Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Causes of Visual Impairment in Fundong District, North West Cameroon: Results of a Population-Based Survey

ABSTRACT Purpose: To estimate the prevalence and causes of visual impairment in Fundong Health District, North West Cameroon. Methods: A total of 51 clusters of 80 people (all ages) were sampled with probability proportionate to size and compact segment sampling. Visual acuity (VA) was measured with a tumbling “E” chart. An ophthalmic nurse examined people with VA<6/18 in either eye. The presence of hearing and physical impairments were assessed using clinical examination, and self-reported visual problems using the Washington Group Short Set. Results: In total, 4080 people were enumerated of whom 3567 were screened (response rate 87%). The overall prevalence of visual impairment was 2.3% (95% CI 1.8–3.0%) and blindness was 0.6% (0.3–1.0%). The prevalence of both blindness and visual impairment increased rapidly with age, so that the vast majority of cases of visual impairment (84%) and blindness (82%) were in people aged 50+. Posterior segment disease and cataract were the main causes of blindness and visual impairment, with refractive error also an important cause of visual impairment. Cataract surgical coverage (proportion of all cataracts that had received surgery) was relatively high (87% of people at VA<6/60). Post-surgery outcomes were poor, with 31% of operated eyes having VA<6/60. Among the 82 people with visual impairment, 22% had a physical impairment or epilepsy and 30% had a hearing impairment. Self-reported difficulties in vision were relatively closely related to clinical measures of visual impairment. Conclusions: Ophthalmic programmes in Cameroon need to incorporate control of posterior segment diseases while also working to improve outcomes after cataract surgery.
The use of fluorochromes to determine the effect of chlorine dioxide on survival of Plasmopara viticola on grapevine

A technique using fluorochromes was developed to quantify the survival of Plasmopara viticola on the leaves of grapevine cv. Chardonnay following application of chlorine dioxide (ClO2). The staining combination of 5,6 carboxyfluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide produced intense green fluorescence of live conidia and red fluorescence of dead conidia of the fungal pathogen under blue excitation. The number of live conidia on the leaves emitting green fluorescence decreased significantly with increase in the concentration of ClO2. The percentage of dead conidia on leaves treated with 25 or 50 ppm of ClO2 were 38 and 99, respectively. No conidia survived on leaves treated with 100 ppm of ClO2. The bioassay can be applied to studies on screening fungicides for disease control. The advantages of the fluorochrome bioassay used in this study are that it is faster than measuring germination of conidia, and that it gives a quantitative estimate of survival of the pathogen.
Hierarchical levels of detail to accelerate the rendering of large static and dynamic polygonal environments

Interactive visualization of large three-dimensional polygonal datasets is an important topic in the field of computer graphics and scientific visualization. These datasets can be static, such as many walkthrough applications, or dynamic, such as CAD scenarios where a designer moves, adds, or deletes parts. In many cases, the number of primitives in these models overwhelms the rendering performance of current graphics systems. In order to view these environments in real-time, approximation techniques must augment the capabilities of the hardware. One method for accelerating the rendering of these environments is polygonal simplification. This dissertation describes the creation and application of levels of detail, or LODs, and hierarchical levels of detail, or HLODs, to accelerate the rendering of large static and dynamic polygonal environments. The principal idea of this work is that simplification methods should not always treat objects, or collections of polygons, in a scene independently. Instead, they may be able to produce better and drastic approximations by simplifying disjoint regions of a scene together. This idea is applicable for creating LODs for individual objects that consist of unconnected polygons, and for constructing HLODs, or approximations representing groups of static or dynamic objects. We demonstrate a polygonal simplification algorithm called General and Automatic Polygonal Simplification, or GAPS, that excels at merging disjoint polygons through the use of an adaptive distance threshold and surface area preservation. We use GAPS to create LODs and HLODs for nodes in the scene graphs of large polygonal environments. These approximations are used to enable two rendering modes, one that allows the user to specify pixels of error and another that targets a frame rate. When objects in the scene move, our algorithm updates HLODs that have become inaccurate or invalid using asynchronous simplification processes. Our algorithm currently handles scenes with limited dynamic movement.
Three-level co-optimization model for generation scheduling of integrated energy and regulation market

This paper proposes a three-level co-optimization model for determining energy production and regulation reserve schedule in a day-ahead market by minimizing the total cost of unit commitment, generation dispatch, frequency regulation and performance. The unscented transformation and historical profiles are used to generate scenarios for modelling the fluctuations of intermittent renewable and stochastic loads at different time scales. Through detailed modelling and simulation of generation dispatch and frequency regulation, the determined generation schedule can have sufficient reserve capacity and adequate response speed to deal with the renewable and load variations occurred between shorter dispatching and regulating intervals, as well as longer scheduling intervals. Numerical results on a 5-bus sample system are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed method.
Reduction of the Multipactor Threshold Due to Electron Cyclotron Resonance

Single-surface multipactor on metal surfaces is studied in the case when the microwave electric field is superimposed on a dc electric and a permanent magnetic field. Based on a simple analysis of the electron motion, it is predicted that considerable reduction in the multipactor threshold is possible when the electron cyclotron frequency is equal to the microwave field frequency and the permanent magnetic field has the proper orientation with respect to the metal surface. The prediction is confirmed by numerical simulations, and some experimental indications of the reduced multipactor threshold are also presented.
AISeL ) All Sprouts Content Sprouts 11-1-2008 Handset-Based Monitoring of Mobile Subscribers

No handset-based data on mobile subscriber behavior has been available earlier. The new monitoring software developed for Symbian smartphones provides a possibility for the fist time to obtain accurate usage-level data, making both descriptive comparisons and strict statistical analyses on various usage-level factors viable. The study finds that the WCDMA technology has positive effects on the usage of packet data services. In addition, it seems that the usage of new advanced services is best explained by demographic factors, whereas the conventional service usage can be predicted by simply measuring earlier usage activity. In addition, 3rd party application usage seems promising. From the business perspective the study suggests that advanced handsets have an effect on the data usage patterns, and that smartphone customization with e.g. 3rd party applications is perceived very important among subscribers. The monitoring platform also supports regulatory studies.
Growth rate paradox of Salmonella typhimurium within host macrophages

The growth rate of Salmonella typhimurium U937 within host macrophages was estimated by two independent methods. The extent to which ribosomal protein L12 is acetylated to produce ribosomal protein L7 changes markedly with the growth rate. By this measure, the intracellular bacteria appeared to be growing rapidly. Measurements of viable bacteria, however, indicated that the bacteria were growing slowly. A solution of this apparent growth rate paradox was sought by treating U937 cells infected with S. typhimurium X3306 with ampicillin or chloramphenicol to help determine the number of bacteria that were actively growing and dividing in the intracellular condition. Use of these antibiotics showed that by 2 h after invasion, the intracellular bacteria consisted of at least two populations, one static and the other rapidly dividing. This finding implies that previously described changes in the gene expression of S. typhimurium are important for the survival and/or multiplication of the bacteria within the macrophage.
Compilation de règles de réécriture et de stratégies non-déterministes

Les techniques de reecriture ont ete developpees depuis les annees 1970 et appliquees en particulier au prototypage des specifications formelles algebriques et a la demonstration de proprietes liees a la verification de programmes. ELAN est un systeme qui permet de specifier et d'executer des resolveurs de contraintes, des demonstrateurs et plus generalement tout processus decrit par des regles de transformation. Il possede des operateurs associatifs-commutatifs (AC) et un langage de strategies qui permettent une gestion fine de l'exploration d'un arbre de recherche et une manipulation aisee d'operateurs mathematiques tels que les connecteurs booleens, les operateurs arithmetiques ou les operateurs de composition parallele par exemple. Ces deux notions ameliorent grandement l'expressivite du langage mais introduisent un double non-determinisme lie a la possibilite d'appliquer plusieurs regles, de differentes facons, sur un terme donne. Cela rend difficile et generalement peu efficace leur implantation. L'objectif principal de cette these est d'etudier des techniques de compilation qui ameliorent l'efficacite de ce type de langages. Nous proposons un nouvel algorithme, a base d'automates deterministes, pour compiler efficacement le filtrage syntaxique. Nous definissons ensuite differentes classes de regles pour lesquelles nous proposons un algorithme efficace de filtrage AC. Cet algorithme utilise une structure de donnees compacte et les automates definis precedemment, ce qui ameliore considerablement les performances du processus de normalisation dans son ensemble. [. ]
A survey Report for Data Mining based on Web research

Web Data Mining is an important area of Data Mining which deals with the extraction of interesting knowledge from the World Wide Web. It defines the application of data mining techniques to extract knowledge from web data, including web documents, hyperlinks between documents, usage logs of web sites, etc. Therefore, the process of extracting useful information from the contents of web documents and the Content data is the collection of facts a web page is designed to contain, it may consist of text, images, audio, video, or structured records such as lists and tables. The data used for web content mining includes both text and graphical data. Content mining is divided into two parts, one is webpage content mining and other is search result mining. Here, it defines the information retrieval and information extraction from web and making research for data mining.
Alterations in Rat Condylar Cartilage Following Discectomy

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of unilateral extirpation of the articular disc of the temporomandibular joint on selected metabolic and compositional characteristics of the condylar cartilage. Unilateral discectomy was performed in one group of growing (28-day-old) rats, while another group received only unilateral arthrotomy. The effect of the discectomy procedure was assessed by comparison of ratios of the operated to unoperated sides in the discectomy and arthrotomy groups. Total uronic acid content (μg/mg dry tissue wt) of the condylar cartilage and [35S]-sulfate incorporation (dpm/μg uronic acid) into the condylar cartilage were decreased in discectomy-group animals at nine, 16, and 28 days following surgery, while hydration of the cartilage was increased in discectomy animals at both 16 and 28 days post-surgery. Wet and dry tissue weights of the cartilage were dramatically increased in discectomy-group animals at all post-operative intervals. These metabolic and compositional changes were accompanied by pronounced structural alterations in the cartilage, including chondrocyte clustering and tears parallel to the articular surface. With the exception of [35S]-sulfate incorporation, the changes demonstrated in the condylar cartilage following discectomy were similar to early osteoarthritic alterations reported in limb articular cartilage following partial meniscectomy or cruciate ligament resection.
Friends with Motives : Using Text to Infer Influence on SCOTUS

We present a probabilistic model of the influence of language on the behavior of the U.S. Supreme Court, specifically influence of amicus briefs on Court decisions and opinions. The approach assumes that amici are rational, utility-maximizing agents who try to win votes or affect the language of court opinions. Our model leads to improved predictions of justices’ votes and perplexity of opinion language. It is amenable to inspection, allowing us to explore inferences about the persuasiveness of different amici and influenceability of different justices; these are consistent with earlier findings. “Language is the central tool of our trade. ” John G. Roberts, 2007 (Garner, 2010)
First isolation and characterization of Leptospira interrogans serogroup Australis from swine in Brazil

The purpose of this study was to report the first recovery and characterization of Leptospira interrogans (serogroup Australis) from urine of swine in Brazil. The isolate was studied by serogrouping, MLVA, PGFE, and partial sequencing of rrs and secY. It was serogrouped as serogroup Australis, probably serovar Bratislava (titre 1,600), and sequenced as Leptospira interrogans. The MLVA and PGFE profiles also suggested the isolate as serovar Bratislava, since they were indistinguishable from reference strains Balico and Jez Bratislava. This is the first Leptospira interrogans serogroup Australis isolate, probably serovar Bratislava, obtained in Brazil.
Bruit thermique et effets de la pression de radiation dans une cavité optique de grande finesse

Nous etudions les possibilites qu'offre une cavite a miroir mobile pour mesurer de tres petits deplacements. L'utilisation d'une cavite optique de grande finesse permet d'observer le bruit thermique des miroirs, qui constitue une limitation importante des mesures de tres grande sensibilite. Le miroir est egalement susceptible de se deplacer sous l'effet des fluctuations quantiques de la pression de radiation, ce qui mene a une Limite Quantique Standard dans une mesure de position. Nous presentons les resultats obtenus dans notre experience, ou un faisceau laser est envoye dans une cavite a une seule entree-sortie, dont le miroir arriere est depose sur un resonateur mecanique. Nous avons observe le mouvement Brownien de ce miroir avec une tres grande sensibilite (2,75 x 10^-19 m/√Hz). Nous avons egalement etudie la possibilite de refroidir le miroir a l'aide de la pression de radiation d'un second faisceau module en intensite. Au voisinage de la resonance mecanique. on applique une force visqueuse supplementaire sans bruit additionnel (friction froide). Nous avons observe une reduction du bruit thermique aussi bien a la frequence de resonance mecanique qu'a basse frequence. Une application potentielle d'un tel processus de refroidissement aux interferometres gravitationnels est discutee.
Interactional justice and counterproductive work behaviors: The mediating role of negative emotions

Perceptions of interactional justice have been shown to explain why employees engage in counterproductive work behaviors (CWB; Bies, 2005). However, the processes involved in this relationship have yet to be clarified. In this study, we drew on the cognitive theory of emotions and extended work published on the mediating role in this relationship (Fox &Spector, 1999) by conducting a survey with insurance company employees ( N = 187). Data analyses confirmed that CWB are significantly predicted by both low perceived interactional justice and negative emotions. In addition, 2 significant mediation effects were observed:(a) perceived anger mediates the relationship between low perceived interpersonal justice and active CWB, and (b) perceived fear mediates the relationship between low perceived informational justice and passive CWB. The theoretical and organizational implications of these findings are discussed.
Higher chondrogenic potential of fibrous synovium- and adipose synovium-derived cells compared with subcutaneous fat-derived cells: distinguishing properties of mesenchymal stem cells in humans.

OBJECTIVE Mesenchymal stem cells from synovium have a greater proliferation and chondrogenic potential than do those from bone marrow, periosteum, fat, and muscle. This study was undertaken to compare fibrous synovium and adipose synovium (components of the synovium with subsynovium) to determine which is a more suitable source for mesenchymal stem cells, especially for cartilage regeneration, and to examine the features of adipose synovium-derived cells, fibrous synovium-derived cells, and subcutaneous fat-derived cells to determine their similarities. METHODS Human fibrous synovium, adipose synovium, and subcutaneous fat were harvested from 4 young donors and 4 elderly donors. After digestion, the nucleated cells were plated at a density considered proper to expand at a maximum rate without colony-to-colony contact. The surface epitopes, proliferative capacity, cloning efficiency, and chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic differentiation potentials of the cells were compared. RESULTS Fibrous synovium- and adipose synovium-derived cells were higher in STRO-1 and CD106 and lower in CD10 compared with subcutaneous fat-derived cells. Cells derived from fibrous and adipose synovium had higher proliferative potential and colony-forming efficiency compared with subcutaneous fat-derived cells, both in mixed-population and in single-cell-derived cultures. In chondrogenic assays, pellets from fibrous synovium- and adipose synovium-derived cells produced more cartilage matrix than did cell pellets from subcutaneous fat. Osteogenic ability was also higher in fibrous synovium- and adipose synovium-derived cells, whereas adipogenic potential was nearly indistinguishable among the 3 populations. Differentiation potential of the cells was similar between young and elderly donors. CONCLUSION Cells derived from the fibrous synovium and from the adipose synovium demonstrate comparable chondrogenic potential. Adipose synovium-derived cells are more similar to fibrous synovium-derived cells than to subcutaneous fat-derived cells.
Selective expression of the β‐subunit of nucleoid‐associated protein HU during cold shock in Escherichia coli

Expression of Escherichia coli hupA and hupB, the structural genes encoding the most abundant nucleoid‐associated proteins HUα and HUβ has been studied during cold shock. This article demonstrates that: (i) transcriptional expression of hupA is blocked following a sudden temperature downshift (from 37°C to 10°C), whereas transcription of hupB from the P2 and P3 promoters is maintained at a constitutive level and is activated de novo from the P4 promoter; (ii) all three hupB mRNAs (transcribed from the three natural promoters P2, P3 and P4) become much more stable than the single hupA transcript; and (iii) the hupB transcripts, unlike that of hupA, are efficiently translated in vivo during cold acclimation and can be actively translated in vitro at low temperature. Taken together, the results indicate that during cold shock the expression of the HUβ subunit is preferentially stimulated and that of HUα repressed, suggesting that an altered HUα to HUβ expression ratio resulting in an increase of HUα/HUβ heterodimers and/or (HUβ)2 homodimers may play an important role during cold adaptation.
Voxelwise Assessment of the Regional Distribution of Damage in the Brains of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Fatigue

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Fatigue affects up to 90% of patients with MS. We assessed the regional distribution of lesions and atrophy of the normal-appearing WM and GM in patients with RRMS with fatigue compared with HC and patients with similar characteristics, but without fatigue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 14 patients with RRMS without fatigue, 10 with RRMS with fatigue, and 14 HC, we acquired brain dual-echo and high-resolution T1-weighted scans. Voxel-wise distributions of GM, WM damage, and T2 lesions were compared between patients with fatigued and nonfatigued MS by using SPM5 software. We report results at P < . 05, FWE corrected. RESULTS: T2 lesion distribution and regional WM atrophy did not differ between patients with fatigued and nonfatigued MS. Compared with HC, patients with MS had significant WM atrophy in the posterior part of the corpus callosum and significant GM atrophy of the left superior frontal sulcus, left precentral gyrus, posterior cingulate cortex, right thalamus, and left middle frontal gyrus. No additional areas of atrophy were found in patients with nonfatigued MS compared with HC, whereas patients with fatigued MS also had atrophy of the left central sulcus. Atrophy in the left central sulcus and the precentral gyrus was more severe in patients with fatigued versus nonfatigued MS. In patients with MS, significant correlations were found between fatigue severity and GM atrophy in the left precentral gyrus (r = −0.73, P < .0001 uncorrected). CONCLUSIONS: Atrophy of the primary sensorimotor area is likely to contribute to MS-related fatigue.
Sparse imaging and continuous event‐related fMRI in the visual domain: A systematic comparison

Continuous image acquisition as used in most functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) designs may conflict with specific experimental settings due to attendant, noisy gradient switching. In sparse fMRI, single images are recorded with a delay that allows the registration of the predicted peak of an evoked hemodynamic response (HDR). The aim of this study was to assess validity and sensitivity of single‐trial sparse imaging within the visual domain. Thirteen subjects were scanned twice. Either continuous or sparse image acquisition was applied while participants viewed single trains of flashlights. Sparse fMRI results were compared to continuous event‐related fMRI results on single‐ and multisubject level regarding spatial extent, overlap, and intensity of activation. In continuously recorded data, the variability of the HDR peak latency was examined because this measure determined the timing of sparse image acquisition. In sparse fMRI, the sensitivity was analyzed considering different numbers of averaged trials. Sparse imaging detected the core activity revealed using continuous fMRI. The intensity of signal changes detected by continuous or sparse fMRI was comparable. The HDR peak latency was stable across sessions, but intersubject and regional variability might have affected the power of sparse fMRI. In sparse imaging, adding trials resulted in extension of activation and improvement in statistical power. The comparison with established continuous fMRI confirms the validity of sparse imaging. Conventional event‐related data acquisition and analysis provided more comprehensive results. However, only sparse fMRI offers the opportunity to apply stimuli and record further biosignals free of scanner‐related artifacts during intervals without image acquisition. Hum. Brain Mapping 24:130–143, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.