Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Standardized Approach for Iris Color Determination

Latanoprost, the phenyl-substituted prostaglandin F2α, has been found to be an effective agent for glaucoma therapy. This prostaglandin derivative exerts ocular hypotensive activity but is also associated with an untoward side effect, namely iris color changes. Latanoprost provoked iris color changes in cynomolgus monkeys and in multicenter clinical trials. Until now photographs were taken and compared with color plates to document these changes. The disadvantage of this method is obvious, i.e., the color luminance varies between measurements due to changes in the developer. Furthermore, subjective comparison of color changes relative to color plates rendered judgment subject to impression and opinion rather than to objective data. Therefore, a computerized method using a 3-CCD video camera attached to a slit lamp was developed. The signals were transferred to a computer and a single frame, which was “frozen” by means of a “grabber card. ” Camera and the computer had previously been calibrated and color plates were measured to check the standard conditions. They were evaluated by a software program displaying average color (as red, green, and blue values) of the selected area. This method provides a fast and accurate way to quantify color changes in the iris of both experimental animals and clinical trials.
Optimizing FELM ensembles using GA-BIC

Performance of neural network learners is often dependent on initializing conditions. There is often a trade-off between processing speed and the generalization ability of the classifier. Using extreme learning machines, a two-stage evolutionary algorithm is proposed for feature selection and setting hidden layer size, as well as to select classifiers for ensembles. Bayesian Information Criterion was used for evaluating network generalization and complexity. The objective of the algorithm is to be able to initialize relatively simple classifiers with good generalization and subsequently construct a good ensemble of classifiers. Benchmark experiments showed improved ensembles in four of the eight tested datasets.
Robotic crawler for inspecting generators with very narrow air gaps

The non-destructive inspection of generator stators is a repetitive and cost-intensive task. For some types with very small entrance gaps (around 9mm height), it was even necessary to always remove the rotor. This paper describes the design and prototype implementation of a new robotic crawler which is only 8mm high and thus can inspect all types of generators with the rotor installed. Different solutions of how to realize torque transmission and attraction forces at such a small size are discussed, as well as the design of magnetic guiding wheels with a mechanism to fold them when passing the narrow entrance gap. The paper concludes with some test results - both in an artificial test environment and in real generators - and provides an outlook on future improvements of the prototype.
A Simple Pixel-Adaptive Bayesian Approach to Image Denoising Using Wavelet Interscale Dependency

In this paper, an approach to image denoising is proposed by utilizing the interscale dependency of wavelet coefficients. We first analyze a new property of parent/childrentype statistics in the wavelet domain. Then, a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is employed to fit this statistical property, where the children’s variance field is estimated by a linear relation involving their parent. Lastly, MMSE estimates for the noisy wavelet coefficients are obtained. We demonstrate by experimental comparisons that this approach compares favorably with other competing approaches. In particular, though our approach does not outperform other approaches at all noise levels, there are occasions when it does outperform other approaches and where it may fall short of outperforming other approaches, the difference in performance is not large.
The Development of Technological Competence from Adolescence to Adulthood.

Finland has a well-known reputation in technology, but technology is still not taught as a separate subject in the national curriculum. The position of technology education in Finland is quite different from that in most other European countries, even Finland’s Nordic neighbours. Technology education is incorporated within the scopes of other subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, home economics, and craft education. Craft education is, in practice, further divided into technical work and textile work. No special differences exist between Finnish schools’ curriculums and usual international practices. At the primary level (grades 1-6) pupils are 7 to 13 years old, at the secondary level (grades 7-9) 14 to 16, and upper secondary 17 to 19. In grades 1 to 7, craft and technology education is a compulsory subject taught 2 or 3 hours a week, although in grades 1 and 2 its contents are closer to those of hobby crafts. In grades 8 and 9 there is no compulsory technology education, but pupils can take elective studies for about 2 to 4 hours per week. Nowadays, it is possible to take elective courses in technology education even in upper secondary school, but this was not typical in Finland 15 years ago. Perhaps the main difference in the Finnish education system, as compared to usual international practice, is that University level studies are free of charge. This means that demanding entrance exams are the norm. This article builds on earlier research that defined and assessed technological competence among adolescents. It tracks students who took part in a measurements of technical abilities study fifteen years ago. The researcher had no previous knowledge of the test subjects’ current employment status, but in favorable circumstancs, these test subjects are now professionals in the field of technology. The aim of this research was to examine how technological competence was attained during the test participants’ lives. In addition, we tried to determine the elements accounting for the participants’ technological competence. The main research questions were as follows: 1. How was the test participants' technological competence developed over the course of their lives? 2. What were the main elements in technology education that affected the test participants’ competence? This follow-up study was carried out as a qualitative case study. Data from interviews with three participants were tape-recorded and translated. The research data were then analyzed using content analysis. The analysis was
Molecular Characterization of Benzimidazole Resistance in Helicobacter pylori

ABSTRACT A family of benzimidazole derivatives (BI) was shown to possess potent and selective activity against Helicobacter pylori, although the precise cellular target of the BIs is unknown. Spontaneous H. pylori mutants were isolated as resistant to a representative BI (compound A). Genomic DNA was isolated from a BI-resistant mutant, transformed into a BI-sensitive strain, and found to be sufficient to confer BI resistance. The resistance determinant was localized to a 17-kb clone after screening a lambda-based genomic library constructed from the BI-resistant strain. Upon sequencing and mapping onto the H. pylori strain J99 genome, the 17-kb clone was shown to contain the entire nuo operon (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase). Further subcloning and DNA sequencing revealed that a single point mutation in nuoD was responsible for BI resistance. The mutation resulted in a G398S amino acid change at the C terminus of NuoD. Thirty-three additional spontaneous BI-resistant mutants were characterized. Sequencing of nuoD from 32 isolated mutants revealed three classes of missense mutation resulting in amino acid changes in NuoD: G398S, F404S, and V407M. One BI-resistant isolate did not have a mutation in nuoD. Instead, a T27A amino acid change was identified in NuoB. MIC testing of the wild-type H. pylori strain and four classes of nuo mutants revealed that all NuoD mutant classes were hypersensitive to rotenone, a known inhibitor of complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) suggested to bind to NuoD. Further, a nuoD knockout verified that it is essential in H. pylori and may be the target of the BI compounds.
Real-life Translation Quality Estimation for MT System Selection

Research on translation quality annotation and estimation usually makes use of standard language, sometimes related to a specific language genre or domain. However, real-life machine translation (MT), performed for instance by on-line translation services, has to cope with some extra dif- ficulties related to the usage of open, non-standard and noisy language. In this paper we study the learning of quality estimation (QE) models able to rank translations from real-life input according to their goodness without the need of translation references. For that, we work with a corpus collected from the 24/7 Reverso.net MT service, translated by 5 different MT systems, and manually annotated with quality scores. We define several families of features and train QE predictors in the form of regressors or direct rankers. The predictors show a remarkable correlation with gold standard rankings and prove to be useful in a system combination scenario, obtaining better results than any individual translation system.
Synchronous and Asynchronous Parallel Simulated Annealing with Multiple Markov Chains

Simulated annealing is a general-purpose optimization technique capable of finding an optimal or near-optimal solution in various applications. However, the long execution time required for a good quality solution has been a major drawback in practice. Extensive studies have been carried out to develop parallel algorithms for simulated annealing. Most of them were not very successful, mainly because multiple processing elements (PEs) were required to follow a single Markov chain and, therefore, only a limited parallelism was exploited. In this paper, we propose new parallel simulated annealing algorithms which allow multiple Markov chains to be traced simultaneously by PEs which may communicate with each other. We have considered both synchronous and asynchronous implementations of the algorithms. Their performance has been analyzed in detail and also verified by extensive experimental results. It has been shown that for graph partitioning the proposed parallel simulated annealing schemes can find a solution of equivalent (or even better) quality up to an order of magnitude faster than the conventional parallel schemes. Among the proposed schemes, the one where PEs exchange information dynamically (not with a fixed period) performs best.
Postprandial Triglyceridemia in Obese and Non-obese Adolescents. Importance of Body Composition and Fat Distribution

BACKGROUND It has recently been shown that obese adults have a disturbed metabolism of postprandial lipoproteins, resulting in postprandial hypertriglyceridemia. To the best of our knowledge, there are no data about postprandial triglyceridemia in obese and non-obese children and adolescents. SUBJECTS 12 obese and 12 non-obese adolescents, aged 11.0 to 13.8 years. METHODS Body composition and fat distribution (waist-to-hip circumference ratio and triceps/ subscapular skinfold thickness ratio) were assessed by anthropometry. An oral fat tolerance test was carried out, and fasting and postprandial lipid-lipoprotein serum concentrations were measured. RESULTS We observed a significant increase in triglyceride serum concentrations 2 and 4 hours after the oral fat load, in both obese and non-obese adolescents. In obese and non-obese adolescents there were significant correlations between some variables of postprandial lipemia and the studied indices of body fat distribution. When we compare postprandial lipemia in adolescents having a central pattern of fat distribution with those having a peripheral pattern of fat distribution, we observed higher variables related to postprandial lipemia in those having a central pattern of fat distribution compared with those with a peripheral pattern (sum of serum triglyceride concentrations: 6.06 vs 4.41, p = 0.0243). CONCLUSIONS We present a protocol to study postprandial lipemia in children and adolescents that allowed us to observe significant changes after an oral fat load. Results obtained indicate that the pattern of distribution of adipose tissue may be more important for lipid metabolism disturbances than total adipose tissue per se.
Secure Interactive Electronic Negotiations In Business-to-business Marketplaces

In this paper, we discuss security aspects of interactive bilateral multi-attribute negotiations. We introduce this type of electronic negotiations and maintain that it will be an important functional aspect of business-to-business electronic marketplaces. We discuss the general application architecture and the process flow for this type of negotiations. We introduce the relevant security issues and show how these issues can be dealt with, especially within a business relationship where a lower degree of trust prevails. To this purpose, we introduce and discuss a protocol for secure interactive electronic negotiations.
Synthesis and Antiviral Evaluation of New N‐acylhydrazones Containing Glycine Residue

N‐acylhydrazones containing glycine residue 3a–j and 8a–h were synthesized as HIV‐1 capsid protein assembly inhibitors. The structures of the novel N‐acylhydrazone derivatives were characterized using different spectroscopic methods. Antiviral activity demonstrated that compound 8c bearing 4‐methylphenyl moiety was the most active with low cytotoxicity.
Intrinsic and extrinsic erythropoietin enhances neuroprotection against ischemia and reperfusion injury in vitro

This study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of intrinsic and extrinsic erythropoietin (EPO) against hypoxia/ischemia, and determine the optimal time‐window with respect to the EPO‐induced neuroprotection. Experiments were conducted using primary mixed neuronal/astrocytic cultures and neuron‐rich cultures. Hypoxia (2%) induces hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) activity followed by strong EPO expression in mixed cultures and weak expression in neuron‐rich cultures as documented by both western blot and RT–PCR. Immunoreactive EPO was strongly detected in astrocytes, whereas EPOR was only detected in neurons. Neurons were significantly damaged in neuron‐rich cultures but were distinctly rescued in mixed cultures. Application of recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) (0.1 U/mL) within 6 h before or after hypoxia significantly increased neuronal survival compared with no rhEPO treatment. Application of rhEPO after onset of reoxygenation achieved the maximal neuronal protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury (6 h hypoxia followed 24 h reoxygenation). Our results indicate that HIF‐1α induces EPO gene released by astrocytes and acts as an essential mediator of neuroprotection, prove the protective role of intrinsic astrocytic‐neuronal signaling pathway in hypoxic/ischemic injury and demonstrate an optimal therapeutic time‐window of extrinsic rhEPO in ischemia/reperfusion injury in vitro. The results point to the potential beneficial effects of HIF‐1α and EPO for the possible treatment of stroke.
A new approach for quality of life assessment in cardiac patients: rationale and validation of the Quality of Life Systemic Inventory.

OBJECTIVE To validate an interview-like questionnaire measuring quality of life, based on the subject's capacity to reach personal goals in different life domains. DESIGN One group repeated measures for test-retest reliability (two-week interval) and correlational approach for concurrent validity. PARTICIPANTS A total of 171 normal subjects (95 males and 76 females) was interviewed. Mean age was 43.6 years. OUTCOME MEASURES The Quality of Life Systemic Inventory (QLSI), the Beck Depression Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Marlowe and Crowne Social Desirability Scale, the Buss and Durkee Hostility Inventory, the Carver and Sheerer self-efficacy scale and the Derogatis Stress Profile were used. RESULTS The quality of life score (a gap score representing the difference between a subject's actual state and personal goal) has a high test-retest reliability of 0.838. The two other scores (goal and potential for conflict) also have good test-retest reliability: 0.858 for both. Intercorrelations between scores are low-gap-goal, 0.293; gap-conflict, 0.172; and goal-conflict, 0.115--suggesting their distinctiveness. Correlations between scores and social desirability are also low-gap, 0.106; conflict, -0.024; and goal, -0.128. Finally, correlations with other psychological variables such as depression, anxiety, self-efficacy and stress are moderate to low, showing that the questionnaire measures dimensions different from these variables. CONCLUSIONS The QLSI has good test-retest reliability, and scores are not much influenced by social desirability despite the fact that the test is used in an interview setting. The questionnaire may be administered in small groups or face-to-face situations. It yields a wealth of clinical information and is easily used in research. Furthermore, patients much prefer this interactive exchange to the long self-administered questionnaires.
An Experimental Model for Preventing Alloimmunization against Platelet Transfusions by Pretreatment with Antibody‐Coated Cells

The pretreatment of LEW (RT‐11) rat recipients with antibody‐coated BN (RT‐1n) blood cells resulted in the suppression of the LEW antibody response against subsequent BN platelet and leukocyte transfusions. Both coating with homologous LEW‐anti‐BN serum or heterologous rabbit‐anti‐rat lymphocyte serum was effective. Repeated boosting with uncoated platelets or leukocytes did not abrogate the suppression. The degree of suppression was dependent on the amount of antibody used for cell coating. The induced suppression was also extended to uncoated antigens and unrelated third‐party cells. The serum‐IgG fraction of pretreated rats was strongly immunosuppressive, suggesting that the mechanism of suppression was related to the induction of a broadly reactive regulatory IgG.
Aspects of quality of life in adults diagnosed with autism in childhood

The present study is a long-term prospective follow-up study of a population-based cohort of 120 individuals diagnosed with autism in childhood, followed into late adolescence/early adulthood. Specific aims of the study were to attempt to measure and study social aspects/quality of life in those 108 individuals with autism alive and available for study at the time of follow-up (13—22 years after original diagnosis). A newly constructed scale for rating ‘autism-friendly environment’/quality of life was used alongside a structured parent/carer interview assessing current occupation, educational history, services provided, accommodation type, and recreational activities. The majority of the group with autism remained dependent on parents/caregivers for support in education, accommodation and occupational situations. In spite of this, the estimation of the study group’s general quality of life was encouragingly positive. Nevertheless, there was an obvious need for improvements in the areas of occupation and recreational activities. Future studies need to look in more depth at the concept of an autism-friendly environment and develop more detailed quality of life assessment tools relevant for people in the autism spectrum.
Splenic Injury

Although the association of asplenia and overwhelming bacterial septicemia was first reported more than 20 years ago, it has taken considerably longer to make practical strides in avoiding splenectomy. The large experience of Pearl and colleagues demonstrates that we can avoid splenectomy ever more often. The treatment of splenic injuries during a period of 5 years was reviewed and compared to the management of patients during the previous 5 years. The number of patients who did not require surgery increased from 70% to 87%, those requiring blood transfusion decreased from 36% to 23%, and the number undergoing a total splenectomy decreased from 24% to 4%.
Frequency of and variables associated with the EGFR mutation and its subtypes

Mutation in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently seen in non‐small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), especially in Asian females with adenocarcinoma. The frequency of mutation and the factors associated requires to be elucidated by analyzing a large number of consecutive clinical samples. We summarized the result of the EGFR mutation analysis for 1,176 patients performed at the time of diagnosis or relapse. The PNA‐LNA PCR clamp, a highly sensitive detection method for the EGFR mutation, was employed. For fresh cases a portion of samples isolated to establish the diagnosis of lung cancer was used. For cases with a relapsed disease archival tissue were tested. The variables associated with the EGFR mutation after removing the confound factors were investigated by the logistic analysis using the samples collected in our university (n = 308) where detailed information on patients were available. The frequency of the EGFR mutation and its subtypes were investigated using all samples (n = 1,176). The EGFR mutation was significantly associated with adenocarcinoma (p = 0.006) and light‐smoking (p < 0.0001), but not gender. The deletions in exon 19 were more frequently associated with male gender while exon 21 deletions were with female gender (p = 0.0011). The overall frequency of the EGFR mutation was 31%. Our result suggests that the female predominance in the EGFR mutation rate is a reflection of a higher frequency of adenocarcinoma in females. The gender difference in the mutation subtypes may provide a clue for the mechanism of the occurrence of the EGFR mutation.
Protein Requirement in Critically ill Patients

Acute critical illness is associated with proteolysis which leads to immunosuppression, poor wound healing, intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness, increased mortality, and delayed recovery. It has been suggested that exogenous protein should be supplemented in sufficient amounts to mitigate this protein loss. However, there is a continuing controversy regarding the optimal amount of protein that should be administered to critically ill patients and its impact on the outcomes. The current clinical practice guidelines recommend protein intake in the range of 1.2–2.5 g/kg per day. These guidelines are mostly based on observational studies and a few randomized controlled trials. In addition, small studies showed improvement in muscle mass or handgrip strength but with no effect on ICU mortality or length of stay due to small sample size and presence of confounders such as energy intake or due to heterogeneous population. On the other hand, there is some evidence suggesting that higher protein intake provided in the 1st week of illness may actually cause harm due to inhibition of autophagy or increased ureagenesis. Therefore, there is a need for a well-designed randomized multicenter clinical trial to evaluate the optimal protein requirement in different phases of critical illness, in different subgroups, and in nutritionally high-risk patients.
Analysis of video views in online courses

Nowadays, in our fast-paced world there are countless MOOC courses in the Internet with various topics that have been designed to broaden our knowledge. One of the most powerful tools for effective learning are online videos. Many case studies have been carried out in order to specify the qualities of a good educational video. Philip J. Guo, Juho Kim and Rob Rubin published an article (How Video Production Affects Student Engagement - An Empirical Study of MOOC Videos) on their experience during edX courses. They analyzed the optimal length of a video and determined which videos were preferred by the students. Our research group from the University of Szeged has developed a logging system which records student activities in online courses to analyze learning styles and behaviour when watching a video. In our research, we did a literature review about on-line videos and introduced the system to log student activities, focusing on video views.