Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Intelligent Multimedia System for E cient Image Browsing and Retrieval

In this work, an integrated system is proposed for e cient image browsing and retrieval in multimedia databases. The system incorporates intelligent management and content-based retrieval schemes on top of a fundamental multimedia database structure. Agents are employed in order to limit search into minor subsets of the database. This concept is applied in all modules of the proposed system, minimizing search time and complexity regarding users point of view. Contentbased retrieval algorithms are employed facilitating quick browsing in the database contents.
Del(13q14.3) length matters: an integrated analysis of genomic, fluorescence in situ hybridization and clinical data in 169 chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients with 13q deletion alone or a normal karyotype

To the Editor Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), characterized by a monoclonal expansion and accumulation of small mature B lymphocytes, is the most common adult‐onset leukaemia in the Western world [1,2]. The disease has a very heterogenous natural clinical course, and survival after diagnosis can range from months to decades [1–3]. The most frequent chromosomal aberration is del (13q14.3), which occurs in about 50% of cases and targets the DLEU2/MIR15A/MIR16B locus [4–6]. Deletions at 13q14.3 vary in size, and the involvement of transcripts other than MIR15A/MIR16B has been proposed [7–10]. The clinical relevance of the larger 13q14.3 deletions is not well established. Amongst 179 CLL patients [74 with del(13q14.3)], Ouillette et al. [7] reported an association between poorer clinical features and larger deletions, but no data were presented on overall survival (OS) or time to treatment (TT). Although clearly identifying two types of 13q14.3 deletions amongst 100 untreated CLL patients in Binet stage A [44 of which were del(13q14.3) positive], Mosca et al. [9] did not demonstrate differences in clinical features or outcome in relation to varying del(13q14.3) sizes. Very recently, a study of 224 CLL patients by Parker et al. showed that amongst those with del(13q14.3) [10], patients with larger deletions encompassing RB1 have a shorter TT. Since del(13q14.3), when present as the sole fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) lesion, is considered a good prognosticator [6], we aimed to analyse the prognostic relevance of the deletion size in CLL patients bearing del(13q14.3) as the only aberration detected by diagnostic FISH. We therefore studied 169 CLL patients characterized by FISH as having del(13q14.3) alone or a normal karyotype [no +12, no del(17p), no del(11q)], with a high‐density genome‐wide DNA array. Genomic DNA was extracted from frozen samples of CLL patients from four centres, all of whom were diagnosed and treated according to the National Cancer Institute Working group criteria. All samples were collected at diagnosis [11]. Genomic DNA was analysed with Affymetrix Human Mapping 6.0 arrays (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA, USA) following the manufacturer’s protocols. Initial analysis of the array to obtain intensity data was performed using the Affymetrix GeneChip Command Console Software (AGCC). A reference dataset of 270 Caucasian HapMap samples was used for normalization. The AGCC probe cell intensity data were then analysed with Affymetrix Power Tools (APT 1.10.2) to obtain genotype data and raw copy numbers (CN). Raw
Developing a Cross-platform Mobile Smart Meter Application using HTML5, jQuery Mobile and PhoneGap

Mobile computing devices are becoming more prevalent. Mobile applications extend their scope and utility. Developing such apps introduces a problem: developers are being forced to develop their applications to target each mobile platform from scratch or to rely on Web-based solutions that do not provide a “native” look and feel. In order to investigate novel methods of multi-platform app development and to review HTML5, we built an app using several cutting-edge development frameworks. Our scenario—a smart meter tool—is an active area of research in itself. We present approaches in the field of multi-platform app development and illustrate the technological background. We provide an overview of our development process. Finally, we evaluate our app and discuss our findings in order to provide generalizable results.
Autostereoscopic Three Dimensional Display Based on Two Parallax Barriers

An autostereoscopic three dimensional display composed of a flat panel display and two parallax barriers is given. Parallax barrier 1 facing the backlight acts as the function of the parallax barriers in ordinary autostereoscopic three dimensional displays, and parallax barrier 2 facing viewers acts as the function of decreasing the crosstalk of stereoscopic images. The operation principle of the display and the calculation equations for the parallax barriers are described in detail. A prototype of the display is developed and it presents good stereoscopic images with little crosstalk.
Response to Letter by Tsivgoulis et al Response :

Stroke welcomes Letters to the Editor and will publish them, if suitable, as space permits. They should not exceed 750 words (including references) and may be subject to editing or abridgment. Please submit letters in duplicate, typed double-spaced. Include a fax number for the corresponding author and a completed copyright transfer agreement form (available online at http://stroke.ahajournals.org and http://submit-stroke.ahajournals.org).
A Critical Guide to Empirical Validation of Agent-Based Economics Models : Methodologies , Procedures , and Open Problems

This paper addresses the methodological problems of empirical validation in agentbased (AB) economics models and how these are currently being tackled. We first identify a set of issues that are common to all modellers engaged in empirical validation. We then propose a novel taxonomy, which captures the relevant dimensions along which AB economics models differ. We argue that these dimensions affect the way in which empirical validation is carried out by AB modelllers and we critically discuss the main alternative approaches to empirical validation being developed in AB economics. We conclude focusing on a set of (as yet) unresolved issues for empirical validation that require future research.
Exploring Reality-Based Interaction through Whole-Body Movement

In this paper, we present a research agenda that focuses on employing whole-body movement as an interaction modality for accessing and manipulating abstract information. This investigation aims to answer various open questions including: What movement qualities could be computationally sensed and how could these qualities be mapped to control digital information? What computational models are required for interpreting simultaneous movements of multiple users? And, is there a universal gesture vocabulary for certain tasks? We briefly discuss three projects that combine whole-body movement with other themes of reality-based interaction such as naïve physics and social awareness in an attempt to answer these questions.
Preparation and characterization of chemically deposited Cu4SnS4 thin films

Thin films of Cu4SnS4 were grown by chemical bath deposition technique. The deposition parameters such as bath temperature (50 °C), deposition time (120 min), electrolyte concentration (0.05 M) and bath pH (pH 1.5) were optimized to obtain good quality of films. The thin films were characterized using X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy in order to study the structural and surface morphological properties. The band gap energy, transition type and absorption properties were determined using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed the presence of polycrystalline in nature and the most intense peak occurred at 2q = 30.2° which belongs to (221) plane of Cu4SnS4. Atomic force microscopy image reveals that grains are uniformly distributed over the surface of substrate. An optical absorption study shows the presence of direct transition with band gap energy of 1.6 eV.
Improvement of BM3D Algorithm and Employment to Satellite and CFA Images Denoising

This paper proposes a new procedure in order to improve the performance of block matching and 3-D filtering (BM3D) image denoising algorithm. It is demonstrated that it is possible to achieve a better performance than that of BM3D algorithm in a variety of noise levels. This method changes BM3D algorithm parameter values according to noise level, removes prefiltering, which is used in high noise level; therefore Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) and visual quality get improved, and BM3D complexities and processing time are reduced. This improved BM3D algorithm is extended and used to denoise satellite and color filter array (CFA) images. Output results show that the performance has upgraded in comparison with current methods of denoising satellite and CFA images. In this regard this algorithm is compared with Adaptive PCA algorithm, that has led to superior performance for denoising CFA images, on the subject of PSNR and visual quality. Also the processing time has decreased significantly.
Oxidative stress in dairy cows naturally infected with the lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus (Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea)

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyse the oxidative and anti-oxidant status in serum samples from dairy cows naturally infected by Dictyocaulus viviparus and its relation with pathological analyses. The diagnosis of the disease was confirmed by necropsy of one dairy cow with heavy infection by the parasite in the lungs and bronchi. Later, blood and faeces were collected from another 22 cows from the same farm to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities on day 0 (pre-treatment) and day 10 (post-treatment with eprinomectin). Faecal examination confirmed the infection in all lactating cows. However, the number of D. viviparus larvae per gram of faeces varied between animals. Cows showed different degrees of severity according to respiratory clinical signs of the disease (cough and nasal secretion). Further, they were classified and divided into two groups: those with mild (n = 10) and severe disease (n = 12). Increased levels of TBARS (P < 0.001), ROS (P = 0.002) and SOD activity (P < 0.001), as well as reduced CAT activity (P < 0.001) were observed in cows with severe clinical signs of the disease compared to those with mild clinical signs. Eprinomectin treatment (day 10) caused a reduction of ROS levels (P = 0.006) and SOD activity (P < 0.001), and an increase of CAT activity (P = 0.05) compared to day 0 (pre-treatment). TBARS levels did not differ with treatment (P = 0.11). In summary, increased ROS production and lipid peroxidation altered CAT and SOD activities, as an adaptive response against D. viviparus infection, contributing to the occurrence of oxidative stress and severity of the disease. Treatment with eprinomectin eliminated the infection, and thus minimized oxidative stress in dairy cows.
Mixed sulfur and selenium annealing study of compound-sputtered bilayer CU 2 ZnSnS 4 / Cu 2 ZnSnSe 4 precursors

Copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) and copper zinc tin selenide (CZTSe) precursor films are compound co-sputtered from metal sulfide and selenide targets. A bilayer precursor consisting of a CZTS-only underlayer and CZTSe-only overlayer is also sputtered. These precursor films are annealed with varying ratios of elemental sulfur and selenium to promote the formation of recrystallized CU 2 ZnSn(S, Se) 4 (CZTSSe) solar cell absorber layers with intermediate sulfur-to-selenium ratios $S_{r}=[\mathbf{S}]/([\mathbf{S}]+[\mathbf{Se}])$ . The films are characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), and grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD). Selenium-containing precursors produce absorber layers with rougher surfaces, leading to higher short-circuit currents $J_{sc}$ for some annealing conditions. The $S_{r}$ value of the crystallized absorber is independent of the ratio of sulfur to selenium in the precursor unless sulfur is deficient in the anneal. Sulfur-selenium distribution in bilayer precursors after mixed S/Se annealing is found to be uniform: neither a step nor significant sulfur-gradient remains. We relate the chalcogen distribution after annealing to the excess of chalcogen in the anneal, and discuss the consequences for back-grading of the band gap by sulfur-selenium variation. Both the thickness and $S_{r}$ value of the Mo(S, Se)2 back contact is found to be dependent on the sulfur-selenium ratio of the precursor, with CZTSe precursors producing thicker and more selenium rich back contact layers.
SHELL TRAY IMPRESSION: A TECHNIQUE MODIFICATION

Obtaining an accurate working cast in fixed partial denture is fundamental to achieve success and is related to impression materials and dental impression techniques. To fabricate fixed partial denture several impression techniques are used to obtain working casts or die stone, among them is the shell technique. The present work has the objective to demonstrate a variation in the relining technique of the shell. In this technique the shell is filled up with acrylic resin (Duralay) in a unique mixture, the acrylic resin is manipulated until plastic phase then the shell/resin set is inserted in the prepared tooth to copy the finish line area of the preparation. Plastic phase acrylic resin has low quantity of free monomer, provokes minimal discomfort to the patient and has adequate consistency to promote gingival retraction. The authors concluded that this technical variation has simple and effective clinical application and produces very precise dies stone.
NHS: A Tool for the Automatic Construction of News Hypertext

The automatic construction of hypertext is an important part of the hypertext authoring process. This paper presents the NHS system, a system that automatically creates links for news hypertext which is tailored to the domain of newspaper archives. The suggested framework is conceptualized with the notions of stories and threads, which are substories within a story. Threads are identified by applying clustering techniques to articles' segments that correspond to subtopics within the main topic of an article and then automatically linking these segments with segments in subsequent articles. The evaluation of such an approach to the automatic construction of hypertext is finally discussed, in terms of its usability and the structural quality of resulting hypertext.
De novo expression of the neurokinin 1 receptor in spinal lamina I pyramidal neurons in polyarthritis

Spinal lamina I (LI) neurons play a major role in the transmission and integration of pain‐related information that is relayed to higher centers. Alterations in the excitability of these neurons influence chronic pain development, and expression of the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK‐1r) is thought to play a major role in such changes. Novel expression of NK‐1r may underlie hyperexcitability in new populations of LI neurons. LI projection neurons can be classified morphologically into fusiform, pyramidal, and multipolar cells, differing in their functional properties, with the pyramidal type being nonnociceptive. In agreement with this, we have shown that spinoparabrachial pyramidal neurons seldom express NK‐1r, in contrast with the other two cell types. In this study we investigated in the rat the long‐term changes in NK‐1r expression by spinoparabrachial LI neurons following the unilateral injection in the hindpaw plantar surface of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Cholera toxin subunit B (CTb) was injected unilaterally into the parabrachial nucleus. Our results revealed that, ipsilaterally, pyramidal neurons were seldom immunoreactive for NK‐1r both in saline‐injected and in CFA‐injected rats, up to 10 days post‐CFA. However, a considerable number of pyramidal cells were immunoreactive for NK‐1r at 15, 21, and 30 days post‐CFA. Our data raise the possibility—which needs to be confirmed by electrophysiology—that most LI projection neurons of the pyramidal type are likely nonnociceptive in naive animals but might become nociceptive following the development of arthritis. J. Comp. Neurol. 514:284–295, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stakeholder management in the local government decision-making area: evidences from a triangulation study with the English local government

The stakeholder theory has been in the management agenda for about thirty years and reservations about its acceptance as a comprehensive theory still remains. It was introduced as a managerial issue by the Labour Party in 1997 aiming to make public management more inclusive. This article aims to contribute to the stakeholder theory adding descriptive issues to its theoretical basis. The findings are derived from an inductive investigation carried out with English Local Authorities, which will most likely be reproduced in other contexts. Data collection and analysis is based on a data triangulation method that involves case-studies, interviews of validation and analysis of documents. The investigation proposes a model for representing the nature of the relationships between stakeholders and the decision-making process of such organizations. The decision-making of local government organizations is in fact a stakeholder-based process in which stakeholders are empowered to exert influences due to power over and interest in the organization's operations and outcomes.
Lessons from NRC’s Portage System at WMT 2010

NRC's Portage system participated in the English-French (E-F) and French-English (F-E) translation tasks of the ACL WMT 2010 evaluation. The most notable improvement over earlier versions of Portage is an efficient implementation of lattice MERT. While Portage has typically performed well in Chinese to English MT evaluations, most recently in the NIST09 evaluation, our participation in WMT 2010 revealed some interesting differences between Chinese-English and E-F/F-E translation, and alerted us to certain weak spots in our system. Most of this paper discusses the problems we found in our system and ways of fixing them. We learned several lessons that we think will be of general interest.
A Novel Centralized TDMA-Based Scheduling Protocol for Vehicular Networks

In this paper, we propose a novel centralized time-division multiple access (TDMA)-based scheduling protocol for practical vehicular networks based on a new weight-factor-based scheduler. A roadside unit (RSU), as a centralized controller, collects the channel state information and the individual information of the communication links within its communication coverage, and it calculates their respective scheduling weight factors, based on which scheduling decisions are made by the RSU. Our proposed scheduling weight factor mainly consists of three parts, i.e., the channel quality factor, the speed factor, and the access category factor. In addition, a resource-reusing mode among multiple vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) links is permitted if the distances between every two central vehicles of these V2V links are larger than a predefined interference interval. Compared with the existing medium-access-control protocols in vehicular networks, the proposed centralized TDMA-based scheduling protocol can significantly improve the network throughput and can be easily incorporated into practical vehicular networks.
Electrochemical monitoring of single nanoparticle collisions at mercury-modified platinum ultramicroelectrodes.

Here, we report a potentiometric method for detecting single platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) by measuring a change in open-circuit potential (OCP) instead of the current during single Pt NP collisions with the mercury-modified Pt ultramicroelectrode (Hg/Pt UME). Similar to the current-time (i-t) response reported previously at Hg/Pt UMEs, the OCP-time (v-t) response consists of repeated potential transient signals that return to the background level. This is because Hg poisons the Pt NP after collision with the Hg/Pt UME due to amalgamation and results in deactivation of the redox reaction. For individual Pt NP collisions the amplitude of the OCP signal reaches a maximum and decays to the background level at a slower rate compared to the comparable i-t response. Due to this, OCP events are broader and more symmetrical in shape compared to i-t "spikes. " The collision frequency of Pt NPs derived from v-t plots (0.007 to 0.020 pM(-1) s(-1)) is in good agreement with the value derived from i-t plots recorded at Hg/Pt UMEs (0.016 to 0.024 pM(-1) s(-1)) under similar conditions and was found to scale linearly with Pt NP concentration. Similar to the current response, the amplitude of the OCP response increased with the NP's size. However, unlike the change in current in a i-t response, the change in OCP in a v-t response observed during single Pt NP collisions with Hg/Pt UME is larger than the estimated change in OCP based on the theory. Therefore, the Pt NP sizes derived from the v-t response did not correlate with the TEM-derived Pt NP sizes. In spite of these results the potentiometric method has great value for electroanalysis because of its significant advantages over the amperometric method such as a simpler apparatus and higher sensitivity.
eHealth Trends in Europe 2005-2007: A Population-Based Survey

Background In the last decade, the number of Internet users worldwide has dramatically increased. People are using the Internet for various health-related purposes. It is important to monitor such use as it may have an impact on the individual’s health and behavior, patient-practitioner roles, and on general health care provision. Objectives This study investigates trends and patterns of European health-related Internet use over a period of 18 months. The main study objective was to estimate the change in the proportion of the population using the Internet for health purposes, and the importance of the Internet as a source of health information compared to more traditional sources. Methods The survey data were collected through computer-assisted telephone interviews. A representative sample (N = 14,956) from seven European countries has been used: Denmark, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Norway, Poland, and Portugal. The European eHealth Consumer Trends Survey was first conducted in October-November 2005 and repeated in April-May 2007. In addition to providing background information, respondents were asked to rate the importance of various sources of health information. They were also queried as to the frequency of different online activities related to health and illness and the effects of such use on their disposition. Results The percentage of the population that has used the Internet for health purposes increased from an estimated 42.3% (95% CI [Confidence Interval] 41.3 - 43.3) in 2005 to an estimated 52.2% (95% CI 51.3 - 53.2) in 2007. Significant growth in the use of the Internet for health purposes was found in all the seven countries. Young women are the most active Internet health users. The importance of the Internet as a source of health information has increased. In 2007, the Internet was perceived as an important source of health information by an estimated 46.8% (95% CI 45.7 - 47.9) of the population, a significant increase of 6.5 % (95% CI 4.9 - 8.1) from 2005. The importance of all the traditional health information channels has either decreased or remained the same. An estimated 22.7% (95% CI 21.7 - 23.6) are using it for more interactive services than just reading health information. Conclusion The Internet is increasingly being used as a source of health information by the European population, and its perceived importance is rising. Use of the Internet for health purposes is growing in all age groups and for both men and women, with especially strong growth among young women. We see that experienced Internet health users are also using the Internet as an active communication channel, both for reaching health professionals and for communicating with peers.