Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dandelion: a framework for transparently programming phone-centered wireless body sensor applications for health

Many innovative mobile health applications can be enabled by augmenting wireless body sensors to mobile phones, e.g. monitoring personal fitness with on-body accelerometer and EKG sensors. However, it is difficult for the majority of smartphone developers to program wireless body sensors directly; current sensor nodes require developers to master node-level programming, implement the communication between the smartphone and sensors, and even learn new languages. The large gap between existing programming styles for smartphones and sensors prevents body sensors from being widely adopted by smartphone applications, despite the burgeoning Apple App Store and Android Market. To bridge this programming gap, we present Dandelion1, a novel framework for developing wireless body sensor applications on smartphones. Dandelion provides three major benefits: 1) platform-agnostic programming abstraction for in-sensor data processing, called senselet, 2) transparent integration of senselets and the smartphone code, and 3) platform-independent development and distribution of senselets. We provide an implementation of Dandelion on the Maemo Linux smartphone platform and the Rice Orbit body sensor platform. We evaluate Dandelion by implementing real-world applications, and show that Dandelion effectively eliminates the programming gap and significantly reduces the development efforts. We further show that Dandelion incurs a very small overhead; in total less than 5% of the memory capacity and less than 3% of the processor time of a typical ultra low power sensor.
Pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy (Review)

Pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy (PPRCA) is an uncommon disease characterized by perivenous aggregations of pigment clumps associated with peripapillary and radial zones of retinochoroidal atrophy that are distributed along the retinal veins. Patients are usually asymptomatic and the disease process is non-progressive or slow and subtly progressive. It is commonly bilateral and symmetric. The cause of the condition may be unknown or idiopathic, although a dysgenetic, degenerative, hereditary etiology or even an inflammatory cause has been hypothesized. A non-inflammatory cause is referred to as primary, while inflammation-associated PPRCA is referred to as secondary or pseudo PPRCA. The present study reviewed and summarized the features of PPRCA.
Inflammasome activity is essential for one kidney/deoxycorticosterone acetate/salt‐induced hypertension in mice

Inflammasomes are multimeric complexes that facilitate caspase‐1‐mediated processing of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐18. Clinical hypertension is associated with renal inflammation and elevated circulating levels of IL‐1β and IL‐18. Therefore, we investigated whether hypertension in mice is associated with increased expression and/or activation of the inflammasome in the kidney, and if inhibition of inflammasome activity reduces BP, markers of renal inflammation and fibrosis.
LIN-39 and the EGFR/RAS/MAPK pathway regulate C. elegans vulval morphogenesis via the VAB-23 zinc finger protein

Morphogenesis represents a phase of development during which cell fates are executed. The conserved hox genes are key cell fate determinants during metazoan development, but their role in controlling organ morphogenesis is less understood. Here, we show that the C. elegans hox gene lin-39 regulates epidermal morphogenesis via its novel target, the essential zinc finger protein VAB-23. During the development of the vulva, the egg-laying organ of the hermaphrodite, the EGFR/RAS/MAPK signaling pathway activates, together with LIN-39 HOX, the expression of VAB-23 in the primary cell lineage to control the formation of the seven vulval toroids. VAB-23 regulates the formation of homotypic contacts between contralateral pairs of cells with the same sub-fates at the vulval midline by inducing smp-1 (semaphorin) transcription. In addition, VAB-23 prevents ectopic vulval cell fusions by negatively regulating expression of the fusogen eff-1. Thus, LIN-39 and the EGFR/RAS/MAPK signaling pathway, which specify cell fates earlier during vulval induction, continue to act during the subsequent phase of cell fate execution by regulating various aspects of epidermal morphogenesis. Vulval cell fate specification and execution are, therefore, tightly coupled processes.
Image Description Via The Multiresolution Intensity Axis Of Symmetry

A fundamental approach for providing an image description in terms of visually sensible image regions is described. It involves a) the representation of the image by a structure that captures essential image information and then b) the definition of a hierarchy of components of that structure by the order of annihilation of those components as the image is continuously simplified by lowering the scale. The information-capturing "essential structure" is chosen so that image regions are associated with each structure component during the image simplification. To guarantee image simplification, successive Gaussian blurring is chosen as the means of scale lowering. We argue that an essential structure that describes shape in both the spatial and intensity dimensions will produce an image description most likely to be useful for computer or human specification of image objects. In particular, we suggest that the intensity axis of symmetry (IAS) satisfies all desirable criteria for an essential structure. With such shape-based essential structures the approach of image description via annihilation under image simplification becomes a very attractive paradigm.
Influence of the 26 degrees N RAPID-MOCHA Array and Florida Current Cable Observations on the ECCO-GODAE State Estimate

The incorporation of local temperature and salinity observations from the Rapid Climate Change‐ Meridional Overturning Circulation and Heatflux Array (RAPID‐MOCHA), as well as the cable estimates of volumetransport in the Florida Current(FC), is tested in the Estimating the Circulation and Climateof the Ocean‐Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment (ECCO‐GODAE) estimation system for their impact on the estimate of the meridional overturning circulation (MOC) and the meridional heat transport in the Atlantic. An experimental setup covering the first deployment period of RAPID‐MOCHA from March 2004 to March 2005 is used to test different strategies for incorporating these datasets. Incorporating both monthly meansoftheFCdataandmonthlymeansoftheRAPID‐MOCHAtemperatureandsalinitymeasurementsat the eastern and western boundaries of the basin as an observational constraint in a 1-yr experiment results in an adjustment to the referenceestimate,whichdoes not include these datasets,of approximately 1 Sv (1 Sv [ 10 6 m 3 s 21 ) in the MOC at 268N and the adjacent latitudes (approximately 6158), with a larger northward branch of the MOC above 1000 m, compensated by a larger flow in the southward branch of the MOC between approximately 2000 and 3000 m. The meridional heat transport from 268N to near 408N is approximately 0.05 PW larger than in the reference experiment.
IRON OVERLOAD IN BETA THALASSEMIA - A Review

Due to improvements in transfusion therapy in beta-thalassemia major patients, transfusional hemosiderosis has now become the major cause of late morbidity and mortality in them. In India and other developing countries, iron chelation therapy is still not strictly adhered to in these children, mostly due to financial constraints. An orally effective and cheap iron chelator is the need of the hour in the treatment of beta-thalassemia major. With the advent of Deferasirox, there is new enthusiasm in this front. This review takes us through the mechanics of iron overload into the various therapies available at our disposal today and those that may be available tomorrow.
LIFT: A functional data-parallel IR for high-performance GPU code generation

Parallel patterns (e.g., map, reduce) have gained traction as an abstraction for targeting parallel accelerators and are a promising answer to the performance portability problem. However, compiling high-level programs into efficient low-level parallel code is challenging. Current approaches start from a high-level parallel IR and proceed to emit GPU code directly in one big step. Fixed strategies are used to optimize and map parallelism exploiting properties of a particular GPU generation leading to performance portability issues. We introduce the LIFT IR, a new data-parallel IR which encodes OpenCL-specific constructs as functional patterns. Our prior work has shown that this functional nature simplifies the exploration of optimizations and mapping of parallelism from portable high-level programs using rewrite-rules. This paper describes how LIFT IR programs are compiled into efficient OpenCL code. This is non-trivial as many performance sensitive details such as memory allocation, array accesses or synchronization are not explicitly represented in the LIFT IR. We present techniques which overcome this challenge by exploiting the pattern's high-level semantics. Our evaluation shows that the LIFT IR is flexible enough to express GPU programs with complex optimizations achieving performance on par with manually optimized code.
Controllable conformal maps for shape deformation and interpolation

Conformal maps are considered very desirable for planar deformation applications, since they allow only local rotations and scale, avoiding shear and other visually disturbing distortions of local detail. Conformal maps are also orientation-preserving C∞ diffeomorphisms, meaning they are extremely smooth and prevent unacceptable "foldovers" in the plane. Unfortunately, these maps are also notoriously difficult to control, so working with them in an interactive animation scenario to achieve specific effects is a significant challenge, sometimes even impossible. We describe a novel 2D shape deformation system which generates conformal maps, yet provides the user a large degree of control over the result. For example, it allows discontinuities at user-specified boundary points, so true "bends" can be introduced into the deformation. It also allows the prescription of angular constraints at corners of the target image. Combining these provides for a very effective user experience. At the heart of our method is a very natural differential shape representation for conformal maps, using so-called "conformal factors" and "angular factors", which allow more intuitive control compared to representation in the usual spatial domain. Beyond deforming a given shape into a new one at each key frame, our method also provides the ability to interpolate between shapes in a very natural way, such that also the intermediate deformations are conformal. Our method is extremely efficient: it requires only the solution of a small dense linear system at preprocess time and a matrix-vector multiplication during runtime (which can be implemented on a modern GPU), thus the deformations, even on extremely large images, may be performed in real-time.
A mid-infrared study of H II regions in the Magellanic Clouds : N88 A and N160 A

Aims. To show the importance of high-spatial resolution observations of H ii regions when compared with observations obtained with larger apertures such as ISO, we present mid-infrared spectra of two Magellanic Cloud H ii regions, N88 A and N160 A. Methods. We obtained mid-infrared (8−13 μm), long-slit spectra with TIMMI2 on the ESO 3.6 m telescope. These are combined with archival spectra obtained with the Infrared Spectrograph (IRS) onboard the Spitzer Space Telescope, and are compared with the low-spatial resolution ISO-SWS data. An inventory of the spectra in terms of atomic fine-structure lines and molecular bands is presented. Results. Concerning N88 A, an isolated H ii region with no adjacent infrared sources, the observations indicate that the line fluxes observed by ISO-SWS and Spitzer-IRS come exclusively from the compact H ii region of about 3 �� in diameter. This is not the case for N160 A, which has a more complex morphology. We have spectroscopically isolated for the first time the individual contributions of the three components of N160 A, two high-excitation blobs, A1 and A2, and the young stellar object (YSO) N160 A-IR. In addition, extended [S iv] emission is observed with TIMMI2 and is most likely associated with the central star cluster located between A1 and A2. We show the value of these high-spatial resolution data in determining source characteristics, such as the degree of ionization of each high-excitation blob or the bolometric luminosity of the YSO. This luminosity (2 × 10 5 L� ) is about one order of magnitude lower than previously estimated. For each high-excitation blob, we also determine the electron density and the elemental abundances of Ne, S, and Ar.
Salivary Immune and Metabolic Marker Analysis (SIMMA): A Diagnostic Test to Predict Caries Risk

By using ELISA and colorimetric tests, we have measured 25 compounds in individuals with and without dental caries at different time points of dental biofilm formation and time of the day. We find that some compounds appear to be affected by circadian rhythms, others by dental plaque maturity, and others show constant values during a 24 h period. Using univariate analysis and cross-validation techniques, we have selected six components measured at specific time points that maximize the diagnostic separation of health and disease conditions. Two out of the six selected compounds are related to immune competence, another two to the adhesion capacity of micro-organisms, and another two to acid production or pH buffering. We conclude that, in order to design a robust caries risk test, the time of saliva sampling must be standardized and biomarkers from different categories must be included. The preliminary data shown in this paper provide a proof of principle of a caries risk test based on risk-associated categories. Thus, the test will provide not only a general caries risk assessment, but also the likely biological origin of that risk, namely: immune imbalance, and/or a tendency to adhesion of cariogenic organisms, and/or a lack of acid buffering. When tested longitudinally and validated in larger cohorts, this could open the possibility to develop preventive and personalized treatments.
The roles of NADPH‐oxidase and nNOS for the increased oxidative stress and the oxygen consumption in the diabetic kidney

Sustained hyperglycaemia induces increased renal oxygen consumption resulting in reduced oxygen availability in the diabetic kidney. We investigated the roles of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)‐oxidase and the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) for the increased oxygen consumption in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats.
Seasonal fluxes of carbonyl sulfide in a midlatitude forest

Significance The flux of carbonyl sulfide (OCS) provides a quantitative, independent measure of biospheric activity, especially stomatal conductance and carbon uptake, at the ecosystem scale. We describe the factors controlling the hourly, daily, and seasonal fluxes of OCS based on 1 year of observations in a forest ecosystem. Vegetation dominated uptake of OCS, with daytime fluxes accounting for 72% of the total uptake for the year. Nighttime fluxes had contributions from both incompletely closed stomata and soils. Net OCS emission was observed at high temperature in summer. Diurnal and seasonal variations in OCS flux show variable stoichiometry relative to photosynthetic uptake of CO2. An effective model framework is shown, using an explicit representation of ecosystem processing of OCS. Carbonyl sulfide (OCS), the most abundant sulfur gas in the atmosphere, has a summer minimum associated with uptake by vegetation and soils, closely correlated with CO2. We report the first direct measurements to our knowledge of the ecosystem flux of OCS throughout an annual cycle, at a mixed temperate forest. The forest took up OCS during most of the growing season with an overall uptake of 1.36 ± 0.01 mol OCS per ha (43.5 ± 0.5 g S per ha, 95% confidence intervals) for the year. Daytime fluxes accounted for 72% of total uptake. Both soils and incompletely closed stomata in the canopy contributed to nighttime fluxes. Unexpected net OCS emission occurred during the warmest weeks in summer. Many requirements necessary to use fluxes of OCS as a simple estimate of photosynthesis were not met because OCS fluxes did not have a constant relationship with photosynthesis throughout an entire day or over the entire year. However, OCS fluxes provide a direct measure of ecosystem-scale stomatal conductance and mesophyll function, without relying on measures of soil evaporation or leaf temperature, and reveal previously unseen heterogeneity of forest canopy processes. Observations of OCS flux provide powerful, independent means to test and refine land surface and carbon cycle models at the ecosystem scale.
Osmoregulation in Rhodobacter sphaeroides

Betaine (N,N,N-trimethylglycine) functioned most effectively as an osmoprotectant in osmotically stressed Rhodobacter sphaeroides cells during aerobic growth in the dark and during anaerobic growth in the light. The presence of the amino acids L-glutamate, L-alanine, or L-proline in the growth medium did not result in a significant increase in the growth rate at increased osmotic strengths. The addition of choline to the medium stimulated growth at increased osmolarities but only under aerobic conditions. Under these conditions choline was converted via an oxygen-dependent pathway to betaine, which was not further metabolized. The initial rates of choline uptake by cells grown in media with low and high osmolarities were measured over a wide range of concentrations (1.9 microM to 2.0 mM). Only one kinetically distinguishable choline transport system could be detected. Kt values of 2.4 and 3.0 microM and maximal rates of choline uptake (Vmax) of 5.4 and 4.2 nmol of choline/min.mg of protein were found in cells grown in the minimal medium without or with 0.3 M NaCl, respectively. Choline transport was not inhibited by a 25-fold excess of L-proline or betaine. Only one kinetically distinguishable betaine transport system was found in cells grown in the low-osmolarity minimal medium as well as in a high-osmolarity medium containing 0.3 M NaCl. In cells grown and assayed in the absence of NaCl, betaine transport occurred with a Kt of 15.1 microM and a Vmax of 3.2 nmol/min . mg of protein, whereas in cells that were grown and assayed in the presence of 0.3 M NaCl, the corresponding values were 18.2 microM and 9.2 nmol of betaine/min . mg of protein. This system was also able to transport L-proline, but with a lower affinity than that for betaine. The addition of choline of betaine to the growth medium did not result in the induction of additional transport systems.
Development and cross-validation of aerobic capacity prediction models in adolescent youth

Cardiorespiratory endurance is a major component of health-related fitness testing in physical education. FITNESSGRAM recommends the 1-mile Run/Walk (1-MRW) or the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) to assess cardiorespiratory endurance by estimating aerobic capacity, or VO2 Peak. No research to date has cross-validated prediction models from both 1-MRW and PACER using current FITNESSGRAM criterion-referenced (CR) standards. Additionally, new prediction models for 1-MRW without a body mass index (BMI) term are needed to attenuate the problems incorporating this index into an aerobic capacity model. The purpose of this dissertation was to cross-validate various prediction models using 1-MRW and PACER and to develop alternative 1-MRW aerobic capacity prediction models for adolescent youth. Participants included 90 students aged 13 to 16 years. Each student completed the 1-MRW and PACER, in addition to a maximal treadmill test to measure VO2 Peak. Multiple correlations among various models with measured VO2 Peak were considered strong (R = 0.74 to 0.78). CR validity, examined using modified kappa (Κq), percentage of agreement (Pa), and phi was considered moderate among all models (Κq = 0.25 to 0.49; Pa = 72% to 79%; phi = 0.38 to 0.65). Two new models were developed from 1-MRW times, one linear and one quadratic model. The linear and quadratic models displayed multiple correlations of R = 0.77 and R = 0.82 with measured VO2 Peak, respectively. CR validity evidence was considered moderate with (Kq = 0.38; Pa = 73%; phi = 0.57) using the linear model and (Kq = 0.34; Pa = 70%; phi = 0.54) using the quadratic model. The accuracy of these models was confirmed using k-fold cross-validation. In conclusion, the prediction models demonstrated strong linear relationships with measured VO2 Peak, acceptable prediction error, and moderate CR agreement with measured VO2 Peak using FITNESSGRAM’s CR standards to categorize health groups. The new 1-MRW models displayed good predictive accuracy and moderate CR agreement with measured VO2 Peak without using a BMI predictor. Despite evidence for predictive utility of the new models, they must be externally validated to ensure they can be generalizable to larger populations of students.
Business Reference Model of the Local Self-government that Uses Process Management

The objective of this paper is a brief introduction in the doctoral thesis of the author. The content of the thesis is the design of the structure for efficient management of the public administration. The author explores the options, how to combine the Enterprise Architecture elements with the business process management methodology MMABP. The output is the design of the optimal structure of the public administration office at the business level – Business reference model.
An emotional engine model inspired by human-dog interaction

We use an engineering approach based on state space modeling to develop the emotional engine of an artificial agent. The model is inspired by the latest achievements of human-dog interaction research. Our goal is to build a model that can be easily integrated into existing applications in the field of robotics, computing and communication systems. The proposed model ensures this integration by using simple arithmetics, while being scalable and stable.