Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Ultraviolet B-Induced Expression of the Proinflammatory Cytokines TNF-α and VEGF in the Cornea by Fucoxanthin Treatment in a Rat Model

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation is the most common cause of radiation damage to the eyeball and is a risk factor for human corneal damage. We determined the protective effect of fucoxanthin, which is a carotenoid found in common edible seaweed, on ocular tissues against oxidative UVB-induced corneal injury. The experimental rats were intravenously injected with fucoxanthin at doses of 0.5, 5 mg/kg body weight/day or with a vehicle before UVB irradiation. Lissamine green for corneal surface staining showed that UVB irradiation caused serious damage on the corneal surface, including severe epithelial exfoliation and deteriorated epithelial smoothness. Histopathological lesion examination revealed that levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), significantly increased. However, pretreatment with fucoxanthin inhibited UVB radiation-induced corneal disorders including evident preservation of corneal surface smoothness, downregulation of proinflammatory cytokine expression, and decrease of infiltrated polymorphonuclear leukocytes from UVB-induced damage. Moreover, significant preservation of the epithelial integrity and inhibition of stromal swelling were also observed after UVB irradiation in fucoxanthin-treated groups. Pretreatment with fucoxanthin may protect against UVB radiation-induced corneal disorders by inhibiting expression of proinflammatory factors, TNF-α, and VEGF and by blocking polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration.
Automatic augmented video creation for markerless environments

A battery vent plug providing repeated relief of a pressure condition within a battery at relatively low internal pressures. The vent plug is arranged to prevent dropping of the internal pressure to zero upon venting while yet having a small relief-reseal pressure range. The vent plug includes a relief valve within a housing defined by a rubber cylinder releasably engaging an annular seat on the housing about an inlet to a vent chamber within the housing. The rubber cylinder is maintained under a preselected compression assuring sealing thereof to the seat at pressures below a preselected venting pressure. Upon removal of the sealing portion of the cylinder from the seat, the pressurized gas escapes around the cylinder and through a hole in the housing to atmosphere.
An IRT validation of the Affective Self Rating Scale

Background: The Affective Self Rating Scale (AS-18) is intended for the use in bipolar outpatients. It includes subscales for the rating of depressive and manic-type symptoms. It has previously been validated using methods from Classical Test Theory. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the AS-18 when used at an outpatient clinic for patients with bipolar disorder at routine visits, and to analyze the potential for improvement of the scale. Methods: 231 patients with mainly bipolar I disorder doing ratings on routine visits at an affective disorder outpatient clinic were included. Ratings were analyzed using the Mokken non-parametric and the Rasch parametric model statistical methods. Results: In the Mokken analysis, both subscales of the AS-18 showed a strong ability to rank respondents according to their total score and all items contributed adequately to the measurement. In the Rasch model, there were no indications of disturbing influence from secondary dimensions in the subscales. The depression subscale had the capacity reliably to separate the sample in at most three levels and the mania subscale in two levels. The limited capacity to separate respondents can mainly be explained by a lack of items reflecting lower levels of depressive and manic symptoms. Conclusions: AS-18 has good basic psychometric properties for use of rating of symptoms in bipolar I patients at routine visits, but there is also room for improvement. Item Response Theory (IRT) methods are suitable tools for evaluation and construction of rating scales.
Designing a new TCP based on FAST TCP for datacenter

TCP incast problem has become a severe problem in datacenters due to the catastrophic collapse of goodput at the receiver side. Many solutions have been proposed, however, none of them solved it fundamentally. In this paper, we take a deep dive into the causes of incast problem, and find out that the root cause of TCP incast is the droptails induced by TCP congestion control algorithm based on packet losses. According to the root cause, we design a new TCP based on FAST TCP, a delay based congestion control algorithm, to radically solve TCP incast problem. The new TCP aims at maintaining a relatively small queue length that does not exceed the switch buffer and meanwhile fully occupy the bottleneck link. The simulation results demonstrate that our method cuts off most of the timeouts and attains high goodput under various conditions.
ICT Revolution, Globalization and Informational Lock-in

We examine a model of social learning in networks following the lines of Bala and Goyal (1998, 2001). As a model of agents’ behaviour we have chosen the model of informational cascades of Bikhchandani et al (1992). Similarly to Bala and Goyal we find that the higher the ’degree of integration’ within the society is, the more likely it is that conformity of actions will arise. However, unlike their results our model suggests that in the presence of informational externalities globalisation of informational flows, expressed in the increasing density of communication channels in a network, may drive down the expected social welfare.
Changing area socioeconomic patterns in U.S. cancer mortality, 1950-1998: Part I--All cancers among men.

BACKGROUND Area socioeconomic deprivation indices are widely used to monitor health disparities in Europe. However, such indices have not been used in cancer surveillance in the United States. We developed an area socioeconomic index to examine area socioeconomic patterns in all-cancer mortality among U.S. men between 1950 and 1998. METHODS Principal components analysis on 11 census variables was used to develop an area socioeconomic index that was then used to stratify all U.S. counties into one of five socioeconomic categories. The index was linked to 1950-1998 county mortality data to generate annual mortality rates for each area socioeconomic group. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to model mortality trends, and Poisson regression analysis was used to estimate socioeconomic gradients in mortality over time. RESULTS Area socioeconomic patterns in U.S. male cancer mortality changed dramatically between 1950 and 1998. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, there was a positive socioeconomic gradient, with higher cancer mortality rates in high area socioeconomic groups than in low area socioeconomic groups. For example, in 1950-1952, cancer mortality was 49% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 41% to 59%) greater in the highest area socioeconomic group than in the lowest. The positive gradient narrowed in the 1970s, and by the late 1980s, socioeconomic differences in cancer mortality began to reverse and widen. In 1997-1998, cancer mortality was 19% (95% CI = 11% to 28%) higher in the lowest area socioeconomic group than in the highest. Gradients were steeper for men aged 25-64 years than for men aged 65 years or older. CONCLUSIONS Socioeconomic patterns in male cancer mortality have reversed over time in the United States. Area socioeconomic indices could serve as a powerful surveillance tool for monitoring health disparities in cancer outcomes.
DRAMA, a Connectionist Architecture for Control and Learning in Autonomous Robots

Adaptation to their environment is a fundamental capability for living agents, from which au tonomous robots could also benefit. This work proposes a connectionist architecture, DRAMA, for dynamic control and learning of autonomous robots. DRAMA stands for dynamical recur rent associative memory architecture. It is a time-delay recurrent neural network, using Hebbian update rules. It allows learning of spatio-temporal regularities and time series in discrete se quences of inputs, in the face of an important amount of noise. The first part of this paper gives the mathematical description of the architecture and analyses theoretically and through numerical simulations its performance. The second part of this paper reports on the implementation of DRAMA in simulated and physical robotic experiments. Training and rehearsal of the DRAMA architecture is computationally fast and inexpensive, which makes the model particularly suitable for controlling 'computationally-challenged' robots. In the experiments, we use a basic hardware system with very limited computational capability and show that our robot can carry out real time computation and on-line learning of relatively complex cognitive tasks. In these experiments, two autonomous robots wander randomly in a fixed environment, collecting information about its elements. By mutually associating information of their sensors and actuators, they learn about physical regularities underlying their experience of varying stimuli. The agents learn also from their mutual interactions. We use a teacher-learner scenario, based on mutual following of the two agents, to enable transmission of a vocabulary from one robot to the other.
Prediction using Recurrent SOMwith Local Linear

A newly proposed Recurrent Self-Organizing Map (RSOM) is studied in time series prediction. In this approach RSOM is used to cluster the data to local data sets and local linear models corresponding each of the map units are then estimated based on the local data sets. A traditional way of clustering the data is to use a windowing technique to split it to input vectors of certain length. In this procedure, the temporal context between the consecutive vectors is lost. In RSOM the map units keep track of the past input vectors with a recurrent di erence vector in each unit. The recurrent structure allows the map to store information concerning the change in the magnitude and direction of the input vector. RSOM can thus be used to cluster the temporal context in the time series. This allows a di erent local model to be selected based on the context and the current input vector of the model. The studied cases show promising results.
Photographic Capture-Recapture Sampling for Assessing Populations of the Indian Gliding Lizard Draco dussumieri

The usage of invasive tagging methods to assess lizard populations has often been criticised, due to the potential negative effects of marking, which possibly cause increased mortality or altered behaviour. The development of safe, less invasive techniques is essential for improved ecological study and conservation of lizard populations. In this study, we describe a photographic capture-recapture (CR) technique for estimating Draco dussumieri (Agamidae) populations. We used photographs of the ventral surface of the patagium to identify individuals. To establish that the naturally occurring blotches remained constant through time, we compared capture and recapture photographs of 45 pen-marked individuals after a 30 day interval. No changes in blotches were observed and individual lizards could be identified with 100% accuracy. The population density of D. dussumieri in a two hectare areca-nut plantation was estimated using the CR technique with ten sampling occasions over a ten day period. The resulting recapture histories for 24 individuals were analysed using population models in the program CAPTURE. All models indicated that nearly all individuals were captured. The estimated probability for capturing D. dussumieri on at least one occasion was 0.92 and the estimated population density was 13±1.65 lizards/ha. Our results demonstrate the potential for applying CR to population studies in gliding lizards (Draco spp.) and other species with distinctive markings.
Designing dependable storage solutions for shared application environments

The costs of data loss and unavailability can be large, so businesses use many data protection techniques, such as remote mirroring, snapshots and backups, to guard against failures. Choosing an appropriate combination of techniques is difficult because there are numerous approaches for protecting data and allocating resources. Storage system designers typically use ad hoc techniques, often resulting in over-engineered, expensive solutions or under-provisioned, inadequate ones. In contrast, this paper presents a principled, automated approach for designing dependable storage solutions for multiple applications in shared environments. Our contributions include search heuristics for intelligently exploring the large design space and modeling techniques for capturing interactions between applications during recovery. Using realistic storage system requirements, we show that our design tool can produce designs that cost up to 3X less in initial outlays and expected data penalties than the designs produced by an emulated human design process
BDD-based synthesis of reversible logic for large functions

Reversible logic is the basis for several emerging technologies such as quantum computing, optical computing, or DNA computing and has further applications in domains like low-power design and nanotechnologies. However, current methods for the synthesis of reversible logic are limited, i.e. they are applicable to relatively small functions only. In this paper, we propose a synthesis approach, that can cope with Boolean functions containing more than a hundred of variables. We present a technique to derive reversible circuits for a function given by a binary decision diagram (BDD). The circuit is obtained using an algorithm with linear worst case behavior regarding run-time and space requirements. Furthermore, the size of the resulting circuit is bounded by the BDD size. This allows to transfer theoretical results known from BDDs to reversible circuits. Experiments show better results (with respect to the circuit cost) and a significantly better scalability in comparison to previous synthesis approaches.
Semi-automatic acquisition of symbolically-annotated 3D-models of office environments

Describes a semi-automatic method for acquiring SA3D maps, maps that contain hierarchically structured 3D models of static, task relevant objects in the environment. Map acquisition is implemented as a two step process. In the first step, the robot acquires an approximate model that represents regions that might contain objects and indicate possibly occluding objects. This approximate model is then used to compute appropriate locations from where camera images should be taken. Object models are reconstructed interactively through human operators who place wireframe model in the camera images captured by the robot. The method is implemented and validated on an autonomous mobile robot.
Transgene- and locus-dependent imprinting reveals allele-specific chromosome conformations

When positioned into the integrin α-6 gene, an Hoxd9lacZ reporter transgene displayed parental imprinting in mouse embryos. While the expression from the paternal allele was comparable with patterns seen for the same transgene when present at the neighboring HoxD locus, almost no signal was scored at this integration site when the transgene was inherited from the mother, although the Itga6 locus itself is not imprinted. The transgene exhibited maternal allele-specific DNA hypermethylation acquired during oogenesis, and its expression silencing was reversible on passage through the male germ line. Histone modifications also corresponded to profiles described at known imprinted loci. Chromosome conformation analyses revealed distinct chromatin microarchitectures, with a more compact structure characterizing the maternally inherited repressed allele. Such genetic analyses of well-characterized transgene insertions associated with a de novo-induced parental imprint may help us understand the molecular determinants of imprinting.
Re-Evaluation of Open Partial Horizontal Laryngectomies at Our Institution According to the New Classification Recommended by the European Laryngological Society.

Objective The aim of this study was to re-evaluate the open partial horizontal laryngectomies (OPHLs) performed at our institution in terms of the new classification of the European Laryngological Society and compare the differences with the new classification system. Methods A retrospective analysis of 45 patients diagnosed with T1b, T2, and T3 laryngeal carcinoma who were treated with OPHLs in our department between 2010 and 2016 were conducted. Results All supraglottic laryngectomies (31 operations) were classified as OPHL Type 1. Among these, 11 operations required a resection of an additional structure including arytenoid (ARY) in five operations, piriform sinus (PIR) in four operations, the base of tongue (BOT) in one surgery, and ARY + PIR in one patient. Five supracricoid laryngectomies with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP), five supracricoid laryngectomies with cricohyoidopexy (CHP), and four near-total laryngectomy operations constituted Type 2 OPHL (7 operations) and Type 3 OPHL (7 operations). Among these operations, two were classified into Type 2b OPHL and four into Type 3b OPHL as the superior margin of incision included epiglottis. Conclusion We consider that, this new classification, because it allows understanding the content of the surgery from the related title, will be useful in comparing different series and techniques.
EVIDENCE FOR MAINTENANCE OF SEX BY PATHOGENS IN PLANTS

Abstract The predominance of outcrossing despite the substantial transmission advantage of self-fertilization remains a paradox. Theory suggests that selection can favor outcrossing if it enables the production of offspring that are less susceptible to pathogen attack than offspring produced via self-fertilization. Thus, if pathogen pressure is contributing to the maintenance of outcrossing in plants, there may be a positive correlation between the number of pathogen species attacking plant species and the outcrossing rate of the plant species. We tested this hypothesis by examining the association between outcrossing rate and the number of fungal pathogen species that attack a large, taxonomically diverse set of seed plants. We show that plant species attacked by more fungal pathogen species have higher outcrossing rates than plants with fewer enemies. This relationship persists after correcting for study bias among natural and agricultural species of plants. We also accounted for the nested hierarchy of relationships among plant lineages by conducting phylogenetically independent contrasts (PICs) within genera and families that were adequately represented in our dataset. A meta-analysis of the correlation between pathogen and outcrossing PICs shows that there is a positive correlation between pathogen species number and outcrossing rates. This pattern is consistent with the hypothesis that pathogen-mediated selection may contribute to the maintenance of outcrossing in species of seed plants.
Off-Path TCP Exploits: Global Rate Limit Considered Dangerous

In this paper, we report a subtle yet serious side channel vulnerability (CVE-2016-5696) introduced in a recent TCP specification. The specification is faithfully implemented in Linux kernel version 3.6 (from 2012) and beyond, and affects a wide range of devices and hosts. In a nutshell, the vulnerability allows a blind off-path attacker to infer if any two arbitrary hosts on the Internet are communicating using a TCP connection. Further, if the connection is present, such an off-path attacker can also infer the TCP sequence numbers in use, from both sides of the connection; this in turn allows the attacker to cause connection termination and perform data injection attacks. We illustrate how the attack can be leveraged to disrupt or degrade the privacy guarantees of an anonymity network such as Tor, and perform web connection hijacking. Through extensive experiments, we show that the attack is fast and reliable. On average, it takes about 40 to 60 seconds to finish and the success rate is 88% to 97%. Finally, we propose changes to both the TCP specification and implementation to eliminate the root cause of the problem.
Decision-making style and self-concept

The Flinders Decision-Making Questionnaire (FDMQ) (Mann, 1982), which measures three decision-making styles and decision-making self-esteem, and the Self-Description Questionnaire III (SDQ HI) (Marsh & O'Neill, 1984), which measures 13 facets of self-concept; were administered to 475 university students to investigate some of the tenets of Janis and Mann's (1976, 1977) conflict model of decision-making and to further investigate the influence of self-concept on decision-making behaviours. The findings empirically validated Janis and Mann's (1977) link between decision-making self-esteem and decision-making style. Modest relationships, in the predicted direction, were found between decision-making self-esteem and the three decision-making styles (Vigilance, Defensive Avoidance, and Hypervigilance). In addition, specific facets of self-concept (General, Verbal, Academic, Honesty/Reliability and Problem-Solving Self Concepts) were related to self-reported decision-making behaviours.
Progression of arterial stiffness and coronary atherosclerosis: longitudinal evaluation by cardiac CT.

OBJECTIVE We sought to use cardiac CT angiography (CTA) to longitudinally examine the relationship between changes in aortic stiffness and of the atherosclerotic burden over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred sixty-four patients with suspected coronary artery disease underwent two retrospectively ECG-gated cardiac CTA studies an average of 12 ± 10 months apart. Arterial stiffness was represented by the aortic distensibility index (ADI) and atherosclerosis by segment involvement score (SIS) (defined as the number of coronary artery segments per patient displaying atherosclerotic plaque). Changes in ADI and SIS between the studies were compared using linear and logistic regression accounting for differences in clinical and demographic baseline characteristics. RESULTS Age (p = 0.004), time between studies (p = 0.02), and increase in SIS (p < 0.001) were associated with a decrease in ADI on univariate analysis. Increase in SIS remained a significant independent predictor of decreased ADI on both multivariate logistic regression (with change in ADI represented categorically) and multivariate linear regression (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSION On longitudinal evaluation with cardiac CTA, the progression of aortic stiffness is associated with the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. Although outcome studies are needed, a comprehensive assessment of vascular health with cardiac CTA, including both indexes of arterial stiffness and atherosclerotic burden, may improve risk stratification and therapy monitoring.
RHash: Robust Hashing via ℓ∞-norm distortion

Hashing is an important tool in large-scale machine learning. Unfortunately, current data-dependent hashing algorithms are not robust to small perturbations of the data points, which degrades the performance of nearest neighbor (NN) search. The culprit is the minimization of the `2-norm, average distortion among pairs of points to find the hash function. Inspired by recent progress in robust optimization, we develop a novel hashing algorithm, dubbed RHash, that instead minimizes the `∞norm, worst-case distortion among pairs of points. We develop practical and efficient implementations of RHash that couple the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) framework with column generation to scale well to large datasets. A range of experimental evaluations demonstrate the superiority of RHash over ten state-of-the-art binary hashing schemes. In particular, we show that RHash achieves the same retrieval performance as the state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of average precision while using up to 60% fewer bits.