Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Conjunctival in vivo confocal scanning laser microscopy in patients with Sjögren syndrome.

PURPOSE To demonstrate the conjunctival alterations in patients with Sjögren's (SSDE) and non-Sjögren's syndrome dry eye (NSSDE) using a new generation confocal microscope (HRTII/ RCM; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany), in a prospective controlled study. METHODS Twenty-eight right eyes of 28 patients with SSDE (28 women; mean age, 58.2 +/- 14.3 years), 7 right eyes of patients with NSSDE (7 women; mean age, 66.1 +/- 14.4 years), and 14 right eyes of 14 age- and sex-matched control subjects were studied. All subjects underwent the Schirmer test, tear film breakup time (BUT), vital staining, and confocal microscopy of the temporal bulbar conjunctiva. The density of conjunctival epithelial cells, epithelial microcysts, and conjunctival and corneal inflammatory infiltrates were also assessed. RESULTS The tear quantity, stability, and vital staining scores were significantly worse in patients with SSDE or NSSDE than in control subjects (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). Eyes of the patients with SSDE or NSSDE had a significantly higher density of conjunctival and corneal inflammatory infiltrates than did the control eyes (P < 0.001). Conjunctival inflammatory cell densities showed a negative correlation with tear stability and tear quantity and a positive correlation with the vital staining scores. Conjunctival epithelial cell densities were significantly lower in SSDE and NSSDE compared with control subjects (P < 0.05). The density of epithelial cysts was significantly higher in SS than in healthy control eyes (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Confocal scanning laser microscopy was an efficient and a noninvasive tool for the quantitative assessment of the conjunctival inflammation and epithelial cell densities as well as evaluation of conjunctival morphologic alterations, such as microcysts in patients with SSDE and NSSDE dry eye disease.
A Secure Concurrency Control for MLS/DDBSs

Multilevel security requirements introduce a new dimension to traditional database concurrency control protocol as they cause covert channels. To prevent covert channels, concurrency control protocol for multilevel secure database should ensure that transactions at low security level are never delayed by high security level transactions in the event of a data conflict. This may subjected to an indefinite delay if it is forced to abort repeatedly to high security level transactions and making the secure concurrency control protocol unfair towards high security level transactions (Kaur et al., 2005). This paper proposes secure multiversion database concurrency control protocol that is free from covert channels without starving the high security level transactions that may often occur in pervious works.
A Differential Evolution Approach for Robust Adaptive Beamforming Based on Joint Estimation of Look Direction and Array Geometry

The performance of traditional beamformers tends to degrade due to inaccurate estimation of covariance matrix and imprecise knowledge of array steering vector. The inaccurate estimation of covariance matrix can be attributed to limited data samples and the presence of desired signal in the training data. The mismatch between the actual and presumed steering vectors can be due to the error in the position (geometry) and/or in the look direction estimate. In this paper, we propose a difierential evolution (DE) based robust adaptive beamforming that is able to achieve near optimal performance even in the presence of geometry error. Initially, we estimate an optimal steering vector by maximizing and minimizing the signal power in and out of the desired signal's angular range, respectively. Then, we estimate the look direction and reconstruct the covariance matrix. Based on the obtained steering vector, estimate for look direction and reconstructed covariance matrix, near optimal output SINR, can be obtained with the increase in the input SNR without observing any saturation even in the presence of geometry error. Numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the e-cacy of the proposed algorithm.
Motion Fields for Interactive Character Animation

We propose a novel representation of motion data and control which gives characters highly agile responses to user input and allows a natural handling of arbitrary external disturbances. Our representation organizes samples of motion data into a high-dimensional generalization of a vector field which we call a motion field. Our run-time motion synthesis mechanism freely flows through the motion field in response to user commands. The motions we create appear natural, are highly responsive to real-time user input, and are not explicitly specified in the data. CR Categories: I.3. 7 [Computer Graphics]: Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism—Animation
De-Layering Social Networks by Shared Tastes of Friendships

Traditionally, social network analyses are applied to data from a particular social domain. With the advent of online social networks such as Facebook, we observe an aggregate of various social domains resulting in a layered mix of professional contacts, family ties, and different circles. These aggregates dilute the community structure. We provide a method for de-layering social networks according to shared interests. Instead of relying on changes in the edge density, our shared taste model uses content of users to disambiguate the underlying shared interest of each friendship. We successfully de-layer real world networks from LibraryThing and Boards.ie, obtaining topics that significantly outperform LDA on unsupervised prediction of group membership.
Effectiveness of a Tai-Chi Training and Detraining on Functional Capacity, Symptomatology and Psychological Outcomes in Women with Fibromyalgia

Background. The purpose was to analyze the effects of Tai-Chi training in women with fibromyalgia (FM). Methods. Thirty-two women with FM (mean age, 51.4 ± 6.8 years) attended to Tai-Chi intervention 3 sessions weekly for 28 weeks. The outcome measures were: tenderness, body composition, functional capacity and psychological outcomes (Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36)). Results. Patients showed improvements on pain threshold, total number of tender points and algometer score (all P < 0.001). The intervention was effective on 6-min walk (P = 0.006), back scratch (P = 0.002), handgrip strength (P = 0.006), chair stand, chair sit & reach, 8 feet up & go and blind flamingo tests (all P < 0.001). Tai-Chi group improved the FIQ total score (P < 0.001) and six subscales: stiffness (P = 0.005), pain, fatigue, morning tiredness, anxiety, and depression (all P < 0.001). The intervention was also effective in six SF-36 subscales: bodily pain (P = 0.003), vitality (P = 0.018), physical functioning, physical role, general health, and mental health (all P < 0.001). Conclusions. A 28-week Tai-Chi intervention showed improvements on pain, functional capacity, symptomatology and psychological outcomes in female FM patients.
Superconformal Chern-Simons theories and the squashed seven sphere

We show that there are two supersymmetric completions of the three-dimensional Chern-Simons theory of level k with gauge group U(N) × U(N) coupled to four sets of massless scalars and spinors in the bi-fundamental representation, if we require Sp(2) ⊂ SU(4) global symmetry with the matter fields in the fundamental representation of SU(4). One is the Script N = 6 superconformal theory recently studied in hep-th/0806.1218 and another is a new theory with Script N = 1 superconformal symmetry. We conjecture that the Script N = 1 theory is dual to M theory on AdS4 × squashed S^7/Bbb Zk.
Adoption of Telehealth by Healthcare Professionals: an Overview of Theoretical Models and their Application

It has long been advocated that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) offers a huge potential to answer many of the challenges that the healthcare sector is facing. Therefore, information technology applications are abundantly present in healthcare sector. ICT applications promise efficient tools to collect, store, process and communicate health-related data and information. In that respect, it is believed that ICT could improve safety, quality, and costefficiency of healthcare services. For this reason, the integration of ICT into the health system constitutes a priority for many countries given regional disparities in the availability of health care services and in the distribution of health care human resources. However, telehealth adoption by healthcare professionals still represents a challenge. Indeed, the recognition of the utility of telemedicine by managers will not justify its adoption by physicians if they are reluctant to its use. In that sense, physicians’ lack of acceptance of the technology represents one of the main reasons why telemedicine implementation projects have failed. This paper presents an overview of the theoretical models that have been applied to the study of ICT adoption in the specific sector of healthcare, presents a synthesis of actual knowledge on factors involved in ICT adoption among healthcare professionals, and identifies key elements to design strategies aimed at optimizing the use of telehealth in healthcare settings.
A New Fast Convergence Adaptive Algorithm

In this paper, a new fast convergence adaptive algorithm with variable step size is proposed for FIR adaptive filter. This new proposed algorithm is derived based on the quasi-Newton family. Simulation results are presented to compare the convergence of the proposed algorithm with least mean square (LMS) algorithm and RLS algorithm. It shows that the proposed new algorithm has comparable convergence speed to the other known adaptive algorithms
Vaccines against Tuberculosis: Where Are We and Where Do We Need to Go?

In this review we discuss recent progress in the development, testing, and clinical evaluation of new vaccines against tuberculosis (TB). Over the last 20 years, tremendous progress has been made in TB vaccine research and development: from a pipeline virtually empty of new TB candidate vaccines in the early 1990s, to an era in which a dozen novel TB vaccine candidates have been and are being evaluated in human clinical trials. In addition, innovative approaches are being pursued to further improve existing vaccines, as well as discover new ones. Thus, there is good reason for optimism in the field of TB vaccines that it will be possible to develop better vaccines than BCG, which is still the only vaccine available against TB.
Model for end-stage liver disease: did the new liver allocation policy affect waiting list mortality?

OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of the Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) on waiting list mortality. DESIGN Interrupted time series with a nominal inception point of the intervention on February 27, 2002. SETTING United Network for Organ Sharing Standard Transplant Analysis and Research file data from March 1, 1999, to July 30, 2004. PARTICIPANTS All adult candidates on the waiting list for liver transplantation in the United States during the study period. INTERVENTION Implementation of the MELD policy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Waiting list mortality, waiting time to transplantation, number of new registrants, and posttransplantation survival. RESULTS Although no preintervention trend was identified, the policy change was associated with an immediate effect of increasing waiting list mortality by 2.2 deaths per 1000 registrants per month (from approximately 11 to 13 deaths per 1000 registrants per month; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 3.4; P = .001) followed by a postintervention decline in waiting list mortality over time (-0.09 death per 1000 registrants per month; 95% CI, -0.16 to -0.03; P <.001). An immediate effect of decreased waiting time was also noted (from approximately 294 to 250 days; -44.4 days; 95% CI, -77.1 to -11.7 days; P <.001), which reached a new, lower postintervention steady state. The intervention had no effect on the number of new registrants listed per month or on 3- and 6-month posttransplantation survival. CONCLUSION After an initial increase in waiting list mortality, the implementation of the MELD-based allocation policy was associated with an overall decline in waiting list mortality and time to transplantation.
Chromatin Remodeling Mediated by Drosophila GAGA Factor and ISWI Activates fushi tarazu Gene Transcription In Vitro

ABSTRACT GAGA factor is known to remodel the chromatin structure in concert with nucleosome-remodeling factor NURF in a Drosophilaembryonic S150 extract. The promoter region of the Drosophila fushi tarazu (ftz) gene carries several binding sites for GAGA factor. Both the GAGA factor-binding sites and GAGA factor per se are necessary for the proper expression of ftz in vivo. We observed transcriptional activation of the ftz gene when a preassembled chromatin template was incubated with GAGA factor and the S150 extract. The chromatin structure within the ftzpromoter was specifically disrupted by incubation of the preassembled chromatin with GAGA factor and the S150 extract. Both transcriptional activation and chromatin disruption were blocked by an antiserum raised against ISWI or by base substitutions in the GAGA factor-binding sites in the ftz promoter region. These results demonstrate that GAGA factor- and ISWI-mediated disruption of the chromatin structure within the promoter region of ftz activates transcription on the chromatin template.
Blind watermarking technique for greyscale image using DCT and 1-D Walsh coding

This paper presents a robust watermarking technique to copyright an image. Proposed technique is totally based on DCT and is different from most of the available techniques. Watermark is embedded block-wise into the image to protect the ownership against the ltering, cropping and noise attack. Before embedding the watermark we are converting it into Walsh coded watermark [1]. In proposed approach there will be a variation in gain factor two different host images. The experimental results show that the proposed approach ensures invisibility, security and robustness against signal processing.
Particle Filters for Joint Blind Equalization and Decoding in Frequency-Selective Channels

This paper introduces new algorithms for joint blind equalization and decoding of convolutionally coded communication systems operating on frequency-selective channels. The proposed method is based on particle filters (PF), recursively approximating maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimates of the transmitted data without explicitly determining channel parameters. Further elaborating on previous works, we assume that both the channel order and the noise variance are unknown random variables, and develop a new formulation for PF weight propagation which allows these quantities to be analytically integrated out. We verify via numerical simulations that the proposed methods lead to near optimal performance, closely approximating that of algorithms that require exact knowledge of all channel parameters.
Determinants and consequences of long-term benzodiazepine use

The main objective of this thesis is to describe the epidemiology of long term BZD use as well as its long term consequences. This thesis is structured into three sections: In section one, the correlates of BZD use, new use, chronic use, inappropriate use, and BZD dependence severity are investigated. The possible influence of the prescribing physicians on patient BZD use is also considered. In section two, the focus is on the physiological consequences of long-term BZDs use on the HPA axis and the ANS. In section three, cognitive effects of BZDs in long-term users are addressed
The effect of multiple processing and re-use on orthodontic mini-screw torque values

Background: Reusing orthodontic mini-screws would reduce treatment cost and lead to more use of mini-screws and improvement of orthodontic treatments. This study has assessed the effects of reprocessing and reusing the titanium mini-screws on their maximum insertion, removal and fracture torque (FT). Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 20 titanium mini-screws (1.6-mm × 8-mm) were randomly divided into two equal groups. In the test group, the screws were first sterilized by autoclave and then their FT was assessed. In the control group, FT was assessed after 5 times of insertion, cleaning, processing (37% phosphoric acid for 10 min, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite for 30 min) and sterilizing with autoclave. The maximum insertion and removal torque values were compared using the repeated measure ANOVA and the FT data were analyzed by the t-test. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software (version 13.0) and the significance was set on 0.05. Results: The paired t-test for maximum insertion torque (MIT) showed that MIT1 was significantly lower than other MIT values (P = 0.02) and also MIT2 was significantly higher than MIT5 (P = 0.01), but other MIT values had no significant differences. The paired t-test for maximum removal torque (MRT) showed that only MRT2 was significantly higher than other MRT values (except MRT1) (P = 0.046). Regarding FT, the t-test showed that there was no significant difference between FT0 and FT5 (P = 0.485). Conclusion: Within limitations of this study, five time insertion, cleaning, processing and steam sterilization had no significant negative effect on insertion, removal and FT of the mini-screws.
Spatial and design adaptation: Adaptive order polynomial approximation in function estimation

Nonparametric estimation of the mean regression function using local polynomial approximation has been shown to be attractable, both from theoretical and practical point of view. An important issue is the choice of the order of the polynomial approximation, as well as the associated smoothing parameter. The approximation order should depend on the local curvature and noise level: overfitting introduces a larger variance and underfitting produces a larger bias. In this paper we introduce a fully adaptive variable order approximation method for estimating the mean regression function and its derivatives. It turns out that the proposed method is outstanding to all other fixed order approximation methods. The procedure possesses the so-called spatial-adaptation property. Moreover, we implement an appealing local variable bandwidth, which leads to an additional design-adaptation property: the resulting estimator automatically adapts to the sparsity of the design points. The bandwidth selection rule here is also innovative. We have experienced outstanding performance of our selection method for both fixed order and variable order approximations. We provide theoretical foundations for the performance of the proposed procedure, and establish empirical evidence for it via simulated examples. Finally we extend the procedure to higher dimensions. ·Supported by NSF grant DMS-8505550 while authors visited the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute, Berkeley, California. tSupported by NSF grant DMS-9203135. tSenior Research Assistant at the National Fund for Scientific Research (Belgium). Abbreviated title. FAVORS AMS 1991 subject classification. Primary 62G07. Secondary 62E25, 62H99.
A Novel Alternating and Outphasing Modulator for Wireless Transmitter

This paper describes a novel alternating and outphasing modulator for the generation and amplification of a linear modulation signal. The architecture requires a linear modulation signal to be represented as two outphasing signals with a constant envelope, which are alternating or switching at the input of two nonlinear amplifiers to produce a linear modulation signal. A power combiner can be employed to cancel the mixed components due to the switching. This will minimize the requirements of the output filter, and hence, simplified the design. This new modulation architecture is simple, and hence, is suitable for all-digital integration. The measurement results of the wideband code division multiple access signal are presented and compared with a conventional linear amplification with nonlinear components architecture.
Using fuzzy decision making for supplier selection in public procurement

The paper addresses supplier selection in the public procurement sector. The motivation is providing a decision-making tool that mimics the intuitive behavior of the public tender committee in evaluating the bid according to predefined (quantitative and qualitative) criteria by a strict and transparent procedure, in accordance with governmental procurement regulations and requirements. To this aim, we address the supplier selection decision problem in the public procurement sector by a well-known fuzzy multiple criteria decision- making approach. Using the presented technique enables evaluation of both imprecise information and quantitative data in vendor selection, while keeping the transparency features requested in public procurement. We show the effectiveness and efficiency of the approach with a case study involving an Italian public administration.
New Approaches in Social Sciences Field

The relevance of social sciences in a deeply complex informational society underlines the possibilities of assertion specific for scientific environments, in accordance with the contemporary society’s needs and requirements. Otherwise, a proper interpretation of the theories and proposed models that relate with the social sciences domain implies firstly a relational clarification concerning a series of components as the epistemic analysis degree, the value sequences, or the benefits acquired through an actual research. The premises of this assumption that we take into account include accustomed and recent scientific research and approaches, validated in the knowledge area of social sciences.
Social dilemmas as exchange dilemmas

We develop a new paradigm to study social dilemmas, called exchange dilemmas. Exchange dilemmas arise from externalities of exchanges with third parties, and many real-life social dilemmas are more accurately modeled as exchange dilemmas rather than prisoner's dilemmas. Bulding on focusing and framing research we predict that defection is omnipresent in exchange dilemmas, which is corroborated in to very different experiments. Our results suggest that the fundamental problem of cooperation in many real-life social dilemmas may be more severe and harder to solve than suggested by traditional prisoner's dilemma research, due to the presence of third parties. Directions for future research are suggested, focusing on relations with third parties.
Image texture representation and retrieval based on power spectral histogram

This work presents a texture based image retrieval method, called RAH, in the frequency domain. In RAH, texture features are represented as power spectral histograms of images. RAH mainly consists of two parts: the extraction of texture features based on the histogram of image power spectral in the frequency domain and the similarity measurement function based on the texture features. The experimental results indicate that RAH outperforms the traditional cooccurrence matrix texture representation.
Improved ACO Algorithm for Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem

The resource-constrained project scheduling problem(RCPSP) is a typical combinatorial optimization problem. Base on the general model of ant colony algorithm for solving the RCPSP, this paper presents a new 2opt called PC-2opt which guarantees precedence constraints between activities. PC-2opt, which needn’t to calculate the location of successors, could be directly used to solve the RCPSP, and improve the time efficiency. Proved by experiments, the local search mechanism presented is feasible, effective and better than other similar algorithms to some extent.