Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Drowsiness Detection Based on Brightness and Numeral Features of Eye Image

Drowsiness detection is vital in preventing traffic accidents. Eye state analysis – detecting whether the eye is open or closed − is critical step for drowsiness detection. In this paper, we propose a new algorithm for eye state analysis, which we incorporate into a four step system for drowsiness detection: face detection, eye detection, eye state analysis, and drowsy decision. This new system requires no training data at any step or special cameras. Our novel eye state analysis algorithm detects open, semi-open, and closed eye during two steps which is based on brightness and numeral features of the eye image. We analyze our eye state analysis algorithm using ten video sequences and show superior results compared to the common technique based on distance between eyelids.
Test Equipment Friction properties of moulding thermoplastics

During the ejection phase of the injection moulding cycle the parts are mechanically forced to separate from the moulding surfaces, this aspect being more relevant with deep cores. The design of the ejection system depends on factors such as the draft angles, the surface finish, and the properties of the moulding material at the ejection temperature and the dimensioning of actuation devices (e.g., hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders). Knowledge of the friction properties of the mating metal and plastics surfaces is important to optimize the ejection system. The coefficient of friction at the ejection stage depends on the surface texture of the core and the temperature at ejection. This paper reviews recent research on the static coefficient of friction in moulding conditions. It also reviews results obtained with a prototype apparatus that reproduces the conditions occurring during the ejection phase. r 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Replication of annulus fibrosus through fabrication and characterization of polyurethane and cellulose nanocrystal composite scaffolds

Abstract This study sought to obtain a simple scaffold for annulus fibrosus (AF) repair or replacement using a combination of polyurethane (PU) reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Composites containing up to 20 wt% CNCs were solvent casted and fabricated into ribbons and radially layered structures to be mechanically tested in tension, compression, creep, and relaxation. Tension and compression testing on swollen composite films and ringed structures, respectively, revealed that the PU 90/10 and PU 80/20 composites had elastic moduli most closely related to the natural AF tissues. Creep and relaxation revealed that the composite materials show a greater percentage of elastic response and longer relaxation times than natural intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues. It was shown that this approach leads to a scaffold that nearly mimics the mechanical properties of natural IVD tissues, while allowing fine tuning of these mechanical properties by varying CNC content and the ringed structure. Graphical Abstract
Is There Subclinical Synovitis in Early Psoriatic Arthritis? A Clinical Comparison With Gray-Scale and Power Doppler Ultrasound

Arthritis activity assessments in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have traditionally relied on tender and swollen joint counts, but in rheumatoid arthritis, multiple studies have demonstrated subclinical inflammation using modern imaging. The aim of this study was to compare clinical examination and ultrasound (US) findings in an early PsA cohort.
Evaluation of Placement and Access Asignment for Replicated Object Striping

The number of stored objects that should be targets of high throughput retrieval, such as multimedia stream objects, is increasing recently. To implement a high throughput storage system, striping technique using multiple disk drives are commonly used. However, the ordinary disk striping methods implemented in RAID 0, 3-5 have problems of the flexibility, extensibility, and quality of services (QoS). We have proposed the autonomous disk cluster to realize the flexible and extensible storage system by treating each target object as a unit for management. It also adopts the primary-backup technique for the object to satisfy required QoS. We have shown that the autonomous management for the object unit is effective. However, there is room for improving its throughput. In this paper, we consider an approach for importing a flexible striping technique into the autonomous disk system to provide high throughput. It is important to locate fragments of an object into a part of disk cluster appropriately with considering workload skews to derive the required throughput. We use access history to decide their location. We also propose a method to divide access load into fragmented primary and backup adaptively. The experimental results using PC cluster indicate that the proposed methods are effective.
Program Committee

The shift towards highly personalised interfaces in which communication between user and computer is mediated by lifelike agents is currently one of the major steps in the evolution of the user interface tec hnology. Anthropomorphizing the Personal Service Assistant, hence, constitutes an important aspect of current interface-agent research aiming towards highly personalised services. Our research aims at developing and evaluating such intuitive social user interfaces that deploy animated characters to interact with users in natural multi-modal communication dialogue. Personifying the PSA in a context generated emotion-based character is an additional dimension to providing personalised services. The motivation for this type of personalisation is that an animated figure (eliciting human-like communication capabilities) may add an expressive dimension to the PSA’s communicative features that can further add to the effectiveness and personalisation of the interface and the application on the whole. We discuss the experience gained from using the PSA in the KIMSAC project, providing an analysis of the metaphor and its implementation requirements. The paper concentrates on describing a base-system for supporting PSA development and considers how this can be expanded to support a richer set of social features that would form an infrastructure for developing Personal Service Assistants with life-like qualities. We further brief on experimental scenarios to evaluate the effect of emotional personality-based behaviour on interactive user interfaces as well as on other service agents in a multi-agent environment.
Clinical Characteristics of Transient Ischemic Attack Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Analyses of a Multicenter Retrospective Study

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important risk factor for transient ischemic attack (TIA). However, little is known about the characteristics of TIA patients with AF. This study investigated the characteristics of such patients, using data from a retrospective, observational, multicenter study. Methods: TIA patients admitted to 13 stroke centers in Japan within 7 days of onset between January 2008 and December 2009 were included. The present analyses compared baseline characteristics, clinical symptoms, findings from diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and clinical outcomes between patients with and without AF (AF and non-AF groups). Results: A total of 464 patients (292 men; mean age 68.5 ± 13.2 years) were registered. Of these, 79 patients (17%) had AF. Patients in the AF group were older (73.9 ± 9.1 vs. 67.4 ± 13.6 years, p < 0.001) and more likely to show disturbance of consciousness (13 vs. 6%, p = 0.046) and aphasia (9 vs. 3%, p = 0.007) than patients in the non-AF group. Although no difference in the overall DWI-positive rate was seen between the groups (28 vs. 20%, p = 0.102), a single lesion (23 vs. 10%, p < 0.001), a lesion ≥15 mm (11 vs. 4%, p = 0.006), and a single lesion ≥15 mm (11 vs. 2%, p < 0.001) on DWI were more frequent in the AF group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified increased age [odds ratio (OR) 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.07] and DWI single lesion ≥15 mm (OR 5.67; 95% CI 1.92-16.7) as independently associated with the presence of AF. Conclusions: In this study, 17% of our TIA patients had AF. We found an association between the acute ischemic lesion pattern on DWI of a single lesion ≥15 mm and AF in TIA patients. These results might lead to a better diagnosis of TIA patients with AF.
Nonparametric Problem-Space Clustering: Learning Efficient Codes for Cognitive Control Tasks

We present an information-theoretic method permitting one to find structure in a problem space (here, in a spatial navigation domain) and cluster it in ways that are convenient to solve different classes of control problems, which include planning a path to a goal from a known or an unknown location, achieving multiple goals and exploring a novel environment. Our generative nonparametric approach, called the generative embedded Chinese restaurant process (geCRP), extends the family of Chinese restaurant process (CRP) models by introducing a parameterizable notion of distance (or kernel) between the states to be clustered together. By using different kernels, such as the the conditional probability or joint probability of two states, the same geCRP method clusters the environment in ways that are more sensitive to different control-related information, such as goal, sub-goal and path information. We perform a series of simulations in three scenarios—an open space, a grid world with four rooms and a maze having the same structure as the Hanoi Tower—in order to illustrate the characteristics of the different clusters (obtained using different kernels) and their relative benefits for solving planning and control problems.
p45 NF‐E2 regulates expression of thromboxane synthase in megakaryocytes

Transcription factor p45 NF‐E2 is highly expressed in the erythroid and megakaryocytic lineages. Although p45 recognizes regulatory regions of several erythroid genes, mice deficient for this protein display only mild dyserythropoiesis but have abnormal megakaryocytes and lack circulating platelets. A number of megakaryocytic marker genes have been extensively studied, but none of them is regulated by NF‐E2. To find target genes for p45 NF‐E2 in megakaryopoiesis, we used an in vivo immunoselection assay: genomic fragments bound to p45 NF‐E2 in the chromatin of a megakaryocytic cell line were immunoprecipitated with an anti‐p45 antiserum and cloned. One of these fragments belongs to the second intron of the thromboxane synthase gene (TXS). We demonstrate that the TXS gene, which is mainly expressed in megakaryocytes, is indeed directly regulated by p45 NF‐E2. First, its promoter contains a functional NF‐E2 binding site; second, the intronic NF‐E2 binding site is located within a chromatin‐dependent enhancer element; third, p45‐null murine megakaryocytes do not express detectable TXS mRNA, although TXS expression can be detected in other cells. These data, and the structure of the TXS promoter and enhancer, suggest that TXS belongs to a distinct subgroup of genes involved in platelet formation and function.
Symbol-by-Symbol MAP Decoding of Variable Length Codes

Rainer Bauer and Joachim Hagenauer Institute for Communications Engineering (LNT) Munich University of Technology (TUM) e-mail: Rainer.Bauer@ei.tum. de, Hagenauer@ei.tum. de WWW: http://www.LNT. ei.tum. de Abstra t | In this paper we introduce a new approach in the decoding of variable length codes. Based on the tree structure of these codes a trellis representation is derived which allows the application of the BCJR algorithm. This algorithm provides us with the a posteriori probabilities of the transmitted source symbols. Therefore we do not only use soft information from an outer decoding stage but also produce a per symbol soft output that can be used in a successive decoding stage. We also propose a scheme where the soft output can be used in an iterative decoding structure.
Benefits of Virtual Characters in Computer Based Learning Environments: Claims and Evidence

Pedagogical theory of today gives high priority to social components of learning. Within the field of computer supported learning there are many attempts to acknowledge this. One approach involves the addition of virtual characters to electronic learning environments. Such character enhanced systems are the focus of the present article. Firstly, a systematic overview is given of pedagogical benefits that have been proposed in the literature regarding character enhancement of electronic learning environments, for example increased motivation, stimulation of particular learning activities, enhanced flow of communication and fulfillment of a need for deeper personal relationships in learning. Secondly, I examine the empirical results presented in the literature with respect to the proposed positive pedagogical effects. Based on these reviews, I finally discuss possible directions for continued research and design in the field from a pedagogical point of view. I propose a research agenda for the near future and conclude with some reflections on a longer-term perspective.
Energy Management in Microgrids Using Demand Response and Distributed Storage—A Multiagent Approach

In this paper, an agent-based energy-management system is proposed to facilitate power trading among microgrids with demand response and distributed storage (DRaDS). The key focus of this approach is to utilize diversity in load consumption patterns of the customers and energy availability from the distributed energy resources, distributed storage, and demand response (DR) in reducing the peak demand and minimizing the cost of electricity. An index-based incentive mechanism is also proposed to encourage customers participating in DR based on frequency and size of the participation. The proposed strategies are validated using two case studies with interconnected microgrids. Based on extensive simulation results of the system being developed using the Java Agent DEvelopment framework (JADE), it has been found that multiagent-based energy management with DRaDS is successful in reducing the system peak and cost benefit for customers with a high priority index.
Yangtze River, an insignificant genetic boundary in tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus): the evidence from a first population genetics study

Great rivers were generally looked at as the geographical barrier to gene flow for many taxonomic groups. The Yangtze River is the third largest river in the world, and flows across South China and into the East China Sea. Up until now, few studies have been carried out to evaluate its effect as a geographical barrier. In this study, we attempted to determine the barrier effect of the Yangtze River on the tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus) using the molecular ecology approach. Using mitochondrial DNA control region (CR) sequences and 13 nuclear microsatellite loci, we explored the genetic structure and gene flow in two adjacent tufted deer populations (Dabashan and Wulingshan populations), which are separated by the Yangtze River. Results indicated that there are high genetic diversity levels in the two populations, but no distinguishable haplotype group or potential genetic cluster was detected which corresponded to specific geographical population. At the same time, high gene flow was observed between Wulingshan and Dabashan populations. The tufted deer populations experienced population decrease from 0.3 to 0.09 Ma BP, then followed by a distinct population increase. A strong signal of recent population decline (T = 4,396 years) was detected in the Wulingshan population by a Markov-Switching Vector Autoregressions(MSVAR) process population demography analysis. The results indicated that the Yangtze River may not act as an effective barrier to gene flow in the tufted deer. Finally, we surmised that the population demography of the tufted deer was likely affected by Pleistocene climate fluctuations and ancient human activities.
A scalable framework for segment routing in service provider networks: The Omnipresent Ethernet approach

Segment routing has recently been proposed in the IETF towards making IP/MPLS networks service-oriented and efficient. Segment routing involves identifying paths at the source node using adjacency identifiers conjoined together to create a source-routed path. To this end, we propose a transport paradigm that will act as an enabler towards implementing segment routing in service provider networks. Specifically, we use Carrier Ethernet that is gaining acceptance as an IP/MPLS carrier technology. We propose the use of our modification of Carrier Ethernet called Omnipresent Ethernet (based on source routed binary labels embedded in an Ethernet frame) towards implementing segment routing. We evaluate segment routing for large service provider networks and understand scalability limitations of source routing. To absolve the scalability issues, a hierarchical segment routing (H-SR) scheme that uses special nodes called Swap-Nodes is proposed. Three techniques for swap-node selection based on centrality paradigms that facilitate and enhance scalability of segment routing are put forth. A test-bed is built to validate segment routing along with a simulation model to evaluate the proposed hierarchical segment routing scheme.
Isolation of an altered form of DNA polymerase I from Escherichia coli cells induced for recA/lexA functions.

A novel form of DNA polymerase I (deoxynucleosidetriphosphate:DNA deoxynucleotidyltransferase, DNA nucleotidyltransferase, EC 2.7.7.7) activity has been isolated from Escherichia coli cells that had been activated for expression of the DNA damage-inducible genes. Induction was by treatment of normal cells or cells carrying the spr-51 and tif-1 mutations with nalidixic acid. This activity, DNA polymerase I, seems to be a form of DNA polymerase I because it is insensitive to N-ethylmaleimide, is inhibited by antibody to DNA polymerase I, and does not appear in a polA1 strain. DNA polymerase I activity sediments through sucrose gradients as a broad peak with s20.w = 6.6--10.5, compared with an s20,w = 4.8--5.5 for DNA polymerase I. The fidelity during polymerization reactions of DNA polymerase I is relatively low with a variety of synthetic templates and deoxynucleoside triphosphates, although the enzyme appears to have a normal level of 3' greater than 5' exonuclease. Polymerase I has properties that might implicate it in some form of mutagenic DNA repair.
Amounts of faecal porphyrin-peptide conjugates in the porpyrias.

SUMMARY 1. The levels of ‘X-porphyrin’, a porphyrin-peptide complex, have been studied in the faeces of patients with different types of porphyria, as well as in fifty normal subjects. 2. These levels have been shown to be significantly elevated in untreated porphyria cutanea tarda and in variegate porphyria. 3. Lesser elevations were seen in acute intermittent porphyria and hereditary coproporphyria. There was no elevation in erythropoietic protoporphyria. X-porphyrin, a heterogeneous porphyrin-peptide complex, was shown to be present in increased amounts in the urine and faeces of patients with variegate porphyria (Rimington, Lockwood & Belcher, 1968; Grosser, Eales & Sano, 1971). In the present study the levels of faecal X-porphyrin in a series of porphyrics and in a group of normal subjects were examined to determine the diagnostic value of the measurement of this porphyrin in the porphyrias.
Expression ratio evaluation in two-colour microarray experiments is significantly improved by correcting image misalignment

MOTIVATION Two-colour microarrays are widely used to perform transcriptome analysis. In most cases, it appears that the 'red' and 'green' images resulting from the scan of a microarray slide are slightly shifted one with respect to the other. To increase the robustness of the measurement of the fluorescent emission intensities, multiple acquisitions with the same or different PMT gains can be used. In these cases, a systematic correction of image shift is required. RESULTS To accurately detect this shift, we first developed an approach using cross-correlation. Second, we evaluated the most appropriate interpolation method to be used to derive the registered image. Then, we quantified the effects of image shifts on spot quality, using two different quality estimators. Finally, we measured the benefits associated with a systematic image registration. In this study, we demonstrate that registering the two images prior to data extraction provides a more reliable estimate of the two colours' ratio and thus increases the accuracy of measurements of variations in gene expression. AVAILABILITY http://bioinfome.cgm. cnrs-gif.fr/.
Phase error minimization by refocusing Rotman lens

In this paper, we propose a refocusing method for minimizing phase errors of Rotman lenses. The method is based on finding the optimal α, F, and γ minimizing the phase errors by moving off-axis focal points along a beam curve. It ensures additional phase error reduction without significant changes of beam and array curve shapes. Simulation results show considerably improved phase performance when this method is applied to Rotman lenses with the conventional circular, elliptical, and optimized beam curves.
Histomorphometric and Histologic Evaluation of Nano-HA with and without PRGF in Bilateral Sinus Lift Augmentation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Positive results were reported after application of plasma-rich in growth factors (PRGF) in sinus elevation augmentations. Furthermore, PRGF products are available in different formulations and using them along with different graft biomaterials possibly induces bone formation and remodeling. This study assessed the histologic and histomorphometric results of NanoBone® biomaterial with and without PRGF in bilateral sinus augmentations. In this randomized split-mouth clinical trial, 10 patients who needed sinus floor elevation were selected and activated liquid PRGF was obtained through centrifuge of their blood. The space between alveolar process and sinus floor were filled with NanoBone® + PRGF (test site) or NanoBone® alone (control site) post-surgery. After 6 months, the implants were inserted in the regions and bone specimens were obtained using trephine burs. The sections were prepared by the standard techniques and bone remodeling was examined in both groups. The data were subjected to paired t test. Results: In case sites, the mean new bone formation percentages were 30.29%±8.54 and 30.84% ±6.76 in control sites. The mean remnant particles were 26.16%±10.03 and 26.18%± 10.09 in case and control sites respectively. No significant differences were noted between case and control sites regarding mean new bone formation and remnant particles. Chronic inflammation was noted in all specimens with dominant range of 10-30%. The giant cells were evident and all specimens showed bones of lamellar and woven types. Although no significant differences existed between the sites filling using NanoBone® with and without PRGF in bilateral sinus augmentations, the results are probably related to the lengthy time periods for specimen preparation and the type of bone materials used. Conclusion was that PRGF did not induce bone formation in the aforementioned period of time.
Relaxed ISS Small-Gain Theorems for Discrete-Time Systems

In this paper ISS small-gain theorems for discrete-time systems are stated, which do not require input-to-state stability (ISS) of each subsystem. This approach weakens conservatism in ISS small-gain theory, and for the class of exponentially ISS systems we are able to prove that the proposed relaxed small-gain theorems are non-conservative in a sense to be made precise. The proofs of the small-gain theorems rely on the construction of a dissipative finite-step ISS Lyapunov function which is introduced in this work. Furthermore, dissipative finite-step ISS Lyapunov functions, as relaxations of ISS Lyapunov functions, are shown to be sufficient and necessary to conclude ISS of the overall system.