Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Watching Film for the First Time

Although film, television, and video play an important role in modern societies, the extent to which the similarities of cinematographic images to natural, unmediated conditions of visual experience contribute to viewers’ comprehension is largely an open question. To address this question, we compared 20 inexperienced adult viewers from southern Turkey with groups of medium- and high-experienced adult viewers from the same region. In individual sessions, each participant was shown a set of 14 film clips that included a number of perceptual discontinuities typical for film. The viewers’ interpretations were recorded and analyzed. The findings show that it is not the similarity to conditions of natural perception but the presence of a familiar line of action that determines the comprehensibility of films for inexperienced viewers. In the absence of such a line of action, extended prior experience is required for appropriate interpretation of cinematographic images such as those we investigated in this study.
Estimating the dimensionality of neural responses with fMRI Repetition Suppression

We propose a novel method that exploits fMRI Repetition Suppression (RS-fMRI) to measure the dimensionality of the set response vectors, i.e. the dimension of the space of linear combinations of neural population activity patterns in response to specific task conditions. RS-fMRI measures the overlap between response vectors even in brain areas displaying no discernible average differential BOLD signal. We show how this property can be used to estimate the neural response dimensionality in areas lacking macroscopic spatial patterning. The importance of dimensionality derives from how it relates to a neural circuit's functionality. As we show, the dimensionality of the response vectors is predicted to be high in areas involved in multi-stream integration, while it is low in areas where inputs from independent sources do not interact or merely overlap linearly. Our method can be used to identify and functionally characterize cortical circuits that integrate multiple independent information pathways.
Perspective Article: Tissue repair, contraction, and the myofibroblast

After the first description of the myofibroblast in granulation tissue of an open wound by means of electron microscopy, as an intermediate cell between the fibroblast and the smooth muscle cell, the myofibroblast has been identified both in normal tissues, particularly in locations where there is a necessity of mechanical force development, and in pathological tissues, in relation with hypertrophic scarring, fibromatoses and fibrocontractive diseases as well as in the stroma reaction to epithelial tumors. It is now accepted that fibroblast/myofibroblast transition begins with the appearance of the protomyofibroblast, whose stress fibers contain only β‐ and γ‐cytoplasmic actins and evolves, but not necessarily always, into the appearance of the differentiated myofibroblast, the most common variant of this cell, with stress fibers containing α‐smooth muscle actin. Myofibroblast differentiation is a complex process, regulated by at least a cytokine (the transforming growth factor‐β1), an extracellular matrix component (the ED‐A splice variant of cellular fibronectin), as well as the presence of mechanical tension. The myofibroblast is a key cell for the connective tissue remodeling that takes place during wound healing and fibrosis development. On this basis, the myofibroblast may represent a new important target for improving the evolution of such diseases as hypertrophic scars, and liver, kidney or pulmonary fibrosis.
Adaptively weighted update steps in motion compensated lifting based scalable video compression

Motion-compensated temporal wavelet decomposition is a use-framework for fully scalable video compression schemes. In paper we propose a new approach to reduce the ghosting artifacts in low-pass temporal subbands; we adaptively weight the update steps according to the energy in the high-pass temporal sub-bands at the corresponding location. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can substantially remove ghosting from low-pass temporal frames. Importantly, at full frame-rate, the proposed algorithm has similar performance to the original motion-compensated temporal decomposition, with superior performance where the motion model fails significantly. While entirely skipping the update steps accomplishes a similar objective, we show that the proposed method for adaptively weighting the update steps has better performance, especially in the presence of additive noise. Since the compressed bit-stream is scalable, the decoder does not generally have exactly the same information which the encoder used to determine weights for the update steps. Nevertheless, the proposed method exhibits good robustness to quantization error.
Predictive Modeling of Oxide Layer Thickness in Ultrasonic-ELID Multiplicate Grinding

The oxide layer formed and removed on the surface of the grinding wheel has a significant influence on the grinding quality of ultrasonic-ELID multiplicate grinding. In this paper on the basis of the principles of electrochemical and ultrasonic vibration, the mechanisms of oxide layer formation and remotion were analyzed. Then, the predictive modeling of oxide layer thickness was proposed. The effects of main factors on the oxide film thickness were simulated and analyzed theoretically. The simulation results show that the layer thickness decreases with the decrease of the duty ratio or the grain volume ratio or the ultrasonic frequency ,and the increase of the electrode gap during the composite grinding process.
Verification of concurrent programs, Part I: The temporal framework

This is the first in a series of reports describing the application of temporal logic to the specification and verification of concurrent programs. We first introduce temporal logic as a tool for reasoning about sequences of states. Models of concurrent programs based both on transition graphs and on linear-text representations are presented and the notions of concurrent and fair executions are defined. The general temporal language is then specialized to reason aboaut those execution sequences that are fair computations of a concurrent program. Subsequently, the language is used to describe properties of concurrent programs. The set of interesting properties is classified into invariance (safety), eventuality (liveness), and precedence (until) properties. Among the properties studied are: partial correctness, global invariance, clean behavior, mutual exclusion, absence of deadlock, termination, total correctness, intermittent assertions, accessibility, responsiveness, safe liveness, absence of unsolicited response, fair responsiveness, and precedence. In the following reports of this series, we will use the temporal formalism to develop proof methodologies for proving the properties discussed here.
Hybrid RGSA and Support Vector Machine Framework for Three-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Brain Tumor Classification

A novel hybrid approach for the identification of brain regions using magnetic resonance images accountable for brain tumor is presented in this paper. Classification of medical images is substantial in both clinical and research areas. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modality outperforms towards diagnosing brain abnormalities like brain tumor, multiple sclerosis, hemorrhage, and many more. The primary objective of this work is to propose a three-dimensional (3D) novel brain tumor classification model using MRI images with both micro- and macroscale textures designed to differentiate the MRI of brain under two classes of lesion, benign and malignant. The design approach was initially preprocessed using 3D Gaussian filter. Based on VOI (volume of interest) of the image, features were extracted using 3D volumetric Square Centroid Lines Gray Level Distribution Method (SCLGM) along with 3D run length and cooccurrence matrix. The optimal features are selected using the proposed refined gravitational search algorithm (RGSA). Support vector machines, over backpropagation network, and k-nearest neighbor are used to evaluate the goodness of classifier approach. The preliminary evaluation of the system is performed using 320 real-time brain MRI images. The system is trained and tested by using a leave-one-case-out method. The performance of the classifier is tested using the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.986 (±002). The experimental results demonstrate the systematic and efficient feature extraction and feature selection algorithm to the performance of state-of-the-art feature classification methods.
A Design Space for Effective Privacy Notices

Notifying users about a system's data practices is supposed to enable users to make informed privacy decisions. Yet, current notice and choice mechanisms, such as privacy policies, are often ineffective because they are neither usable nor useful, and are therefore ignored by users. Constrained interfaces on mobile devices, wearables, and smart home devices connected in an Internet of Things exacerbate the issue. Much research has studied usability issues of privacy notices and many proposals for more usable privacy notices exist. Yet, there is little guidance for designers and developers on the design aspects that can impact the effectiveness of privacy notices. In this paper, we make multiple contributions to remedy this issue. We survey the existing literature on privacy notices and identify challenges, requirements, and best practices for privacy notice design. Further, we map out the design space for privacy notices by identifying relevant dimensions. This provides a taxonomy and consistent terminology of notice approaches to foster understanding and reasoning about notice options available in the context of specific systems. Our systemization of knowledge and the developed design space can help designers, developers, and researchers identify notice and choice requirements and develop a comprehensive notice concept for their system that addresses the needs of different audiences and considers the system's limitations and opportunities for providing notice.
Clinical Outcome of Patients With De Novo C1q-Binding Donor-Specific HLA Antibodies After Renal Transplantation

Background De novo donor specific anti-HLA antibodies (dnDSA) may cause graft loss in renal transplant recipients. The capability to bind the complement may help to stratify the risk for inferior outcomes associated with dnDSA. We developed a modified C1q-binding assay and hypothesized that C1q-binding dnDSA could differentiate between indolent and harmful dnDSA causing antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and graft loss. Methods We retrospectively identified 59 renal transplant recipients who developed dnDSA and had serum available and complete follow-up. All patients were analyzed for C1q-binding dnDSA at the time of dnDSA detection, and 1-year later or at time of AMR. AMR-positive patients were also tested 6 to 12 months before the event if IgG dnDSA was present. Results Thirty-seven of 59 dnDSA+ patients developed AMR during 5.9 ± 3.1 years follow-up. AMR-positive patients had more dnDSA with a significant higher frequency of class I, a higher frequency and a higher mean fluorescence intensity value of C1q+-dnDSA at all time-points. Death-censored AMR-free and allograft survivals were significantly lower in C1q+-dnDSA patients. In multivariate analysis, C1q+-dnDSA was an independent risk factor for AMR. Conclusions C1q-binding dnDSA is associated with inferior outcomes, yet not in all patients. Nevertheless, C1q+-dnDSA was shown to be an independent risk factor of AMR and graft loss and may be a useful tool to stratify the immunological risk for AMR.
RSF Governs Silent Chromatin Formation via Histone H2Av Replacement

Human remodeling and spacing factor (RSF) consists of a heterodimer of Rsf-1 and hSNF2H, a counterpart of Drosophila ISWI. RSF possesses not only chromatin remodeling activity but also chromatin assembly activity in vitro. While no other single factor can execute the same activities as RSF, the biological significance of RSF remained unknown. To investigate the in vivo function of RSF, we generated a mutant allele of Drosophila Rsf-1 (dRsf-1). The dRsf-1 mutant behaved as a dominant suppressor of position effect variegation. In dRsf-1 mutant, the levels of histone H3K9 dimethylation and histone H2A variant H2Av were significantly reduced in an euchromatic region juxtaposed with heterochromatin. Furthermore, using both genetic and biochemical approaches, we demonstrate that dRsf-1 interacts with H2Av and the H2Av-exchanging machinery Tip60 complex. These results suggest that RSF contributes to histone H2Av replacement in the pathway of silent chromatin formation.
Visual field interpretation with empiric probability maps.

To the Editor. —Heijl et al1have clearly shown the usefulness of empiric total deviation probability maps (TDPMs) and pattern deviation probability maps (PDPMs) in visual field interpretation. However, since the PDPM allows the clinician to "focus on localized field loss as opposed to diffuse loss of sensitivity," all too often I have seen clinicians relying on the PDPM to identify visual field loss, while disregarding the TDPM and the reliability criteria ( In situations with high fixation losses or high false-positive errors, the patient's measured threshold values (Figure, A) at several test points may be higher than the age-corrected normal threshold values, as reflected by the positive
Malleable hypoeutectic Zr–Ni–Cu–Al bulk glassy alloys with tensile plastic elongation at room temperature

A new bulk glassy alloy (BGA) showing macroscopic tensile plastic elongation at room temperature has been developed in the hypoeutectic Zr–Ni–Cu–Al alloy system. The hypoeutectic Zr–Ni–Cu–Al BGA shows a high Poisson's ratio, a low Young's modulus, and is highly malleable in compression. It exhibits a Poisson's ratio of 0.39, a Young's modulus of 73 GPa, and a distinct tensile plastic elongation of about 1.7% at room temperature with necking due to the operation of many shear bands. The tensile plastic deformability seems to originate from modifications of the glass structure with increasing the number of Zr–Zr atomic pairs in the hypoeutectic composition.
Further analysis of trials with azacitidine in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome: studies 8421, 8921, and 9221 by the Cancer and Leukemia Group B.

PURPOSE Within the last two decades, a new understanding of the biology of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) has developed. With this understanding, new classification systems, such as the WHO diagnostic criteria, and the International Prognostic Scoring System and response criteria guidelines reported by the International Working Group (IWG) have been developed. We report the combined results of three previously reported clinical trials (n = 309) with azacitidine using the WHO classification system for MDS and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and IWG criteria for response. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data from three sequential Cancer and Leukemia Group B trials with azacitidine were recollected and reanalyzed as part of the New Drug Application process. The trials were conducted with either intravenous or subcutaneous azacitidine (75 mg/m2/d for 7 days every 28 days). RESULTS Complete remissions were seen in 10% to 17% of azacitidine-treated patients; partial remissions were rare; 23% to 36% of patients had hematologic improvement (HI). The median number of cycles to first response was three, and 90% of responses were seen by cycle 6. Using current WHO criteria, 103 patients had AML at baseline; 35% to 48% had HI or better responses. The median survival time for the 27 AML patients randomly assigned to azacitidine was 19.3 months compared with 12.9 months for the 25 patients assigned to observation. Furthermore, azacitidine did not increase the rate of infection or bleeding above the rate caused by underlying disease. CONCLUSION Azacitidine provides important clinical benefits for patients with high-risk MDS.
ContextServ: A platform for rapid and flexible development of context-aware Web services

Context-aware Web services are currently emerging as an important technology for building innovative context-aware applications. Unfortunately, context-aware Web services are still difficult to build. This paper describes ContextServ, a platform for rapid development of context-aware Web services. ContextServ adopts model-driven development where context-aware Web services are specified using ContextUML, a UML based modeling language. The platform also offers a set of automated tools for generating and deploying executable implementations of context-aware Web services. This paper presents the motivation, system design, implementation, and usage of ContextServ.
The Large Compressive Deformation of Wood in the Transverse Direction : Difference of Deformation Pattern due to Species

<Preliminary>The Large Compressive Deformation of Wood in the Transverse Direction : Difference of Deformation Pattern due to Species Author(s) HONDA, Sachiko; MOROOKA, Toshiro; NORIMOTO, Misato Citation Wood research : bulletin of the Wood Research Institute Kyoto University (1999), 86: 47-48 Issue Date 1999-09-30 URL http://hdl.handle. net/2433/53164 Right Type Departmental Bulletin Paper Textversion publisher
Colonial History and Contemporary Transmission Shape the Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 2 in Amsterdam

ABSTRACT Evolutionary analysis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome sequences has provided insights into the epidemic history and transmission of this widespread human pathogen. Here we report an exceptionally diverse set of 178 HCV genotype 2 (HCV-2) isolates from 189 patients in Amsterdam, comprising 8 distinct HCV subtypes and 10 previously not recognized, unclassified lineages. By combining study subjects' demographic information with phylogeographic and molecular clock analyses, we demonstrate for the first time that the trans-Atlantic slave trade and colonial history were the driving forces behind the global dissemination of HCV-2. We detect multiple HCV-2 movements from present-day Ghana/Benin to the Caribbean during the peak years of the slave trade (1700 to 1850) and extensive transfer of HCV-2 among the Netherlands and its former colonies Indonesia and Surinam over the last 150 years. The latter coincides with the bidirectional migration of Javanese workers between Indonesia and Surinam and subsequent immigration to the Netherlands. In addition, our study sheds light on contemporary trends in HCV transmission within the Netherlands. We observe multiple lineages of the epidemic subtypes 2a, 2b, and 2c (together 67% of HCV-2 infections in Amsterdam), which cluster according to their suspected routes of transmission, specifically, injecting drug use (IDU) and contaminated blood/blood products. Understanding the epidemiological processes that generated the global pattern of HCV diversity seen today is critical for exposing associations between populations, risk factors, and specific HCV subtypes and might help HCV screening and prevention campaigns to minimize the future burden of HCV-related liver disease.
Effect of Combination Pantethine , Plant Sterols , Green Tea Extract , Delta-tocotrienol and Phytolens on Lipid Profiles in Patients with Hyperlipidemia

Background: Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the number one cause of mortality and morbidity in Western civilization. Objective: We assessed the effects of a two-month program using a combination of nutraceutical agents known to improve lipid profiles in hyperlipidemic individuals. Design: In an open-label thirty participants study, hyperlipidemic patients consumed a nutraceutical combination of a daily total of 900 mg pantethine, 800 mg plant sterols (from soybean), 600 mg green tea extract (containing 50% epigallocatechin gallate EGCG), 75 mg deltatocotrienols (from annatto seed) and 5 mg Phytolens ̈ (extract of lentil husks) (nutraceutical combination provided by Biotics Research Corporation). Participants were 18 80 years of age, not taking lipid lowering drugs or lipid lowering nutraceutical supplements. Patients were instructed not to change their diets, levels of exercise, smoking habits, caffeine intake and prescription medications during the study. All labs were drawn after a twelve-hour fast except for
Modulation of alternative splicing by long-range RNA structures in Drosophila

Accurate and efficient recognition of splice sites during pre-mRNA splicing is essential for proper transcriptome expression. Splice site usage can be modulated by secondary structures, but it is unclear if this type of modulation is commonly used or occurs to a significant degree with secondary structures forming over long distances. Using phlyogenetic comparisons of intronic sequences among 12 Drosophila genomes, we elucidated a group of 202 highly conserved pairs of sequences, each at least nine nucleotides long, capable of forming stable stem structures. This set was highly enriched in alternatively spliced introns and introns with weak acceptor sites and long introns, and most occurred over long distances (>150 nucleotides). Experimentally, we analyzed the splicing of several of these introns using mini-genes in Drosophila S2 cells. Wild-type splicing patterns were changed by mutations that opened the stem structure, and restored by compensatory mutations that re-established the base-pairing potential, demonstrating that these secondary structures were indeed implicated in the splice site choice. Mechanistically, the RNA structures masked splice sites, brought together distant splice sites and/or looped out introns. Thus, base-pairing interactions within introns, even those occurring over long distances, are more frequent modulators of alternative splicing than is currently assumed.
Formulation and Characterization of Polypropylene Composites Alkali Treated Bagasse Fiber

Polymer composites reinforced with natural fiber that were obtained as industrial wastes, are of particular interest due to both the environmental benefits and economical advantages. In the present work sugarcane bagasse fibers, obtained as a waste from sugar and ethanol production, were incorporated in an amount of 25wt% into a polypropylene matrix. These fibers were previously alkali treated with NaOH to improve their adherence to the composite matrix. Thermal analyses were conducted in both types of composites, with untreated fibers and with alkali treated fiber. The result indicated that the alkali treatment improves the compatibility between the bagasse fiber and the polypropylene matrix, which then provides more thermal resistance.