Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A general photogrammetric method for determining object position and orientation

The author presents a general method for determining the three-dimensional position and orientation of an object relative to a camera based on a two-dimensional image of known feature points located on the object. In contrast to the conventional approach, the method does not make use of the collinearity condition. Instead, the algebraic structure of the problem is fully exploited in arriving at a solution which is independent of the configuration of the feature points. Although the method is applicable to any number or distribution of feature points, no more than five points are needed from a numerical standpoint; three or four points will typically suffice. A necessary condition for the existence of the solution is obtained for the first time, and a rigorous proof of uniqueness is presented for the case of four coplanar points. Simulation results have shown that, in the case of four feature points, nonplanar configurations generally outperform coplanar point sets in both accuracy and robustness in the presence of image noise. >
Antigen-Specific Mediated Suppression of β Cell Autoimmunity by Plasmid DNA Vaccination1

In this study, we have investigated the use of plasmid DNA (pDNA) vaccination to elicit Th2 effector cell function in an Ag-specific manner and in turn prevent insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. pDNA recombinants were engineered encoding a secreted fusion protein consisting of a fragment of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) linked to IgGFc, and IL-4. Intramuscular injection of pDNA encoding GAD65-IgGFc and IL-4 effectively prevented diabetes in NOD mice treated at early or late preclinical stages of IDDM. This protection was GAD65-specific since NOD mice immunized with pDNA encoding hen egg lysozyme-IgGFc and IL-4 continued to develop diabetes. Furthermore, disease prevention correlated with suppression of insulitis and induction of GAD65-specific regulatory Th2 cells. Importantly, GAD65-specific immune deviation was dependent on pDNA-encoded IL-4. In fact, GAD65-specific Th1 cell reactivity was significantly enhanced in animals immunized with pDNA encoding only GAD65-IgGFc. Finally, NOD.IL4null mice treated with pDNA encoding GAD65-IgGFc and IL-4 continued to develop diabetes, indicating that endogenous IL-4 was also required for disease prevention. These results demonstrate that pDNA vaccination is an effective strategy to elicit β cell-specific Th2 regulatory cell function for the purpose of preventing IDDM even at a late stage of disease development.
On optimization of SVMs kernels and parameters for electricity price forecasting

Forecasting electricity price allows market participants to make informed and sound decisions. Selecting the best training variables is often involved in forecasting in order to obtain optimal prediction. Support Vector Regression (SVR) provides an effective method to fit data and find minimal risk slack variables around a fit line. The best fit depends on the selected input feature set and the tuning of hyper-parameters. In this paper, various SVM optimization solvers were utilized to train and optimize the SVM parameters to speed up the quadratic programming convergence and increase the forecasting accuracy. Various kernels were used with the SVM Regression model and a comparison of their performance was made. Our experiments demonstrated that the RBF Kernel is the most efficient. The paper contributes to enhancing the quality of SVR electricity price forecasting.
The Effect of UV-A and Various Visible Light Wavelengths Radiations on Expression Level of Escherichia coli Oxidative Enzymes in Seawater

Background: Light and photosensitizers affectthe survival of bacteria in natural environments. Also light and photosensitizers are used for disinfection of materials such as blood, blood products, and water. Objectives: The present study was aimed toinvestigate the effect of different wavelengths of visible light and UV-A on the synthesis of some oxidative stress enzymes of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in seawater. Materials and Methods: Seawater were filtered by using Whatmann No:1 filter paper, followed by sterilization in the autoclave. The E. coli W3110 strain was grown at 37 oC, centrifuged, and transferred in seawater, then methylene blue was added to the seawater samples, with the exception of control samples. The seawater samples were incubated with white, blue, green, red, and UV-A light sources. Cell extracts were prepared by sonication, and then catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathion peroxidase(GP),and glucose-6phosphate dehydrogenase(G-6-PD) activities were measured. Results: It was found that in all studied wavelengths with or without Methylene Blue (MB), the level of all studied enzymes decreased remarkably when compared to dark controls. It was observed that the synthesis level of SOD, glutathione peroxidase GP, and glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase G-6-PD in E. coli decreased significantly in red light with respect to white, blue, and green light in seawater, to which methylene blue was added. In E. coli the decrease was 13% of G-6-PD expression, 10% of GP expression, and 17% of SOD expression in red light with MB after 16-hour incubation in seawater; however, these enzymes decreased to 45%, 84%,and 71% in white light, 33%, 47%, and 54% in blue light, 53%, 53%,and 64% in green light at the same incubation hours, respectively. Also, the enzyme acitivity in red light without MB did not show a significant difference when compared to other light sources. Conclusions: It was shown in the present study that red light among visible light sources has a crucial effect in decreasing the oxidative stress enzymes in seawater containing MB.
Wavelength Interrogator Based on Closed-Loop Piezo-Electrically Scanned Space-to-Wavelength Mapping of an Arrayed Waveguide Grating

We demonstrate a novel technique for the interrogation of grating-based fiber optic sensors. The proposed technique is based on space-to-wavelength mapping using an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG). The beam position along the AWG input coupler is controlled by a closed-loop piezoelectric motor. By employing a real-time position feedback encoder, the absolute position of the input light beam can be accurately obtained, which would yield a precise interrogation of the wavelength due to a fixed relationship between the beam position and the transmission wavelength of the AWG channel. The proposed system for the interrogation of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors and a tilted-FBG sensor is experimented. An interrogation resolution of 3 pm and an interrogation range of 18 nm are demonstrated as well as the multichannel measurement capability. Initial results show that the proposed interrogation system has the potential of being packaged into a compact, light weight, and cost-effective interrogator with good performance.
Compact-Size Low-Profile Wideband Circularly Polarized Omnidirectional Patch Antenna With Reconfigurable Polarizations

A compact-size low-profile wideband circularly polarized (CP) omnidirectional antenna with reconfigurable polarizations is presented in this communication. This design is based on a low-profile omnidirectional CP antenna which consists of a vertically polarized microstrip patch antenna working in TM01/TM02 modes and sequentially bended slots etched on the ground plane for radiating horizontally polarized electric field. The combined radiation from both the microstrip patch and the slots leads to a CP omnidirectional radiation pattern. The polarization reconfigurability is realized by introducing PIN diodes on the slots. By electronically controlling the states of the PIN diodes, the effective orientation of the slots on ground plane can be changed dynamically and the polarization of antenna can be altered between left-hand circular polarization (LHCP) and right-hand circular polarization (RHCP). The proposed antenna exhibits a wide-operational bandwidth of 19.8% (2.09-2.55 GHz) with both axial ratio below 3 dB and return loss above 10 dB when radiates either LHCP or RHCP waves. Experimental results show good agreement with the simulation results. The present design has a compact size, a thickness of only 0. 024λ and exhibits stable CP omnidirectional conical-beam radiation patterns within the entire operating frequency band with good circular polarization.
Transient exposure to sodium butyrate after germinal vesicle breakdown improves meiosis but not developmental competence in pig oocytes

Oocyte maturation is a complex process during which epigenetic modifications are dramatically changed, especially histone acetylation and phosphorylation. We have investigated the effects of NaBu (sodium butyrate), a natural HDAC (histone deacetylase) inhibitor, on porcine oocyte maturation at different stages and subsequent embryonic development to improve IVF (in vitro fertilization) and embryo production. COCs (cumulus oocyte complexes) were cultured, IVM (in vitro maturation) supplemented with 1 mM NaBu before or after GVBD [GV (germinal vesicle) breakdown] during maturation. NaBu delayed oocyte meiosis in the GV and GVBD stages in an exposure‐dependent manner. However, the short treatment with 1 mM NaBu after GVBD significantly improved the meiotic competence. No positive effects of NaBu on GSH levels and subsequent embryonic development following IVF were seen. Transient exposure to NaBu after GVBD improves meiotic competence, but not subsequently, probably by having an effect on histone acetylation during oocyte maturation.
Variable Utility in Multi-robot Task Allocation Systems

Multi-Robot Task Allocation (MRTA) systems have been thoroughly studied by the robotic community in the last decade, with the purpose of creating systems that can solve real problems with good results. Most MRTA architectures consider non-variable utility measures to value task execution payoff. However, in realistic settings there are problems such as tasks having priority and time lifespan, that can be better modeled with variable utilities. This paper introduces variable utility applied to MRTA systems, and exemplifies it by presenting a model for a box-pushing problem with this new concept.
The treatment of basal cell carcinomas in a patient with xeroderma pigmentosum with a combination of imiquimod 5% cream and oral acitretin

Summary Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal recessive photosensitive disorder, which results in multiple face, neck and head basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), squamous cell carcinomas and melanomas. A 15‐year‐old boy with XP presented with multiple facial BCCs previously treated by surgical excision. Standard BCC treatments such as surgery are not ideal for patients with several facial BCCs because of the risk of scarring, and the patient refused further surgery. As an alternative, three times weekly application of imiquimod 5% cream in combination with oral acitretin (20 mg daily) was prescribed for 4–6 weeks. No adverse events were reported during treatment and all tumours had resolved at the 6‐month follow up visit, highlighting the therapeutic potential of imiquimod 5% cream.
I never signed up for this! Privacy implications of email tracking

Abstract We show that the simple act of viewing emails contains privacy pitfalls for the unwary. We assembled a corpus of commercial mailing-list emails, and find a network of hundreds of third parties that track email recipients via methods such as embedded pixels. About 30% of emails leak the recipient’s email address to one or more of these third parties when they are viewed. In the majority of cases, these leaks are intentional on the part of email senders, and further leaks occur if the recipient clicks links in emails. Mail servers and clients may employ a variety of defenses, but we analyze 16 servers and clients and find that they are far from comprehensive. We propose, prototype, and evaluate a new defense, namely stripping tracking tags from emails based on enhanced versions of existing web tracking protection lists.
A new graph ranking model for image saliency detection problem

Saliency detection is an important problem in many computer vision applications. As a kind of popular method, graph based manifold ranking (GMR) has been successfully used in saliency detection problem. In traditional GMR saliency detection, it involves two main stages, i.e., ranking with background queries and ranking with foreground queries. However, in GMR method, these two stages are conducted separately, which ignores the correlation between background and foreground cues. In this paper, we propose a new graph ranking model, which aims to perform background and foreground ranking simultaneously by exploiting the correlation between background and foreground cues. We derive a closed-form solution for it. Experimental results on four benchmark datasets demonstrate that the proposed method performs better than some other state-of-art methods.
Pl-to-PI: A solution towards secure peer to peer communication network

File sharing is a corner stone application of network computing. The most popular way to achieve an efficient file sharing through the Internet is to use Peer-to-Peer (P2P) protocols via applications such as BitTorrent. However, BitTorrent is an open file sharing service that allows files to be shared widely without the consent, or control, of the original publisher of the work. Such a fact is undesirable for a lot of organizations and institutions since it raises copyright and content ownership issues. In this paper we propose an efficient BitTorrent-like protocol that aims at privatizing the P2P network such that control over the distribution of copyrighted material can be achieved. This is done by limiting the user set to those authorized based on their machines MAC addresses and by using dedicated equipment, i.e. the Raspberry PI board.
Universal quantum computing in linear nearest neighbor architectures

We introduce a scheme for realizing universal quantum computing in a linear nearest neighbor architecturewith fixed couplings. We first show how to realize a controlled-NOT gate operation between two adjacentqubits without having to isolate the two qubits from qubits adjacent to them. The gate operation isimplemented by applying two consecutive pulses of equal duration, but varying amplitudes, on the targetqubit. Since only a single control parameter is required in implementing our scheme, it is very efficient.We next show how our scheme can be used to realize single qubit rotations and two-qubit controlledunitaryoperations. As most proposals for solid state implementations of a quantum computer use a onedimensionalline of qubits, the schemes presented here will be extremely useful.
Phototherapeutic keratectomy with mitomycin C for corneal haze following photorefractive keratectomy for myopia.

PURPOSE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) with single application of mitomycin C for patients with severe corneal haze following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for high myopia. METHODS Eight eyes of seven patients were treated with PTK and intraoperative topical application of mitomycin C (0.02%) for severe corneal haze (grade 3) following PRK for myopia. RESULTS All patients' visual performance improved significantly. Mean preoperative visual acuity (20/200 for both UCVA and BSCVA) improved significantly to 20/33 (0.6) and 20/30 (0.7) for UCVA and BSCVA, respectively. Six eyes (85.7%) had improved UCVA to 20/40 or better and gained five or more lines of UCVA. The corneal haze score decreased from grade 3 initially (for all eyes prior to PTK and mitomycin C) to a final mean haze score of 0.3 (range 0 to 0.5). Mean final spherical equivalent refraction achieved was -1.30 +/- 1.60 D (range -3.75 to +1.25 D). One eye gained only three lines of visual acuity due to regression and residual haze. No adverse effects related to the use of mitomycin C were recorded. CONCLUSION PTK with a single intraoperative application of mitomycin C was safe and effective in reducing corneal haze and improving visual acuity in patients with severe corneal haze following PRK.
Predictors of Coronary Artery Aneurysms in Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a common cause of cardiovascular morbidity in young children. No study has attempted to stratify risk factors for coronary artery involvement in Indian children. We attempted to study prospectively the risk factors for coronary involvement in children with KD in a tertiary care hospital between October 2009 and November 2011. The clinical details and investigations for all children admitted with KD were tabulated, and echocardiography was performed; 37 children were admitted with KD; and 8 children (21%) had coronary artery abnormalities. Prolonged fever, wider dispersion of symptoms, and pyuria were significantly associated with the development of coronary lesions. Clinical factors such as wider dispersion of symptoms and prolonged fever along with presence of pyuria can increase the risk of coronary lesions. The presence of these factors may help direct aggressive management and prevent loss of precious time.
Frequent Epigenetic Inactivation of Spleen Tyrosine Kinase Gene in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose: The aim of present study was to investigate the methylation and expression status of spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to evaluate this information for its ability to predict disease prognosis. E-cadherin and TIMP-3 methylation was also analyzed here as control because both were associated with poor prognosis in some types of tumors. Experimental Design: We analyzed the methylation status of SYK, E-cadherin, and TIMP-3 in 124 cases of HCC and assessed the correlation of such methylations with clinicopathologic variables and prognosis after tumor resection. Results: We found that SYK, E-cadherin, and TIMP-3 genes were methylated in 27%, 27%, and 42% of HCC neoplastic tissues, respectively. The loss of SYK mRNA or Syk protein expression was highly correlated with SYK gene methylation. The patients with methylated SYK in neoplastic tissues had a significantly lower overall survival rate after hepatectomy than those with unmethylated SYK. No significant difference in overall survival rates, however, was found between groups of patients with methylated and unmethylated E-cadherin or TIMP-3. Patients with negative Syk protein expression had a significantly lower overall survival rate than those with positive Syk protein expression. Multivariate analyses indicated that factors affecting overall survival were tumor-node-metastasis stage, Child-Pugh classification, SYK methylation, or Syk protein status. Conclusions: Our results indicate that SYK methylation and loss of Syk expression in HCC neoplastic tissues are independent biomarkers of poor patient outcome and that determination of SYK methylation or Syk expression status may offer guidance for selecting appropriate treatments.
RF photonic receiver front-end based on crystalline whispering gallery mode resonators

We develop a theoretical model for a direct and a coherent RF photonic receiver front-ends based on optical whispering gallery mode resonators. We show that the coherent receiver has much higher sensitivity and wider dynamic range compared with the direct one. We argue, that the coherent photonic receiver is able to have a spurious free dynamic range in excess of 55 dB and sensitivity in excess of −100 dBm in a 5 MHz reception band. We also discuss recent advances in the practical implementation of the receivers by OEwaves Inc. and compare the experimental results with the theoretical predictions.
Impact on postoperative pain of long‐lasting pre‐emptive epidural analgesia before total hip replacement: a prospective, randomised, double‐blind study

Clinical studies on pre‐emptive analgesia have produced inconsistent results. We conducted a clinical study investigating the effect of long‐lasting pre‐emptive epidural analgesia on consumption of analgesics and acute pain. Forty‐two patients scheduled for elective hip replacement for osteo‐arthritis were randomly assigned to receive, on the day before operation, either 5 ml.h−1 ropivacaine 0.2% (study group, n = 21) or 5 ml.h−1 saline (control group, n = 21). Postoperative analgesia was achieved in both groups by patient‐controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) with ropivacaine 0.2%. The main outcome measure was consumption of local anaesthetics. Additional parameters included visual analogue pain scale (VAS) scores, consumption of rescue analgesics, requests for PCEA boluses, and side‐effects. The pre‐operative parameters and pain scores were similar in the two groups. Epidural blocks provided sufficient operative analgesia in all patients. Pre‐emptive analgesia was continued for 11–20 h and led to significantly decreased pain scores before surgery. The consumption of local anaesthetics was decreased postoperatively in the study group (194 mg vs. 284 mg in the postoperative period). Furthermore, bolus requests occurred more frequently in the control group. VAS scores did not differ significantly between groups. Long‐lasting ‘pre‐emptive’ epidural analgesia decreases postoperative pain with improved pain control.
DC-SIGN: binding receptors for hepatitis C virus.

OBJECTIVE To review the recent developments in and research into binding receptors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and especially the role of dendritic cell-specific adhesion receptor (DC-SIGN) in HCV. DATA SOURCES Both Chinese- and English-language literature was searched using MEDLINE (2000 - 2003) and the databank of Chinese-language literature (2000 - 2003). STUDY SELECTION Relevant articles on DC-SIGN and HCV binding receptors in recent domestic and foreign literature were selected. DATA EXTRACTION Data were mainly extracted from 40 articles which are listed in the references section of this review. RESULTS DC-SIGN, a dendritic cell-specific adhesion receptor and a type II transmembrane mannose-binding C-type lectin, is very important in the function of dendritic cells (DC), both in mediating naïve T cell interactions through ICAM-3 and as a rolling receptor that mediates the DC-specific ICAM-2-dependent migration processes. It can be used by HCV and other viral and bacterial pathogens including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Ebola virus, CMV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis to facilitate infection. Both DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR can act either in cis, by concentrating virus on target cells, or in trans, by transmission of bound virus to a target cell expressing appropriate entry receptors. Recent report showed that DC-SIGN not only plays a role in entry into DC, HCV E2 interaction with DC-SIGN might also be detrimental to the interaction of DC with T cells during antigen presentation. CONCLUSIONS DC-SIGNs are high-affinity binding receptors for HCV. The clinical strategies that target DC-SIGN may be successful in restricting HCV dissemination and pathogenesis as well as directing the migration of DCs to manipulate appropriate immune responses in autoimmunity and tumorigenic situations.
Total energy expenditure and energy intake in the pre-school child: a comparison

In a cohort (n 81) of healthy children aged 1.5–4.5 years, measurements of energy intake and energy expenditure were compared. Energy intake was calculated following a 4 d weighed record completed by the mother or guardian of the child. Total energy expenditure was measured using the doubly-labelled water technique. Mean energy intake and expenditure in the cohort were 4773 kJ/d and 4928 kJ/d respectively. The mean relative bias between the techniques was 154 kJ/d. In the older children (3.5–4.5 years) the mean relative bias was only 37 kJ/d. At the population level the measurements of energy intake and energy expenditure were extremely close, and the study has provided sufficient confidence in weighed intake methodology for it to be used in a major nationwide study of dietary intake and nutritional status of children aged 1.5–4.5 years.