Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Bot Spooler Architecture to Integrate Virtual Worlds with E-learning Management Systems for Corporate Training

Joining efforts of academic and corporate teams, we developed an integration architecture - MULTIS - that enables corporate e-learning managers to use a Learning Management System (LMS) for management of educational activities in virtual worlds. This architecture was then implemented for the Formare LMS. In this paper we present this architecture and concretizations of its implementation for the Second Life Grid/OpenSimulator virtual world platforms. Current systems are focused on activities managed by individual trainers, rather than groups of trainers and large numbers of trainees: they focus on providing the LMS with information about educational activities taking place in a virtual world and/or being able to access within the virtual world some of the information stored in the LMS, and disregard the streamlining of activity setup and data collection in multi-trainer contexts, among other administrative issues. This architecture aims to overcome the limitations of existing systems for organizational management of corporate e-learning activities.
Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis as an under‐diagnosed cause of flap failure in heparin‐naive patients: A case report and systematic review of the literature

Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITT) is an immune complex mediated and potentially devastating cause of flap loss in microvascular surgery. HITT may be an under‐reported cause of early‐flap failure due to subclinical manifestations at the time of flap loss. A case report of a patient presenting with HITT‐related flap failure and the results of a systematic literature review of the clinical presentation of HITT in microsurgery are presented here.
Optimal Capacitor Placement for Voltage Stability Enhancement in Distribution Systems using BBO

The operating conditions of the present day distribution systems are closer to the voltage stability boundaries due to the ever increasing load demand. This article presents a biogeography based optimization (BBO) algorithm for determining the optimal locations and sizing of static and/or switched shunt capacitors with a view to enhance voltage stability of distribution systems. Biogeography deals with geographical distribution of biological species. Mathematical models of biogeography portray how species arises, migrates from one habitat to another and gets smeared out. The BBO algorithm searches for global solution through migration and mutation. The superiority of this approach is demonstrated by testing the algorithm on 15, 33 and 69-node distribution systems. General Terms Distribution systems
Classifying craniosynostosis deformations by skull shape imaging

Craniosynostosis is a serious and common disease of children, caused by premature fusion of the sutures of the skull. The resulting abnormal skull growth can lead to severe deformity, increased intra-cranial pressure, vision, hearing and breathing problems. In this work we develop an algorithmic framework to accurately classify deformations caused by sagittal craniosynostosis. The basic idea is to combine our novel cranial image shape descriptors and off-the-shelf classification technologies to encode morphological variations that characterize the synostotic skull. We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach in a series of large-scale classification experiments that compare the performance of our proposed image descriptors to those of traditional clinical indices and Fourier-based measurements.
Tile coding based camera modeling for 3D sensing

Recently, the 3D sensing technique using optical devices such as multiple cameras has been applied to various areas such as visualization, motion capturing, and so on. However, improvement of the camera model structure is indispensible for more precise measurement. In this study, we propose a camera modeling technique for 3D sensing based on tile coding (CMAC) structure. A distance between a sensing target and the camera is used to construct the camera model considering optical projection characteristics. In our approach, the least mean square error method is successfully applied considering the simple tile structure to formulate the camera model. Then iterative calculations for solving the inverse problem of the 3-D to 2-D projection by camera are performed to attain measured 3D coordinates. Through 3D sensing experiments of stereo vision measurement based on the proposed approach, we showed the proposed model drastically improved the modeling performance compared with the conventional modeling approach such as Open CV model and crisp partitioned model.
Predicting mispricing of initial public offerings

This article investigates the ability of neural network models to predict mispricing of initial public offerings (IPOs). The aim is to improve the modest explanatory power of existing models that are based on the theory of asymmetrically informed economic agents surrounding post-issue market value of IPOs. This study develops and compares linear regression and neural network models. The results show that modelling variable interactions and non-linearity allows a potentially fruitful approach for stagging in IPOs. Neural networks have been criticized for being a black box; however, this paper shows that, by using sensitivity analysis, neural networks can provide a reasonable explanation of their predictive behaviour and direction of association between variables. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implications of Changes for the Field

This article provides a thorough discussion of the proposed DSM-5 changes and their implications for current and future approaches to assessment, identification, and service delivery for children and adolescents with ADHD. Educational and clinical implications are discussed with special attention to the individual impact of the changes, diagnostic prevalence rates, and associated societal costs. Developmental period is considered as an important factor in the potential impact of the DSM-5 changes. The authors conclude that the DSM-5 proposed revisions may improve diagnostic sensitivity and specificity; yet the overall impact of these changes remains largely unknown as many were not empirically validated. The authors suggest that the cumulative impact of the set of changes be considered when finalizing the DSM-5 revisions.
Activation‐induced NK cell death triggered by CD2 stimulation

Both T cells and natural killer (NK) cells express CD2, the target of an alternative activation pathway that induces the proliferation of both cell types. The mitogenic response to CD2 ligation requires the co‐expression of CD3 : TCR in T cells and FcγRIII in NK cells, suggesting that these receptors are involved in transducing the response initiated by CD2. The ability of FcγRIII to trigger the activation‐induced death of IL‐2‐primed NK cells led us to investigate the potential for CD2 to trigger activation‐induced NK cell death. Our results reveal that the same anti‐CD2 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that activate freshly isolated NK cells induce apoptosis in IL‐2‐primed NK cells. CD2‐induced apoptosis results in chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation and cleavage of caspase‐3. Activation‐induced NK cell death triggered by CD2 ligation is extremely rapid (DNA fragmentation is first observed at 90 min) and it is not inhibited by neutralizing antibodies reactive with TNF‐α or Fas ligand. Whereas mAb reactive with distinct CD2 epitopes (i.e. T11.1, T11.2, and T11.3) are required for activation‐induced T cell death, mAb reactive with a single CD2 epitope are sufficient for activation‐induced NK cell death. The ability of CD2, CD16, and CD94 to induce apoptosis in IL‐2‐primed lymphocytes suggests that cytokine priming changes the response to a signaling cascade that is common to each of these activation receptors.
China's Health System and the Next 20 Years of Reform

Analysing the future of the Chinese healthcare system requires some historical context. This chapter will divide the Chinese healthcare reform experience into three distinct periods. The first is the collective period, defined as the period 1950–79. Due to its efficient public finance system and ‘step-up, step-down’ delivery mechanisms, China’s public health system was a world leader in terms of its high levels of ‘bang for your buck’.
Relationship between Refractive Error and Monochromatic Aberrations of the Eye

Purpose. To examine the relationship between ametropia and optical aberrations in a population of 200 normal human eyes with refractive errors spanning the range from +5.00 to −10.00 D. Methods. Using a reduced-eye model of ametropia, we tested the hypothesis that the optical system of the eye is uncorrelated with the degree of ametropia. These predictions were evaluated experimentally with a Shack-Hartmann aberrometer that measured the monochromatic aberrations across the central 6 mm of the dilated pupil in well-corrected, cyclopleged eyes. Results. Optical theory predicted, and control experiments on a model eye verified, that Shack-Hartmann measurements of spherical aberration will vary with axial elongation of the eye even if the dioptric components of the eye are fixed. Contrary to these predictions, spherical aberration was not significantly different from emmetropic eyes. Root mean square of third-order aberrations, fourth-order aberrations, and total higher aberrations (third to 10th) in myopic and hyperopic eyes were also uncorrelated with refractive error. Astigmatic eyes tended to have larger total higher-order aberrations than nonastigmatic eyes. Conclusions. We conclude that a reduced-eye model of myopia assuming fixed optical parameters and variable axial length is not tenable.
Evaluation of Abuse-Deterrent or Tamper-Resistant Opioid Formulations on Overall Health Care Expenditures in a State Medicaid Program

BACKGROUND: The development of abuse-deterrent opioid prescription medications is a priority at the national level. Pharmaceutical manufacturers have begun marketing new formulations of currently available opioids that meet higher abuse resistance standards. Little information is available regarding the impact of these formulations on overall health care expenditures. OBJECTIVES: To (a) examine the relationship between health care expenditures and use of brand abuse-deterrent or tamper-resistant (ADTR) extended-release opioids versus standard dosage form (SDF) extended-release opioids in a state Medicaid population, and (b) determine whether this relationship was influenced by member-specific characteristics. METHODS: The study is a cross-sectional review of Oklahoma Medicaid members (aged ≥ 21 years) with at least 1 paid pharmacy claim for long-acting opioids between September 2013 and August 2014. Members who were adherent to extended-release opioid products were classified into ADTR and SDF opioid groups. The relationship between health care expenditures (prescription, medical, and overall) and opioid groups was examined using multiple linear regression models. The impact of member-specific characteristics (age, sex, race, urban classifications, and various comor-bidities) on this relationship was examined. RESULTS: Prescription spending ($9,265,554) accounted for 35% of overall health care expenditures ($26,304,693) among 938 members during the 12-month reference period. Total prescription expenditures were higher among ADTR than SDF user groups, and the difference in median expenditures between these 2 groups was larger among members with more comorbidities, as measured by the Charlson Comorbidity Index score. Overall, ADTR users had higher median total health care and medical expenditures, and the difference in median expenditures was dependent on whether a member had comorbidities of addiction or not (higher expenditures were observed among members with comorbidities of addiction). CONCLUSIONS: The abuse and misuse of medically prescribed opioid products is a growing health epidemic. A variety of attempts have been made to reduce the potential of abuse and misuse of these products, including changes to product formulations. The results of this study indicate that both prescription spending and physician and pharmacy spending combined may be increased with the use of these new products because of higher pricing. Study findings also suggest that the use of ADTR opioids among members with comorbidities of addiction may be related to slightly lower overall health care and medical expenditures than those among members without comorbidities of addiction. Further research is required to answer questions regarding the comparative effectiveness of existing opioid prescription formulations.
Combination of an Unbiased Amplification Method and a Resequencing Microarray for Detecting and Genotyping Equine Arteritis Virus

ABSTRACT This study shows that an unbiased amplification method applied to equine arteritis virus RNA significantly improves the sensitivity of the real-time reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health. Twelve viral RNAs amplified using this method were hybridized on a high-density resequencing microarray for effective viral characterization.
200-mm CVD Grown Si/SiGe Resonant Interband Tunnel Diodes Optimized for High Peak-to-Valley Current Ratios

Negative differential resistance (NDR) devices in conjunction with MOS transistors will provide a high speed, low power alternate to complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology [1]. Boolean logic with gate-level pipelining has been demonstrated using monostable-bistable logic (MOBILE) gates [1]. Application to low-power embedded memory is also promising [2]. A key hurdle for tunneling based devices is development of a manufacturable process that can be integrated into a CMOS process line. Monolithic integration of low-temperature molecular beam epitaxy (LT-MBE) grown Si/SiGe resonant interband tunnel diodes (RITD) with NMOS [3] has been demonstrated. However, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is the dominant epitaxial growth technique for semiconductor manufacturing. The first CVD grown Si/SiGe RITD was demonstrated with a peak-to-valley current ratio (PVCR) of 1.85 [4]. In this work, further optimization of boron δ-doping has resulted in high PVCR up to 5.2. Current density dependence on tunneling barrier thickness is also investigated.
Gamma Oscillations in the Rat Ventral Striatum Originate in the Piriform Cortex

Local field potentials (LFPs) recorded from the human and rodent ventral striatum (vStr) exhibit prominent, behaviorally relevant gamma-band oscillations. These oscillations are related to local spiking activity and transiently synchronize with anatomically related areas, suggesting a possible role in organizing vStr activity. However, the origin of vStr gamma is unknown. We recorded vStr gamma oscillations across a 1.4 mm2 grid spanned by 64 recording electrodes as male rats rested and foraged for rewards, revealing a highly consistent power gradient originating in the adjacent piriform cortex. Phase differences across the vStr were consistently small (<15°) and current source density analysis further confirmed the absence of local sink-source pairs in the vStr. Reversible occlusions of the ipsilateral (but not contralateral) nostril, known to abolish gamma oscillations in the piriform cortex, strongly reduced vStr gamma power and the occurrence of transient gamma-band events. These results imply that local circuitry is not a major contributor to gamma oscillations in the vStr LFP and that piriform cortex is an important driver of gamma-band oscillations in the vStr and associated limbic areas. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The ventral striatum (vStr) is an area of anatomical convergence in circuits underlying motivated behavior, but it remains unclear how its inputs from different sources interact. A major proposal about how neural circuits may switch dynamically between convergent inputs is through temporal organization reflected in local field potential (LFP) oscillations. Our results show that, in the rat, the mechanisms controlling gamma-band oscillations in the vStr LFP are primarily located in the in the adjacent piriform cortex rather than in the vStr itself, providing a novel interpretation of previous rodent work on gamma oscillations in the vStr and related circuits and an important consideration for future work seeking to use oscillations in these areas as biomarkers for behavioral and neurological disorders.
High antibody titres in mice with polymethylmethacrylate nanoparticles as adjuvant for HIV vaccines

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) nanoparticles as adjuvants for an HIV-2 whole-virus vaccine in mice. The data clearly revealed that PMMA nanoparticles induced 10–100-fold higher antibody titres than aluminium hydroxide or an aqueous vaccine control preparation as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Moreover, the high antibody titres obtained with PMMA as adjuvant appeared to be stable for between 10 and 20 weeks after immunization. In contrast, the titres of the control preparations, fluid or aluminium hydroxide formulations, decreased after 10 weeks.
Accès aux connaissances orales par le résumé automatique

Resume. Les donnees audio sont intimement liees au temps et la seule facon d’etre sur d’avoir capture l’ensemble des informations d’un flux audio est de l’ecouter dans son integralite. Nous proposons dans cet article d’etudier les techniques issues du resume automatique afin de reduire le temps d’ecoute dans une interface d’acces a une base de donnees parlees. Un moteur de recherche, similaire a ceux utilises pour naviguer dans le web, est seconde par une hierarchisation thematique des resultats afin d’affiner les requetes et une reduction de redondance par resume automatique de parole. L’accent est mis sur les problematiques posees par le contenu audio dans le cadre specifique de l’utilisation de donnees radio-diffusees.
Temperature dependence of molecular beam epitaxy of GaN on SiC (0001)

High quality gallium nitride thin films have been grown on 6H-silicon carbide (0001) substrates at varying substrate temperatures using molecular beam epitaxy and characterized at low and high film thicknesses. The epitaxial layers show two regimes in temperature distinguishable by different morphology. For film thicknesses around the critical thickness, low temperature growth is two dimensional while for higher temperatures, growth is in the form of three-dimensional columnar islands. At a thickness of about 200 nm, the low temperature films show a large density of spiral growths while high temperature films show a two-dimensional morphology. X-ray peak widths are seen to decrease with increasing substrate temperature. These results have been explained in terms of a model which proposes different misfit dislocation formation mechanisms in the two temperature regimes.
The effects of prior light history on the suppression of melatonin by light in humans

Abstract: We investigated the impact of light exposure history on light sensitivity in humans, as assessed by the magnitude of the suppression of melatonin secretion by nocturnal light. The hypothesis was that following a week of increased daytime bright‐light exposure, subjects would become less sensitive to light, and that after a week of restriction to dimmer light they would become more sensitive. During the bright week, subjects (n = 12) obtained 4.3 ± 0.4 hr of bright light per day (by going outside and using light boxes indoors). During the dim week, they wore dark goggles (about 2% light transmission) when outside during daylight and spent 1.4 ± 0.9 hr per day outside. Saliva samples were obtained every 30 min for 7 hr in dim light (<15 lux) on two consecutive nights (baseline and test night) at the end of each week. On the test night, 500 lux was presented for 3 hr in the middle of the collection period to suppress melatonin. There was significantly more suppression after the dim week compared with after the bright week (to 53 versus 41% of the baseline night values, P < 0.05). However, there were large individual differences, and the difference between the bright and dim weeks was most pronounced in seven of the 12 subjects. Possible reasons for these individual differences are discussed, including the possibility that 1 wk was not long enough to change light sensitivity in some subjects. In conclusion, this study suggests that the circadian system's sensitivity to light can be affected by a recent change in light history.
Ionizing radiation enhances double-strand-break repair in rapamycin-treated ataxia telangiectasia lymphoblasts

Purpose : Unlike normal cells, ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) cells do not exhibit enhanced double-strand-break (dsb)-repair fidelity after ionizing radiation (IR) exposure. DNA-repair induction and other responses to IR are mediated by signalling pathways that are defective in A-T cells. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) protein, the mutated protein in A-T cells, is homologous to members of the P13-kinase, including the rapamycin target FRAP. Rapamycin kills normal cells more readily in normal than in A-T cells, and inhibits the FRAP target p70 S6 kinase (p70 S6K) more readily in normal than in A-T cells. Also, PHAS-1, another FRAP target, may also be a substrate for ATM. Because ATM plays a role in the response of mammalian cells to rapamycin, the effect of rapamycin on IR enhancement of dsb repair was investigated. Materials and methods : Double-strand-break repair by normal and A-T lymphoblasts, either untreated or treated with rapamycin and gamma-irradiated, was analysed using shuttle pZ189 containing a dsb. Results : Double-strand-break-rejoining fidelity in linear plasmids (linDNA) processed in either untreated or rapamycin-treated normal cells increased about twofold if transfection occurred immediately after host irradiation. In contrast, radiation did not increase or decrease the repair fidelity by untreated A-T host cells. But, like normal hosts, dsb-repair fidelity improved twofold in A-T hosts treated with rapamycin. Treatment with the P13-kinase inhibitor LY294002 did not alter dsb-rejoining fidelity in normal or in A-T hosts. Conclusions : These findings demonstrate that rapamycin does not affect IR enhancement of dsb-repair fidelity in normal cells but restores this phenomenon in A-T lymphoblasts, and suggests the involvement of a rapamycin-sensitive pathway in radiation-enhanced dsb repair.
Crystal structure and hydrogen-bonding system in cellulose Ibeta from synchrotron X-ray and neutron fiber diffraction.

The crystal and molecular structure together with the hydrogen-bonding system in cellulose Ibeta has been determined using synchrotron and neutron diffraction data recorded from oriented fibrous samples prepared by aligning cellulose microcrystals from tunicin. These samples diffracted both synchrotron X-rays and neutrons to better than 1A resolution (>300 unique reflections; P2(1)). The X-ray data were used to determine the C and O atom positions. The resulting structure consisted of two parallel chains having slightly different conformations and organized in sheets packed in a "parallel-up" fashion, with all hydroxymethyl groups adopting the tg conformation. The positions of hydrogen atoms involved in hydrogen-bonding were determined from a Fourier-difference analysis using neutron diffraction data collected from hydrogenated and deuterated samples. The hydrogen atoms involved in the intramolecular O3.O5 hydrogen bonds have well-defined positions, whereas those corresponding to O2 and O6 covered a wider volume, indicative of multiple geometry with partial occupation. The observation of this disorder substantiates a recent infrared analysis and indicates that, despite their high crystallinity, crystals of cellulose Ibeta have an inherent disorganization of the intermolecular H-bond network that maintains the cellulose chains in sheets.