a 27 amino-acid stable scaffold, inhibits a broad range of HIV-1 isolates at sub-nanomolar concentrations in cellular models. Here, we report that M48U1 inhibits efficiently HIV-1Ba-L in human mucosal explants of cervical and colorectal tissues. In vivo efficacy of M48U1 was evaluated in nonhuman primate (NHP) model of mucosal challenge with SHIV162P3 after assessing pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a miniCD4 gel formulation in sexually matured female cynomolgus macaques. Among 12 females, half were treated with hydroxyethylcellulose-based gel (control), the other half received the same gel containing 3 mg/g of M48U1, one hour before vaginal route challenge with 10 AID50 of SHIV162P3. All control animals were infected with a peak plasma viral load of 105–106 viral RNA (vRNA) copies per mL. In animals treated with miniCD4, 5 out of 6 were fully protected from acquisition of infection, as assessed by qRT-PCR for vRNA detection in plasma, qPCR for viral DNA detection in PBMC and lymph node cells. The only infected animal in this group had a delayed peak of viremia of one week. These results demonstrate that M48U1 miniCD4 acts in vivo as a potent entry inhibitor, which may be considered in microbicide developments.
Le harcèlement psychologique au travail: une recherche nationale auprès des victimes : Les psychologues et la loi

Le Harcelement Psychologique au Travail (HPT), un phenomene de violence professionnelle aux consequences souvent dramatiques, a ete fortement mediatise au cours des derniers mois. En dehors de l'etude suedoise de Heinz Leymann (1993), il existe peu de recherches ayant examine la question, en particulier sur un echantillon francais. La presente recherche porte sur 105 victimes de harcelement psychologique au travail et vise a analyser les caracteristiques des victimes et des harceleurs presumes, a definir comment fonctionne le harcelement sur le plan comportemental et temporel et a en evaluer les consequences psychopathologiques. La discussion esquisse quelques modeles explicatifs du harcelement et propose des pistes de recherches futures.
Routine CT Angiography in Acute Stroke Does Not Delay Thrombolytic Therapy

Introduction: Lack of additional utility over non-contract computed tomography (NCCT) in decision making and delay in door to needle time are arguments used against routine computed tomographic angiography (CTA) use in acute ischemic stroke management. We compare interval times during a CTA based acute ischemic stroke protocol with an earlier non-CTA based protocol at our center. Methods: We reviewed 850 stroke thrombolysis patients in a university hospital in Canada from April 1996 to December 2009. Time to treatment was divided into the following interval times: onset-to-door, door-to-needle and onset-to-needle. Patients were categorized into: Group 1 (April 1996-Dec 2002) (Non-contrast CT Scan based thrombolysis) n=297, Group 2 (Jan 2004-Dec 2009) (CTA based thrombolysis) n=504. The period from Jan to Dec 2003 (n=49) was considered a washout period as we had started the CTA protocol that year. Interval times were compared between the two groups. Results: Interval times in Group 1 and Group 2 were: median onset-to-door times in Group 1 [55 minutes (IQR 48),] and Group 2 [61 minutes (IQR 57)] (p=0.019); median door-to-needle times in Group 1 [67 minutes(IQR 43)] and Group 2 [62.5 minutes (IQR 52)] (p=0.519); median onset-to-needle times in Group 1 (139 minutes (IQR 73)] and Group 2 (141.5 min (IQR 109.5) (p=0.468). In multivariable linear regression analysis, age and onset-to-door time influenced the door-to-needle time. For every decade of age, door-to-needle times were 5.4 minutes faster. Conclusions: CTA based thrombolytic approach for acute ischemic stroke does not significantly delay thrombolysis in routine clinical practice.
Development of a Traceability System Based on a SNP Array for Large-Scale Production of High-Value White Spruce (Picea glauca)

Biological material is at the forefront of research programs, as well as application fields such as breeding, aquaculture, and reforestation. While sophisticated techniques are used to produce this material, all too often, there is no strict monitoring during the “production” process to ensure that the specific varieties are the expected ones. Confidence rather than evidence is often applied when the time comes to start a new experiment or to deploy selected varieties in the field. During the last decade, genomics research has led to the development of important resources, which have created opportunities for easily developing tools to assess the conformity of the material along the production chains. In this study, we present a simple methodology that enables the development of a traceability system which, is in fact a by-product of previous genomic projects. The plant production system in white spruce (Picea glauca) is used to illustrate our purpose. In Quebec, one of the favored strategies to produce elite varieties is to use somatic embryogenesis (SE). In order to detect human errors both upstream and downstream of the white spruce production process, this project had two main objectives: (i) to develop methods that make it possible to trace the origin of plants produced, and (ii) to generate a unique genetic fingerprint that could be used to differentiate each embryogenic cell line and ensure its genetic monitoring. Such a system had to rely on a minimum number of low-cost DNA markers and be easy to use by non-specialists. An efficient marker selection process was operationalized by testing different classification methods on simulated datasets. These datasets were generated using in-house bioinformatics tools that simulated crosses involved in the breeding program for which genotypes from hundreds of SNP markers were already available. The rate of misidentification was estimated and various sources of mishandling or contamination were identified. The method can easily be applied to other production systems for which genomic resources are already available.
Seroreactivity to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Types 16, 18, or 31 and Risk of Subsequent HPV Infection

Whether antibodies to human papillomavirus (HPV) capsids, elicited by natural infection, are protective is unknown. This question was addressed in a population-based cohort of 7046 women in Costa Rica by examining the association between baseline seroreactivity to HPV-16, HPV-18, or HPV-31 virus-like particles and the risk of subsequent HPV infection at a follow-up visit 5–7 years after enrollment. Seropositivity to HPV-16, HPV-18, or HPV-31 was not associated with a statistically significant decreased risk of infection with the homologous HPV type [relative risk (RR) and [95% confidence interval (CI)], 0.74 (0.45–1.2), 1.5 (0.83–2.7), and 0.94 (0.48–1.8), respectively]. Seropositivity to HPV-16 or HPV-31 was not associated with a decreased risk of infection with HPV-16 or its genetically related types [RR (95% CI), 0.82 (0.61–1.1) and 0.93 (0.68–1.2), respectively]. Seropositivity to HPV-18 was not associated with a decreased risk of infection with HPV-18 or its genetically related types (RR 1.3; 95% CI 1.0–1.8). Thus, we did not observe immunity, although a protective effect from natural infection cannot be excluded because of the limits of available assays and study designs.