Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Procaine interaction with the corneal surface and its relation to anesthesia.

The effects of pH and procaine on the apparent density of charged groups fixed to the corneal surface of guinea pigs were studied. The net density of fixed charge was found to be negative over the pH range of 5 to 9 and decreased in the presence of procaine. These results are interpreted in terms of procaine interaction with the surface and its implications with regard to the factors that may influence the characteristics of the anesthetic response. The electrometric method employed allowed the study to be performed under physiological conditions using live animals. The method is general and can be equally applied to study other drug-tissue interactions.
Organic memory device with large conductance switching based on oxadiazole—containing polyether thin films

Organic memory devices were realized using oxadiazole-containing polyether as active organic layer. A thin film containing this molecule was sandwiched between n-type silicon substrate (cathode) and aluminum (anode) electrodes. The memory cells showed an on-off ratio of 4.9 orders of magnitude at 1.3 V and a threshold voltage of about 2.9 V. The analysis of transport was realized considering Space Charge Limited Conduction (SCLS) and Pai-Gill hopping models. Thanks to the Si-technology integrability and the simplicity of the realization technique, the proposed device is more attractive for low-cost applications.
HeartSmart^(TM): A New Method of Assessing Hydration in Neurosurgical Patients

Background: Maintenance of normal fluid homeostasis is challenging in neurosurgical patients. Consequently, we studied hydration assessment in neurosurgical intensive care patients. Methods: Pulmonary artery catheter thermodilution (PACTD) is the conventional method for measuring cardiac index (CI) and mean pulmonary artery occlusion (MPAOP) or wedge pressure (MPWP). We compared values from this technique with those derived from continuous cardiac dynamic monitoring (CCDM)-HeartSmart? , a new, less invasive, software-based technique. Over 4 years, we undertook an audit of 101 paired sets of data from 21 patients with sub-arachnoid hemorrhage who had pulmonary artery flotation catheters inserted as part of their treatment. Measured values of CI and MPWP were obtained retrospectively from patients’ charts and compared with values calculated using CCDM-HeartSmart? software. Results: Using the Bland-Altman method for comparing two measurement techniques, there was good agreement between measured and calculated MPWP (mean of differences –1.81, SD 3.97, SE 0.39, 95% CI –2.59 to 2.04 l/min/m2; two-sided p 2). This indicates that, when estimating CI and MPWP in critically ill neurosurgical patients, CCDM-HeartSmart? provides values close to those generated using PACTD. Conclusions: The CCDM-HeartSmart? could prove invaluable for optimizing response to fluid replacement and for guiding cardiovascular support in neurosurgical patients. This new, simple technology may help to facilitate routine adoption of perioperative optimization of blood flow using early goal-directed therapy.
Evaluation of State of the Art IDS Message Exchange Protocols

During the last couple of years, the degree of dependence on IT systems has reached a dimension nobody imagined to be possible 10 years ago. The increased usage of mobile devices (e.g., smart phones), wireless sensor networks and embedded devices (Internet of Things) are only some examples of the dependency of modern societies on cyber space. At the same time, the complexity of IT applications, e.g., because of the increasing use of cloud computing, is rising continuously. Along with this, the threats to IT security have increased both quantitatively and qualitatively, as recent examples like STUXNET or the supposed cyber attack on Illinois water system are proofing impressively. Once isolated control systems are nowadays often publicly available a fact that has never been intended by the developers. Threats to IT systems don’t care about areas of responsibility. Especially with regard to Cyber Warfare, IT threats are no longer limited to company or industry boundaries, administrative jurisdictions or state boundaries. One of the important countermeasures is increased cooperation among the participants especially in the field of Cyber Defence. Besides political and legal challenges, there are technical ones as well. A better, at least partially automated exchange of information is essential to (i) enable sophisticated situational awareness and to (ii) counter the attacker in a coordinated way. Therefore, this publication performs an evaluation of state of the art Intrusion Detection Message Exchange protocols in order to guarantee a secure information exchange between different entities. Keywords—Cyber Defence, Cyber Warfare, Intrusion Detection Information Exchange, Early Warning Systems, Joint Intrusion Detection, Cyber Conflict
Hybrid Mode Locking in Semiconductor Lasers: Simulations, Analysis, and Experiments

Hybrid mode locking in a two-section edge-emitting semiconductor laser is studied numerically and analytically using a set of three delay differential equations. In these equations, the external RF signal applied to the saturable-absorber section is modeled by the modulation of the carrier relaxation rate in this section. The estimation of the locking range where the pulse repetition frequency is synchronized with the frequency of the external modulation is performed numerically and the effect of the modulation shape and amplitude on this range is investigated. Asymptotic analysis of the dependence of the locking range width on the laser parameters is carried out in the limit of small-signal modulation. Our numerical simulations indicate that hybrid mode locking can be also achieved in the cases when the frequency of the external modulation is approximately twice and half of the pulse repetition frequency of the free-running passively mode-locked laser fP . Finally, we provide an experimental demonstration of hybrid mode locking in a 20-GHz quantum-dot laser with the modulation frequency of the reverse bias applied to the absorber section close to fP/2.
Ku80 as a Novel Receptor for Thymosin β4 That Mediates Its Intracellular Activity Different from G-actin Sequestering*

Our data demonstrate that increased intracellular expression of thymosin β4(Tβ4) is necessary and sufficient to induce plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) gene expression in endothelial cells. To describe the mechanism of this effect, we produced Tβ4 mutants with impaired functional motifs and tested their intracellular location and activity. Cytoplasmic distributions of Tβ4(AcSDKPT/4A), Tβ4(KLKKTET/7A), and Tβ4(K16A) mutants fused with green fluorescent protein did not differ significantly from those of wild-type Tβ4. Overexpression of Tβ4, Tβ4(AcSDKPT/4A), and Tβ4(K16A) affected intracellular formation of actin filaments. As expected, Tβ4(K16A) uptake by nuclei was impaired. On the other hand, overexpression of Tβ4(KLKKTET/7A) resulted in developing the actin filament network typical of adhering cells, indicating that the mutant lacked the actin binding site. The mechanism by which intracellular Tβ4 induced the PAI-1 gene did not depend upon the N-terminal tetrapeptide AcSDKP and depended only partially on its ability to bind G-actin or enter the nucleus. Both Tβ4 and Tβ4(AcSDKPT/4A) induced the PAI-1 gene to the same extent, whereas mutants Tβ4(KLKKTET/7A) and Tβ4(K16A) retained about 60% of the original activity. By proteomic analysis, the Ku80 subunit of ATP-dependent DNA helicase II was found to be associated with Tβ4. Ku80 and Tβ4 consistently co-immunoprecipitated in a complex from endothelial cells. Co-transfection of endothelial cells with the Ku80 deletion mutants and Tβ4 showed that the C-terminal arm domain of Ku80 is directly involved in this interaction. Furthermore, down-regulation of Ku80 by specific short interference RNA resulted in dramatic reduction in PAI-1 expression at the level of both mRNA and protein synthesis. These data suggest that Ku80 functions as a novel receptor for Tβ4 and mediates its intracellular activity.
Factorial Structure of the Kidcope in Hong Kong Adolescents

Abstract The Kidcope (A. Spirito, L. J. Stark, & C. Williams, 1988), a brief screening measure of coping strategies for children and adolescents, was subjected to exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses in a sample of adolescents in Hong Kong. A 2-factor model was found to fit the data when only the 2 emotional regulation items were treated separately and were allowed to load on the 2 different factors. Further analyses showed that factor loadings, factor variances, and factor covariance were invariant across age and gender. On the basis of the factor analyses, the authors created 2 composite scores, representing control-oriented and escape-oriented coping strategies. Implications for the use of the Kidcope in research and preventive intervention are discussed.
Extrinsic Camera Calibration with Minimal Configuration Using Cornea Model and Equidistance Constraint

: In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm to extrinsically calibrate a camera to a 3D reference object that is not directly visible from the camera. We use the spherical human cornea as a mirror and calibrate the extrinsic parameters from its reﬂection of the reference points. The key contribution of this paper is to present a cornea-reﬂection-based calibration algorithm with minimal conﬁguration; there are three reference points and one mirror pose. The proposed algorithm introduces two constraints. First constraint is that the cornea is virtually a sphere, which enables us to estimate the center of the cornea sphere from its projection. Second is the equidistance constraint, which enables us to estimate the 3D position of the reference point by assuming that the center of the camera and reference point are located the same distance from the center of the cornea sphere. We demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method with qualitative and quantitative evaluations using synthesized and real data.
A Novel Spatial Power Combiner Based on SIW and HMSIW

In this paper, a Ka-band combining power amplifier based on SIW/HMSIW technology is presented and studied. The advantages of this structure are its low profile, low-lost, mass-productive, ease of fabrication and fully integrated with planar circuits. In addition, efficient heat sinking of monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) devices is achieved. Lastly a SIW/HMSIW power amplifier using eight MMIC amplifiers was designed and fabricated in 33.5-35.5 GHz. The measured results show a good agreement with simulation and a combining efficiency of 72% is achieved at 34.3 GHz.
Environmental games made much more exciting by soft computing techniques

In this paper, we compare the modified COMMONS GAME utilizing EAs & NNs with the original COMMONS GAME from the point of view of “Which game playing is more exciting ? ” We also compare it with the modified COMMONS GAME utilizing GAs & NNs. Several game playings by our university students confirm that the modified COMMONS GAME utilizing EAs & NNs can provide by far the best chance for letting players consider seriously about the commons.
Patients' Task-Orientation and Perceived Benefit of Amplification in Hearing-Impaired Elderly Persons

This study investigated the reported handicap of 50 elderly hearing-impaired patients who were classified as high or low in task-orientation. Measures of perceived handicap were taken when subjects were fitted with hearing aids and three months later. Analysis indicated that subjects classified as both high and low on task-orientation reported significant increases in their hearing impairment at 3 mo. , but subjects classified as high on task-orientation reported significantly less handicap than subjects classified as low.
Suppression of the CT Beam Hardening Streak Artifact Using Predictive Correction on Detector Data

The purpose of the research was to develop an automated program incorporating a predictive artifact correction technique (PACT) to correct for the signal deviations from metal beam hardening artifacts in Computed Tomography (CT) detector raw data. Thin-slice sequential CT scans were performed on a dosimetry head phantom using a Somatom Sensation 16 scanner to establish a ground truth image. Metal pins were then affixed to either side of the phantom at the three and nine o’clock positions to cause streak artifact in detector raw data and a subsequent streak image. The program automatically detected the extent of the overlap peaks in the detector raw data causing the artifact. It profiled a correction using adjacent projections so that the peak error could be corrected rather than simply being removed or smoothed by interpolation. The PACT algorithm modified raw data was then reconstructed on a SYNGO CT reconstruction workstation. This image was then compared against ground truth and that produced by commercially available metal artifact reduction projection completion and also a research based iterative technique. Qualitative results illustrate superior suppression of streak artifact in images using PACT when compared directly to tested projection completion methods but inferior to iterative reconstruction. Recovery of voxel data underlying the streak is also demonstrated to be quantitatively superior with PACT when referenced to the original ground truth image. Limitations were however detected with the threshold technique for initial localisation of the streak sources. The work still demonstrates the feasibility of this predictive artifact correction technique in correcting beam hardening affected voxel data without recourse to expensive additional options such as iterative reconstruction or dual energy that are not so commonly available in the clinical setting.
The Effect of Adhesive Type and Thickness on Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets

Fine-mesh hased brackets were handed to plastic cylinders using four different adhesives. Adhesive thickness was controlled using a bonding jig. The bond was then tested to failure using a shear force. Each adhesive had its own minimum thickness, probably related to its viscosity. Increasing the thickness of the adhesives to 0·26 mm, using a stainless steel spacer had minimal effect on their mean shear bond strength.
Identification and Functional Comparison of Seven-Transmembrane G-Protein-Coupled BILF1 Receptors in Recently Discovered Nonhuman Primate Lymphocryptoviruses

ABSTRACT Coevolution of herpesviruses with their respective host has resulted in a delicate balance between virus-encoded immune evasion mechanisms and host antiviral immunity. BILF1 encoded by human Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a 7-transmembrane (7TM) G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) with multiple immunomodulatory functions, including attenuation of PKR phosphorylation, activation of G-protein signaling, and downregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I surface expression. In this study, we explored the evolutionary and functional relationships between BILF1 receptor family members from EBV and 12 previously uncharacterized nonhuman primate (NHP) lymphocryptoviruses (LCVs). Phylogenetic analysis defined 3 BILF1 clades, corresponding to LCVs of New World monkeys (clade A) or Old World monkeys and great apes (clades B and C). Common functional properties were suggested by a high degree of sequence conservation in functionally important regions of the BILF1 molecules. A subset of BILF1 receptors from EBV and LCVs from NHPs (chimpanzee, orangutan, marmoset, and siamang) were selected for multifunctional analysis. All receptors exhibited constitutive signaling activity via G protein Gαi and induced activation of the NF-κB transcription factor. In contrast, only 3 of 5 were able to activate NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells); chimpanzee and orangutan BILF1 molecules were unable to activate NFAT. Similarly, although all receptors were internalized, BILF1 from the chimpanzee and orangutan displayed an altered cellular localization pattern with predominant cell surface expression. This study shows how biochemical characterization of functionally important orthologous viral proteins can be used to complement phylogenetic analysis to provide further insight into diverse microbial evolutionary relationships and immune evasion function. IMPORTANCE Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), known as an oncovirus, is the only human herpesvirus in the genus Lymphocryptovirus (LCV). EBV uses multiple strategies to hijack infected host cells, establish persistent infection in B cells, and evade antiviral immune responses. As part of EBV's immune evasion strategy, the virus encodes a multifunctional 7-transmembrane (7TM) G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), EBV BILF1. In addition to multiple immune evasion-associated functions, EBV BILF1 has transforming properties, which are linked to its high constitutive activity. We identified BILF1 receptor orthologues in 12 previously uncharacterized LCVs from nonhuman primates (NHPs) of Old and New World origin. As 7TM receptors are excellent drug targets, our unique insight into the molecular mechanism of action of the BILF1 family and into the evolution of primate LCVs may enable validation of EBV BILF1 as a drug target for EBV-mediated diseases, as well as facilitating the design of drugs targeting EBV BILF1.
Establishing Some Measures of Absolute and Relative Reliability of a Motor Test

Abstract Relative and absolute reliability are discussed in this paper on the bases of some empirical motor data. Relative reliability was assessed via the calculation of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC; Shrout & Fleiss, 1979; Nunnally & Berstein, 1994). Absolute reliability was assessed by calculating standard error of measurement (SEM), and additionally by calculating the smallest detectable change (SDC; de Veet et al., 2006a, b), a relatively new measure which originates from clinical disciplines but has an ever-growing use in other areas. Bland-Altman method (1986, 1995) for determining the limits of agreement and bias between two measurements, was also used. ICC coefficients were high with narrow limits of confidence but ICC masked some differences in trials revealed by SEM and Bland-Altman technique. As stated in Hopkins (2000), and Atkinson and Nevill (1998), more than one measure of reliability should be provided in reliability studies. Key words: Bland-Altman limits of agreement; intraclass correlation; reliability of the measurement, smallest detectable change (SDC); standard error of the measurement (SEM). --- Sažetak Rad u kojem se raspravlja o relativnoj i apsolutnoj pouzdanosti utemeljen je na empirijskim motorickim podacima. Relativna pouzdanost određena je izracunavanjem koeficijenata intraklas korelacije (ICC; Shrout i Fleiss, 1979; Nunnally i Berstein, 1994). Određivanje apsolutne pouzdanosti izvedeno je izracunavanjem standardne pogreske mjerenja (SEM) i dodatno izracunavanjem najmanjih uocljivih promjena (smallest detectable change; SDC; de Veet i sur., 2006a,b), relativno nove mjere koja potjece iz klinickih disciplina, a sve vecu primjenu nalazi i u drugim podrucjima. U radu je upotrijebljen i Bland-Altmanova metoda (1986, 1995) određivanja razina slaganja (limits of agreement; LOA), odnosno biasa između dva mjerenja. Dobiveni su visoki ICC koeficijenti i suženi limiti pouzdanosti, no ICC koeficijenti su prikrili neke razlike u ponovljenim izvedbama testa koje su uocene primjenom SEM i Bland-Altman metode. Kao sto su naveli Hopkins (2000), Atkinson i Nevill (1998) u istraživanjima pouzdanosti treba primijeniti vise mjera. Kljucne rijeci: Bland-Altmanove razine slaganja (LOA); intraklas korelacija; najmanja uocljiva promjena (SDC); pouzdanost mjerenja, standardna pogreska mjerenja (SEM)
Tapping into the Power of Automatic Question Generation

ABSTRACT Question Generation (QG) is an important element of learning environments, information seeking systems, help systems, and other applications. There are a number of distinct research subfields which are concerned with the Automatic Question Generation (AQG) Systems. This research tries to have a wide look on existing automatic question generation systems, and some trials of overcoming its difficulties from different points of views . General Terms Natural Language Processing, Natural Language Generation questions) whereas sha Keywords Automatic Question Generation, Questions Taxonomy, Multiple Choice Questions, Entity Based Questions. 1. INTRODUCTION Questions have been studied as part of the task of Question Answering in the field of Natural Language Processing (NLP). At the beginning, question answering research focused on answering questions from databases and knowledge representations [1], but in the past two decades has refocused on retrieving answers from text – e.g., in 1999 the evaluation of question-answering systems became part of the Text Retrieval Conference (TREC) series. Simultaneously, there has been a strand of research on advisory dialogue systems [2]. All the previous systems were primarily aimed at responding to the user’s questions. Recently, there has been a broader transformation in the field of Natural Language Processing researches in Question Generation task. Since 2008, researchers from different communities, such as, Discourse Analysis, Dialogue Modeling, Formal Semantics, Intelligent Tutoring Systems, Natural Language Generation, Natural Language Understanding, and Psycholinguistics, have met annually at the Question Generation workshop. AQG system would be useful for building an automated trainer for learners to ask better questions, and for building a better hint and question asking facilities in intelligent tutoring systems [3]. Another benefit of QG is that it can be a good tool to help in improving the quality of the Question Answering (QA) systems. Available studies revealed that humans were not very skilled in asking good questions. Therefore, they would benefit from automated QG systems to assist them in meeting their inquiry needs [4]. In this research, a survey about automatic question generation and different variety of work that has been done is discussed. The rest of the paper is organized as follows: section 2 discusses the basic steps for automatic question generation systems; section 3 introduces two distinct taxonomies of questions, section 4 the state of the art in which a description of the previous work, finally section 5 introduces a conclusion with some remarks.