Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immunostimulatory CpG Motifs Trigger a T Helper-1 Immune Response to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 (HIV-1) gp160 Envelope Proteins

Abstract Bacterial DNA sequences containing unmethylated CpG motifs have recently been proposed to exhibit immunostimulatory effects on B-, T- and NK cells, leading to the induction of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. In the present study we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of a CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG ODN) to the HIV-1 gp160 envelope (Env) protein in the BALB/c mouse model. Priming and boosting of mice with gp160 adsorbed to aluminium hydroxide (Alum) induced a typical T helper-2 (Th2)-dominated immune response with high titers of gp160-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 isotypes but a weak IgG2a response. Specifically re-stimulated splenocytes from these mice predominantly secreted interleukin (IL)-5 but only minute amounts of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) upon specific re-stimulation. In contrast, a boost immunisation of gp160/Alum primed mice with a gp160/Alum/CpG combination resulted in a seven times higher production of IgG2a antibodies, without affecting the titers of IgG1 isotypes. Furthermore, approximately 10-fold increased levels of IFN-γ, but significantly reduced amounts of IL-5, were secreted from gp160-restimulated splenic cells. A further greater than 30-fold increase in the levels of specific IgG2a responses and a substantially elevated secretion of IFN-γ were observed when the mice received gp160/Alum/CpG combinations for priming and boost injections. Thus, CpG ODNs are useful as an adjuvant to induce a typical Th0/Th1 response to HIV gp160 proteins. However, despite the induction of a more Th1-like immune response, gp160/Alum/CpG combinations were not sufficient to prime an Env-specific cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) response.
Enhanced VLAD

Recently, Vector of Locally Aggregated Descriptors (VLAD) has been proposed to index image by compact representations, which encodes powerful local descriptors and makes significant improvement on search performance with less memory compared against the state of art. However, its performance relies heavily on the size of the codebook which is used to generate VLAD representation. It indicates better accuracy needs higher dimensional representation. Thus, more memory overhead is needed. In this paper, we enhance VLAD image representation by using two level hierarchical-codebooks. It can provide more accurate search performance while keeping the VLAD size unchanged. In addition, hierarchical-codebooks are used to construct multiple inverted files for more accurate non-exhaustive search. Experimental results show that our method can make significant improvement on both VLAD image representation and non-exhaustive search.
Smoke detection using simplified descriptors of video information

Automatic visual detection of smoke in confined or open spaces is overriding to issue early warnings that can save lives or prevent irreparable damage. While fire presents a range of characteristic colour, smoke does not present a readily apparent pattern. Changes its shape, does not contain clear edges, presents a chaotic behaviour and colour manifests from white to black, including all nuances. This paper presents an algorithm that efficiently pre-process a frame that extracts the main component of information, decreasing orders of magnitude the source size. From this new structure, algorithms based on the temporal and spatial change of subsets of the new structure are applied. Decision is based on fusion of weak classifiers. The algorithms are described and validated with experimental results of real-time detection for open and confined spaces, considering simplicity and efficiency of the proposed method suitable for embedded systems.
Semiautomatic vessel wall detection and quantification of wall thickness in computed tomography images of human abdominal aortic aneurysms.

PURPOSE Quantitative measurements of wall thickness in human abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) may lead to more accurate methods for the evaluation of their biomechanical environment. METHODS The authors describe an algorithm for estimating wall thickness in AAAs based on intensity histograms and neural networks involving segmentation of contrast enhanced abdominal computed tomography images. The algorithm was applied to ten ruptured and ten unruptured AAA image data sets. Two vascular surgeons manually segmented the lumen, inner wall, and outer wall of each data set and a reference standard was defined as the average of their segmentations. Reproducibility was determined by comparing the reference standard to lumen contours generated automatically by the algorithm and a commercially available software package. Repeatability was assessed by comparing the lumen, outer wall, and inner wall contours, as well as wall thickness, made by the two surgeons using the algorithm. RESULTS There was high correspondence between automatic and manual measurements for the lumen area (r = 0.978 and r = 0.996 for ruptured and unruptured aneurysms, respectively) and between vascular surgeons (r = 0.987 and r = 0.992 for ruptured and unruptured aneurysms, respectively). The authors' automatic algorithm showed better results when compared to the reference with an average lumen error of 3.69%, which is less than half the error between the commercially available application Simpleware and the reference (7.53%). Wall thickness measurements also showed good agreement between vascular surgeons with average coefficients of variation of 10.59% (ruptured aneurysms) and 13.02% (unruptured aneurysms). Ruptured aneurysms exhibit significantly thicker walls (1.78 +/- 0.39 mm) than unruptured ones (1.48 +/- 0.22 mm), p = 0.044. CONCLUSIONS While further refinement is needed to fully automate the outer wall segmentation algorithm, these preliminary results demonstrate the method's adequate reproducibility and low interobserver variability.
Iterative joint source-channel decoding of VLC exploiting source semantics over realistic radio-mobile channels

Joint source-channel decoding of variable length codes (VLC) for image and video transmission over wireless links is a subject of increasing interest. This paper proposes an optimum decoder of VLC sequences which exploits inherent redundancy in source data, namely the VLC syntax and source constraints. The proposed decoder is able to deliver both Maximum Likelihood optimum hard-output and soft-output solutions. The complexity of the algorithm is analyzed and a reduced complexity version of this algorithm with a slightly sub-optimal performance is proposed. An iterative joint source-channel decoding system is designed for demonstrating the performance of the proposed soft-input soft-output (SISO) decoder. Realistic contexts have been used for simulations: typical video sequences and typical radiomobile channels.
Visual field testing for glaucoma – a practical guide

Examining visual fields is an integral part of a full ophthalmic evaluation. Several methods for assessing visual field loss are available, and the choice of which to use depends on the patient’s age, health, visual acuity, ability to concentrate, and socio-economic status. Available techniques can test the full field (including confrontation, tangent screen, Goldmann perimetry and automated perimetry), or assess just the central field of vision, such as the Amsler Grid (Figure 1). If undertaking or interpreting visual field tests, it is a good idea to undergo the tests yourself. You will probably find that undergoing a visual field test can be difficult, requiring an understanding of what is required, an ability to perform tasks quickly, and high levels of concentration. Some methods require patients to press a buzzer when they see a target, and this requires quick reflexes and nimble hands. Undergoing the experience yourself will enable you to see how it is possible for patients to be slow and to make mistakes; this will help you to be patient and realise that you may need to explain the test several times. It will also give you greater insight when interpreting the test results, and can be very useful for teaching others how to explain the process to patients. This article focuses on some of the more practical aspects of visual field testing, with an emphasis on assessing glaucoma.
A Bifactor and item response analysis of the geriatric anxiety inventory

ABSTRACT Background: Due to previously reported mixed findings, there is a need for further empirical research on the factorial structure of the commonly used Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI). Therefore, the psychometric properties of the GAI and its short form version (GAI-SF) were evaluated in a psychogeriatric mixed in-and-out patient sample (n = 543). Methods: Unidimensionality was tested using a bifactor analysis. Rasch modeling was used to assess scale properties. Sex, cognitive functioning and depressive symptoms were tested for differential item functioning (DIF). Results: The bifactor analysis identified an essential unidimensional (general) factor structure but also specific local factors. The general factor comprises all the 20 items as one factor, and the results showed that the variance in the general and specific factors (subscale) scores is best explained by the single general factor. These findings were demonstrated for both versions of the GAI. Furthermore, the Rasch models identified extensive item overlap, indicating redundant items in the full version of the GAI. The GAI-SF also seems to extract much of the same information as the full form. Test scores and items have the same meaning for older adults across different demographic status. Conclusion: The findings support the use of a total sum score for both GAI and GAI-SF. Notably, when using the GAI-SF, no information is lost, in comparison with the full scale, thus, supporting the option of choosing the short form (version) when considered most appropriate in demanding clinical contexts.
Design and implementation of neural networks for digital current regulation of inverter drives

A discussion is presented of the design of one, two, and three layer neural networks for digital current regulation of the inverter drives. The learning requirements of various designs are evaluated by developing two different learning techniques for such inverter current regulators. The models and learning techniques have been investigated by simulation. These simulation results along with design considerations are used to determine the network best suited for this application. The implementation of neural networks is described, and experimental results are given. <<ETX>>
Genetic tagging of tumor cells with retrovirus vectors: clonal analysis of tumor growth and metastasis in vivo

Retrovirus vector infection was used to introduce large numbers of unique genetic markers into tumor cell populations for the purpose of analyzing comparative changes in the clonal composition of metastatic versus that of nonmetastatic tumors during their progressive growth in vivo. The cell lines used were SP1, a nonmetastatic, aneuploid mouse mammary adenocarcinoma, and SP1HU9L, a metastatic variant of SP1. Cells were infected with delta e delta pMoTN, a replication-defective retrovirus vector which possesses the dominant selectable neo gene and crippled long terminal repeats. G418r colonies were obtained at a frequency of 4 x 10(-3). Southern blot analysis of a number of clones provided evidence of random and heritable integration of one or two copies of the proviral DNA. Clonal evolution of primary tumor growth and the nature of lineage relationships among spontaneous metastases and primary tumors were analyzed by subcutaneously injecting 10(5) cells from a pooled mixture of 3.6 x 10(2) G418r SP1HU9L or 10(4) G418r SP1 colonies into syngeneic CBA/J mice. The most striking finding was the relative clonal homogeneity of advanced primary tumors; they invariably consisted of a small number (less than 10) of distinct clones despite the fact that hundreds or thousands of uniquely marked clones had been injected. In the case of the metastatic SP1HU9L cells, the nature of these "dominant" clones varied from one tumor to another. Analysis of a number of lung metastases revealed that a proportion of them were derived from dominant primary tumor clones and were composed of one, and sometimes two, distinct progenitors. In some animals, all the lung metastases were derived from a common progenitor clone, whereas in others, each metastatic nodule had a different progenitor. The results show the following. (i) Retrovirus vector infection can be used to introduce large numbers of unique and stable clonal markers into tumor cell populations. (ii) The progeny of a very limited number of clones dominate in advanced primary tumors. (iii) Mammary carcinoma metastases are of mono- or biclonal origin. The significance of the results is discussed.
High-Power Photodiodes With 65 GHz Bandwidth Heterogeneously Integrated Onto Silicon-on-Insulator Nano-Waveguides

High-speed InP-based modified uni-traveling carrier photodiodes with top p-contact on silicon-on-insulator nanowaveguides are reported. The photodiodes have low dark current (1 nA), high bandwidth (65 GHz), and deliver record-high RF output power at 70 GHz (–2 dBm at 20 mA). Balanced and traveling-wave photodiodes of this type have bandwidths of 20 and 35 GHz, respectively.
Prolonged treatment response in aggressive natural killer cell leukemia

We describe a case of natural killer (NK) cell leukemia with acute presentation, systemic symptoms and hepatosplenomegaly. The uniform and aberrant phenotype of NK cells with infiltration of bone marrow and spleen was in keeping with a malignant diagnosis. Aggressive presentation was demonstrated by marked constitutional symptoms and significant tumor burden (liver, spleen, blood, bone marrow). The subsequent clinical course has been indolent, but this may have been influenced by treatment. Treatment consisted sequentially of splenectomy, intravenous pentostatin and the combination of cyclosporine A and recombinant human erythropoietin and has resulted in survival of over 48 months. We discuss the difficulties in the diagnosis of this condition, explore possible causes of cytopenia(s), and highlight the role of immunosuppression in controlling disease manifestations in large granular lymphocyte proliferative disorders.
Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) augmentation early in life alters hippocampal development and rescues the anxiety phenotype in vulnerable animals

Individuals with mood disorders exhibit alterations in the fibroblast growth factor system, including reduced hippocampal fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2). It is difficult, however, to pinpoint whether these alterations are a cause or consequence of the disorder. The present study asks whether FGF2 administered the day after birth has long-lasting effects on hippocampal development and emotionality. We show that early-life FGF2 shifts the pace of neurogenesis, with an early acceleration around weaning followed by a deceleration in adulthood. This, in turn, results in a denser dentate gyrus with more neurons. To assess the impact of early-life FGF2 on emotionality, we use rats selectively bred for differences in locomotor response to novelty. Selectively bred low-responder (bLR) rats show low levels of novelty-induced locomotion and exhibit high levels of anxiety- and depression-like behavior compared with their selectively bred high-responder counterparts. Early-life FGF2 decreased anxiety-like behavior in highly anxious bLRs without altering other behaviors and without affecting high-responder rats. Laser capture microscopy of the dentate gyrus followed by microarray analysis revealed genes that were differentially expressed in bLRs exposed to early-life FGF2 vs. vehicle-treated bLRs. Some of the differentially expressed genes that have been positively associated with anxiety were down-regulated, whereas genes that promote cell survival were up-regulated. Overall, these results show a key role for FGF2 in the developmental trajectory of the hippocampus as well as the modulation of anxiety-like behavior in adulthood, and they point to potential downstream targets for the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Electrochemical metallization memories—fundamentals, applications, prospects

This review focuses on electrochemical metallization memory cells (ECM), highlighting their advantages as the next generation memories. In a brief introduction, the basic switching mechanism of ECM cells is described and the historical development is sketched. In a second part, the full spectra of materials and material combinations used for memory device prototypes and for dedicated studies are presented. In a third part, the specific thermodynamics and kinetics of nanosized electrochemical cells are described. The overlapping of the space charge layers is found to be most relevant for the cell properties at rest. The major factors determining the functionality of the ECM cells are the electrode reaction and the transport kinetics. Depending on electrode and/or electrolyte material electron transfer, electro-crystallization or slow diffusion under strong electric fields can be rate determining. In the fourth part, the major device characteristics of ECM cells are explained. Emphasis is placed on switching speed, forming and SET/RESET voltage, RON to ROFF ratio, endurance and retention, and scaling potentials. In the last part, circuit design aspects of ECM arrays are discussed, including the pros and cons of active and passive arrays. In the case of passive arrays, the fundamental sneak path problem is described and as well as a possible solution by two anti-serial (complementary) interconnected resistive switches per cell. Furthermore, the prospects of ECM with regard to further scalability and the ability for multi-bit data storage are addressed.
A Web of Hate: Tackling Hateful Speech in Online Social Spaces

Online social platforms are beset with hateful speech - content that expresses hatred for a person or group of people. Such content can frighten, intimidate, or silence platform users, and some of it can inspire other users to commit violence. Despite widespread recognition of the problems posed by such content, reliable solutions even for detecting hateful speech are lacking. In the present work, we establish why keyword-based methods are insufficient for detection. We then propose an approach to detecting hateful speech that uses content produced by self-identifying hateful communities as training data. Our approach bypasses the expensive annotation process often required to train keyword systems and performs well across several established platforms, making substantial improvements over current state-of-the-art approaches.
Migration from Mexico to the United States : Wage Benefits of Crossing the Border and Going to the U

Emigrating from Mexico to the United States requires three steps: going to the border, crossing it, and going to the final U.S. destination. This article attempts to measure the earnings benefits of each migration step, focusing particularly on the second step: crossing the border. Using U.S and Mexican microdata of workers living in Mexico and in the United States, this article compares wages of identical individuals on both sides of the border after controlling for unobserved differences between migrants and nonmigrants. On average, Mexican workers increase their wages 1.22 times by moving to the Mexican side of the border, 4.15 times by crossing it, and 1.12 times by moving to an interior location in the United States. Gains are larger for unskilled workers. Also, gains for crossing the border are larger for illegal workers, while gains for going to the U.S. interior are larger for legal workers.
Effects of Fluvastatin on Cardiac Events in Renal Transplant Patients: ALERT (Assessment of Lescol® in Renal Transplantation) Study Design and Baseline Data

Background Recent clinical trials of primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease have demonstrated that lowering plasma cholesterol with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors (‘statins’) reduces morbidity and mortality from coronary heart disease in diverse patient populations. Study aims The aim of the present ALERT (Assessment of Lescol® in Renal Transplantation) study is to determine whether renal transplant recipients would also benefit from statin therapy. ALERT is a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the effect of fluvastatin in renal transplant recipients with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolaemia. The primary objective is to investigate the effects of fluvastatin on major adverse cardiac events (MACE). In addition, the effects on cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, as well as renal function, will be addressed. Study population The study population contains patients with functioning renal allografts of more than 6 months' duration, recruited from 75 centres in Northern Europe and Canada. Patients of both sexes, aged 30-75 years, with a total cholesterol level of 4.0-9.0 mmol/l (155-348 mg/dl) were included, except for those with a history of myocardial infarction, where the upper limit for inclusion was 7.0∗∗∗mmol/l (270 mg/dl). Study design A total of 2100 patients were recruited by the end of October 1997 and will be followed for up to 6 years. This report presents the design features of the study (recruitment, follow-up, sample size, data analysis and study organization), along with baseline results. ALERT is the first large-scale prospective, randomized, double-blind study to address the prevention of cardiovascular mortality in renal transplant patients receiving an HMGCoA reductase inhibitor.
Automatic skeleton generation and character skinning

An articulated character skinning usually requires manual skeleton embedding and vertex weight painting. We propose a fast and automatic method for skeleton generation and character skinning. First, we segment the given character mesh by the sequential steps of NCV(normal characteristic value) computation, segment points refinement, and principal component analysis of segment clusters. Then, two types of joints and a skeleton are generated based on the mesh segmentation result. Furthermore, we compute weights of vertices influenced by skeleton automatically and then skinning the character mesh by skeleton driven and muscle pushing algorithm. Experimental results show that our method achieves both high visual quality and fast speed. It could be used in character animation and VR real time applications.
The effect of metformin and rosiglitazone on postprandial lipid metabolism in obese insulin‐resistant subjects

Introduction: Obese insulin‐resistant individuals exhibit a dyslipidaemia due to raised levels of both hepatically and intestinally derived lipoproteins. However, little is known about the related dysregulation of intestinally derived lipoproteins. We examined whether the insulin‐sensitizing agents, metformin and rosiglitazone, improve intestinal lipoprotein metabolism in obese insulin‐resistant individuals.