Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Title : Adenosine triphosphate induced photoreceptor death and retinal remodelling in rats

Grant support: This research was supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) through its Special Research Initiative (SRI) in Bionic Vision Science and Technology grant to Bionic Vision Australia (BVA). The Bionics Institute acknowledges the support it receives from the Victorian Government through its Operational Infrastructure Support Program. In addition, this research received support from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Grant ID #1021042. Research Article The Journal of Comparative Neurology Research in Systems Neuroscience DOI 10.1002/cne.23558
RECENT RESEARCH DEVELOPEMENTS IN BELT CONVEYOR TECHNOLOGY

This paper outlines recent research in the area of belt conveying highlighting the research being conducted in Australia. A review of design trends associated with long overland conveyors is presented indicating the influence of economic and technical considerations in the design methodology. Aspects of conveyor dynamics are discussed and research and development work concerned with specific subjects including belt drum friction, rolling resistance and bulk solid and conveyor belt interaction. A test rig for examining stability between bulk solids and conveyor belts during transportation is described.
Ventricular Repolarization Sequence During Right Ventricular Endocardial and Left Ventricular Epicardial Pacing : Monophasic Action Potential Mapping in Swine

Previous studies have suggested that the sequence of ventricular repolarization follows that of activation during sinus rhythm and atrial pacing. However, the repolarization sequence during ventricular pacing is unknown. Using the CARTO mapping system on 10 healthy pigs, global monophasic action potentials (MAPs) were recorded from the left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) endocardium at 121 ¡ 35 sites during right atrial (RA) pacing, RV apex endocardial (RVEndo) pacing and LV laterobasal epicardial (LVEpi) pacing. The MAP mapping procedure of each pacing protocol was performed within 3 h. Local activation time (AT), MAP duration (MAPd) and end-of-repolarization (EOR) time were measured, and three-dimensional global maps of the AT and EOR were constructed. The results showed that 1) MAPd in both ventricles during RVEndo pacing was similar to that during RA pacing (p . 0.05), whereas MAPd during LVEpi pacing was significantly greater than that during RVEndo pacing (p , 0.05); 2) in all maps, there was a negative correlation between MAPd and AT and a positive correlation between EOR time and AT (p , 0.05–0.001); and 3) during RA pacing, the EOR sequence followed the AT sequence in both ventricles. Strikingly, the EOR sequence was also consistent with the AT sequence in both ventricles either during RVEndo pacing or during LVEpi pacing, even though the mapping was performed under abrupt changing of the pacing site. The ventricular repolarization sequence followed the activation sequence not only during RA pacing, but also during RVEndo pacing and LVEpi pacing, suggesting the importance of the activation sequence in governing repolarization patterns. Significant changes in repolarization from an altered activation sequence could happen within a few hours in vivo, implying that electrical remodeling of the ventricles may be rapidly induced by altered activation sequence.
A New Consistency Maintenance Algorithm based on Prediction and Compensation Scheme in CVE Systems

In order to design a scalable collaborative virtual environment, it must consider that how to solve the conflict between maintaining the state consistency and supporting large-scale users sharing the collaborative virtual environment. Dead reckoning (DR) method or local-lag and timewarp mechanism, in our opinion, has the deficiency either short-term inconsistencies or high bandwidth utilization, so this paper proposes a new consistency maintenance algorithm based on prediction and compensation scheme in CVE systems. Time-bounding box is defined to predict user interaction. When an interaction may occur among the users, network delay compensation with entity locking mechanism is introduced for consistency maintenance. Entity collision error testing and network traffic testing results indicate that the new consistency maintenance algorithm based on prediction and compensation scheme can maintain the state consistency and save the network bandwidth at the same time.
The Effects of Institutional Difference and Resource Seeking Intent on Location Choice of Chinese Outward FDI

This study seeks to explain how differences in political risk and economic freedom between host and home countries interact with investing firms’ resource-seeking intent to influence the firms’ outward foreign direct investment (FDI) location choice. Using panel data covering Chinese outward FDI in 62 host countries during the period of 2003-2014, we performed panel data regression analysis. The results show that when firms’ resource seeking intention is high, the FDI location choice is negatively associated with the differences in political risk, but positively associated with the differences in economic freedom between China and the host countries. The results also show that there is a substituting effect between political risk and economic freedom in their interactions with resource-seeking intent to influence FDI location choice. The findings suggest that the Chinese firms’ outward FDI location choice is a result of the interplay and the fit between the firms’ external legitimacy in the host countries and the firms’ internal legitimacy within the multinational organization.
Chapter 2 . \ Repression of Smoothened by Patched-Dependent ( Pro-) Vitamin D 3 Secretion .

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Mood Dynamics in Bipolar Disorder Electronic supplementary material

1) An initial set of 153 patients is first cleaned by removing r epeated response values, that is those which share the same time stamp. These repeats arise when a pa tient resubmits a rating score either by mistake or in order to correct an earlier response. Assuming that earlier values are being corrected, we remove repeated responses by taking the most recent in the se quence. We then select those members whose time series have at least 25 data points, or approximat ely six months duration to create Set A (n=93). We resample the time series in Set A to an exact weekly sa mpling interval. Figure 1 illustrates the resampling process assuming that sampling is approxima tely once per week and that responses are valid for the previous week. The optimal weekday w for the resampled time series is chosen to minimise the total deviation of the original responses from their cor responding resampled position on the X-axis or ‘comb’ of weekdays. The deviation in this case is the elaps ed time to the first response within seven days.
Discriminative-Dictionary-Learning-Based Multilevel Point-Cluster Features for ALS Point-Cloud Classification

Efficient presentation and recognition of on-ground objects from airborne laser scanning (ALS) point clouds are a challenging task. In this paper, we propose an approach that combines a discriminative-dictionary-learning-based sparse coding and latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) to generate multilevel point-cluster features for ALS point-cloud classification. Our method takes advantage of the labels of training data and each dictionary item to enforce discriminability in sparse coding during the dictionary learning process and more accurately further represent point-cluster features. The multipath AdaBoost classifiers with the hierarchical point-cluster features are trained, and we apply them to the classification of unknown points by the heritance of the recognition results under different paths. Experiments are performed on different ALS point clouds; the experimental results have shown that the extracted point-cluster features combined with the multipath classifiers can significantly enhance the classification accuracy, and they have demonstrated the superior performance of our method over other techniques in point-cloud classification.
A Generic Emulation Framework for Reusing and Evaluating VNF Placement Algorithms

In recent years, a variety of different approaches have been proposed to tackle the problem of scaling and placing network services, consisting of interconnected virtual network functions (VNFs). This paper presents a placement abstraction layer (PAL) that provides a clear and simple northbound interface for using such algorithms while hiding their internal functionality and implementation. Through its southbound interface, PAL can connect to different back ends that evaluate the calculated placements, e.g., using simulations, emulations, or testbed approaches. As an example for such evaluation back ends, we introduce a novel placement emulation framework (PEF) that allows executing calculated placements using real, container- based VNFs on real-world network topologies. In a case study, we show how PAL and PEF facilitate reusing and evaluating placement algorithms as well as validating their underlying models and performance claims.
Citizen involvement in local environmental governance : a methodology combining Human-Centred Design and Living Lab approaches

Nowadays, involving citizens into Local Environmental Governance (LEG) is becoming more and more important. In order to empower the role of citizen in this context, we propose an approach which relies on the establishment of a physical and intellectual space for shared understanding and collaboration between all stakeholders impacted by an environmental problematic (in our case odour emission). Based on the development of an Information Technology (IT) system allowing odour emission measurement as well as citizen feeling collect, a Living Lab (LL) approach, involving citizens, public authorities, industry and environmental Non-governmental organisations (NgoS) is being implemented. According to the definition of the European commission, Living Labs are “open innovation environments in real-life settings, in which user-driven innovation is fully integrated within the co-creation process of new services, products and societal infrastructures”. Based on this definition and considering, in our case, citizens as the one of the end-users of the IT system, we argue that such an approach will empower their role in local environmental governance. This article presents the method and technics that will be used in order to setup such a Living Lab. More precisely we focus here on the first step of this method: defining components which will support the management of a Living Lab relying on an IT system. This step consist mainly on the identification of the Living Lab stakeholders (citizen, industry, public authorities, NGos,.), including their characterisation, fears, expectations, involvement and engagement towards the Living Lab. To do this, several approaches are combined: -­‐ Use of technics coming from Human-Centred Design (HCD), in order to combine the need of the IT developments and the LL needs: Personas methodology and usability test user. -­‐ Context analysis in order to draw the actual context in which the LL will take place and identify stakeholders. -­‐ Stakeholder’s characterisation and management, with a participative methodology (Network ScoreCard Suite NSC Suite) for the analysis of stakeholders structuration based on a structurationist framework (Giddens 1984). -­‐ Presenting the results thanks to the characterisation of the different stakeholders in the future LL and drawing a “Social Map”: characteristics and value (services); relations versus influence; responsibility, engagement and prioritisation of the different elements identified in order to plan the LL implementation and ensure sustainability. The approach is relying on an Underlying task: Stakeholders involvement in order to build trust and common goal. The article presents the theoretical context in which our study takes place as well as the global methodology.
Predictive Collision Detection for the Dynamic Window Approach

Foresighted navigation is an essential skill for robots to rise from rigid factory floor installations to much more versatile mobile robots that partake in our every day environment. The current state of the art that provides this mobility to some extent is the Dynamic Window Approach combined with a global start-to-target path planner. However, neither the Dynamic Window Approach nor the path planner are equipped to predict the motion of other objects in the environment. We propose a change in the Dynamic Window Approach—a dynamic collision model—that is capable of predicting future collisions with the environment, even when objects are in motion. We show in our experiments that our new way of computing the Dynamic Window Approach excels in navigational fitness in dynamic environments while being computationally efficient.
High Performance Hypergraph Analytics of Domain Name System Relationships

We report on the use of novel mathematical methods in hypergraph analytics over a large quantity of DNS data. Hypergraphs generalize graphs, as used in network science, to better model complex multiway relations in cyber data. Specifically, casting DNS data from Georgia Tech’s ActiveDNS repository as hypergraphs allows us to fully represent the interactions between collections of domains and IP addresses. To facilitate large-scale analytics, we fielded an analytical pipeline of two capabilities. HyperNetX (HNX) is a Python package for the exploration and visualization of hypergraphs, acting as a frontend. For the backend, the Chapel HyperGraph Library (CHGL) is a library for high performance hypergraph analytics written in the exascale programming language Chapel. CHGL was used to process gigascale DNS data, performing compute-intensive calculations for data reduction and segmentation. Identified portions are then sent to HNX for both exploratory analysis and knowledge discovery targeting known tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Using household survey data to inform policy decisions regarding the delivery of evidence-based parenting interventions.

BACKGROUND This study used household survey data on the prevalence of child, parent and family variables to establish potential targets for a population-level intervention to strengthen parenting skills in the community. The goals of the intervention include decreasing child conduct problems, increasing parental self-efficacy, use of positive parenting strategies, decreasing coercive parenting and increasing help-seeking, social support and participation in positive parenting programmes. METHODS A total of 4010 parents with a child under the age of 12 years completed a statewide telephone survey on parenting. RESULTS One in three parents reported that their child had a behavioural or emotional problem in the previous 6 months. Furthermore, 9% of children aged 2-12 years meet criteria for oppositional defiant disorder. Parents who reported their child's behaviour to be difficult were more likely to perceive parenting as a negative experience (i.e. demanding, stressful and depressing). Parents with greatest difficulties were mothers without partners and who had low levels of confidence in their parenting roles. About 20% of parents reported being stressed and 5% reported being depressed in the 2 weeks prior to the survey. Parents with personal adjustment problems had lower levels of parenting confidence and their child was more difficult to manage. Only one in four parents had participated in a parent education programme. CONCLUSIONS Implications for the setting of population-level goals and targets for strengthening parenting skills are discussed.
Lactate Parameters Predict Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

The predictive role of lactate in patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) has been suggested. This study evaluated several lactate parameters in terms of predicting outcomes of bleeding patients and sought to establish a new scoring model by combining lactate parameters and the AIMS65 score. A total of 114 patients with NVUGIB who underwent serum lactate level testing at least twice and endoscopic hemostasis within 24 hours after admission were retrospectively analyzed. The associations between five lactate parameters and clinical outcomes were evaluated and the predictive power of lactate parameter combined AIMS65s (L-AIMS65s) and AIMS56 scoring was compared. The most common cause of bleeding was gastric ulcer (48.2%). Lactate clearance rate (LCR) was associated with 30-day rebleeding (odds ratio [OR], 0.931; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.872–0.994; P = 0.033). Initial lactate (OR, 1.313; 95% CI, 1.050–1.643; P = 0.017), maximal lactate (OR, 1.277; 95% CI, 1.037–1.573; P = 0.021), and average lactate (OR, 1.535; 95% CI, 1.137–2.072; P = 0.005) levels were associated with 30-day mortality. Initial lactate (OR, 1.213; 95% CI, 1.027–1.432; P = 0.023), maximal lactate (OR, 1.271; 95% CI, 1.074–1.504; P = 0.005), and average lactate (OR, 1.501; 95% CI, 1.150–1.959; P = 0.003) levels were associated with admission over 7 days. Although L-AIMS65s showed the highest area under the curve for prediction of each outcome, differences between L-AIMS65s and AIMS65 did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, lactate parameters have a prognostic role in patients with NVUGIB. However, they do not increase the predictive power of AIMS65 when combined.
lterations in the expression level of a putative aspartic protease in the evelopment of Angiostrongylus cantonensis

Aspartic proteases are a family of proteinases with catalytic aspartate residues in the active site. These enzymes have been reported to initialize the degradation of host hemoglobin in blood-feeding helminths. After identifying an expressed sequence tag representing an aspartic protease from an Angiostrongylus cantonensis young adult dataset, this sequence was found to encode a protein with a predicted molecular mass of 46 kDa. It also showed good homologies to aspartic proteases from Caenorhabditis elegans (50.7% identity), Haemonchus contortus (43.0% identity), Necator americanus (41.5% identity), Strongyloides stercoralis (35.9% identity), and Burgia malayi (29.6% identity). This putative aspartic protease was determined ngiostrongylus cantonensis
Randomized trial of four‐layer and two‐layer bandage systems in the management of chronic venous ulceration

To compare a four‐layer bandage system with a two‐layer system in the management of chronic venous leg ulceration, a prospective randomized open parallel groups trial was undertaken. In total, 112 patients newly presenting to leg ulcer services with chronic leg ulceration, screened to exclude the presence of arterial disease (ankle brachial pressure index <0.8) and causes of ulceration other than venous disease, were entered into the trial. Patients were randomized to receive either four‐layer (Profore™) or two‐layer (Surepress™) high‐compression elastic bandage systems. In all, 109 out of 112 patients had at least one follow‐up. After 24 weeks, 50 out of 57 (88%) patients randomized to the four‐layer bandage system with follow‐up had ulcer closure (full epithelialization) compared with 40 out of 52 (77%) on the two‐layer bandage, hazard ratio = 1.18 (95% confidence interval 0.69–2.02), p = 0.55. After 12 weeks, 40 out of 57 (70%) patients randomized to the four‐layer bandage system with follow‐up had ulcer closure compared with 30 out of 52 (58%) on the two‐layer bandage, odds ratio = 4.23 (95% confidence interval 1.29–13.86), p = 0.02. Withdrawal rates were significantly greater on the two‐layer bandage (30 out of 54; 56%) compared with the four‐layer bandage system (8 out of 58; 14%), p < 0.001, and the number of patients with at least one device‐related adverse incident was significantly greater on the two‐layer bandaging system (15 out of 54; 28%) compared with four‐layer bandaging (5 out of 54; 9%), p = 0.01. The higher mean cost of treatment in the two‐layer bandaging system arm over 24 weeks ($1374 [£916] vs. $1314 [£876]) was explained by the increased mean number of bandage changes (1.5 vs. 1.1 per week) with the two‐layer system. In conclusion, the four‐layer bandage offers advantages over the two‐layer bandage in terms of reduced withdrawal from treatment, fewer adverse incidents, and lower treatment cost. (WOUND REP REG 2003;11:166–171)
Synergistic effects of ultrashort wave and bone marrow stromal cells on nerve regeneration with acellular nerve allografts

Acellular nerve allografts (ANA) possess bioactivity and neurite promoting factors in nerve tissue engineering. Previously we reported that low dose ultrashort wave (USW) radiation could enhance the rate and quality of peripheral nerve regeneration with ANA repairing sciatic nerve defects. Meanwhile, ANA implanted with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) exhibited a similar result. Thus, it is interesting to know whether it might yield a synergistic effect when USW radiation is combined with BMSCs‐laden ANA. Here we investigated the effectiveness of ANA seeded with BMSCs, combined with USW therapy on repairing peripheral nerve injuries. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) control group, BMSCs‐laden group, ultrashort wave (USW) group and BMSC + USW group. The regenerated nerves were assayed morphologically and functionally, and growth‐promoting factors in the regenerated tissues following USW administration or BMSCs integration were also detected. The results indicated that the combination therapy caused much better beneficial effects evidenced by increased myelinated nerve fiber number, myelin sheath thickness, axon diameter, sciatic function index, nerve conduction velocity, and restoration rate of tibialis anterior wet weight. Moreover, the mRNA levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the spinal cord and muscles were elevated significantly. In conclusion, we found a synergistic effect of USW radiation and BMSCs treatment on peripheral nerve regeneration, which may help establish novel strategies for repairing peripheral nerve defects. Synapse 67:637–647, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using mixed phase-type distributions to model patient pathways

Modeling length of stay (LOS) in hospital is an important aspect of developing integrated models that describe and predict movements of patients. However patient pathways and LOS distributions are highly heterogeneous, particularly with regard to patient diagnosis, age, gender and outcome. We here use a mixed Coxian phase-type distribution (MC-PH distribution) to describe such heterogeneity in terms of covariates, where a Coxian phase-type survival tree is used to estimate parameters for the MC-PH distribution. Multiple absorbing states (such as discharge to home, discharge to private nursing home, or death) are considered, and, based on the MC-PH distribution, expressions presented for key performance indicators of interest. The approach is illustrated using data for stroke patients from the Belfast City Hospital.