Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Principal Direction Divisive Partitioning

While data clustering has a long history and a large amount of research has been devoted to the development of clustering algorithms, significant challenges still remain. One of the most important challenges in the field is dealing with high dimensional datasets. The class of clustering algorithms that utilises information from Principal Component Analysis has proven very successful in such datasets. Unlike previous approaches employing principal components, in this paper we propose a technique that uses a quality criterion to select the most important dimension (projection). This criterion permits us to formulate the problem as an optimisation task over the space of projections. However, in high dimensional spaces this problem is hard to solve and analytic solutions are not available. Thus, we tackle this problem through the use of an evolutionary algorithm. The experimental results indicate that the proposed techniques are effective in both simulated and real data scenarios.
Characterization of Tail Sheath Protein of N4-Like Phage phiAxp-3

Achromobacter phage phiAxp-3, an N4-like bacteriophage, specifically recognize Achromobacter xylosoxidans lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as its receptor. PhiAxp-3 tail sheath protein (TSP, ORF69) shares 54% amino acid sequence identity with the TSP of phage N4 (gp65); the latter functions as a receptor binding protein and interacts with the outer membrane receptor NfrA of its host bacterium. Thus, we hypothesized that ORF69 is the receptor-binding protein of phiAxp-3. In the present study, a series of ORF69 truncation variants was constructed to identify the part(s) of this protein essential for binding to A. xylosoxidans LPS. Phage adsorption and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that amino acids 795–1195 of the TSP, i.e., ORF69(795–1195), are sufficient and essential for receptor and binding. The optimum temperature and pH for the functions of ORF69 and ORF69(795–1195) are 4/25°C and 7, respectively. In vitro cytotoxicity assays showed that ORF69 and ORF69(795–1195) were respectively toxic and non-toxic to a human immortalized normal hepatocyte cell line (LO2; doses: 0.375–12 μg). The potential of this non-toxic truncated version of phiASP-3 TSP for clinical applications is discussed.
Spatial Distribution of Bednet Coverage under Routine Distribution through the Public Health Sector in a Rural District in Kenya

Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are one of the most important and cost-effective tools for malaria control. Maximizing individual and community benefit from ITNs requires high population-based coverage. Several mechanisms are used to distribute ITNs, including health facility-based targeted distribution to high-risk groups; community-based mass distribution; social marketing with or without private sector subsidies; and integrating ITN delivery with other public health interventions. The objective of this analysis is to describe bednet coverage in a district in western Kenya where the primary mechanism for distribution is to pregnant women and infants who attend antenatal and immunization clinics. We use data from a population-based census to examine the extent of, and factors correlated with, ownership of bednets. We use both multivariable logistic regression and spatial techniques to explore the relationship between household bednet ownership and sociodemographic and geographic variables. We show that only 21% of households own any bednets, far lower than the national average, and that ownership is not significantly higher amongst pregnant women attending antenatal clinic. We also show that coverage is spatially heterogeneous with less than 2% of the population residing in zones with adequate coverage to experience indirect effects of ITN protection.
Coral Uptake of Inorganic Phosphorus and Nitrogen Negatively Affected by Simultaneous Changes in Temperature and pH

The effects of ocean acidification and elevated seawater temperature on coral calcification and photosynthesis have been extensively investigated over the last two decades, whereas they are still unknown on nutrient uptake, despite their importance for coral energetics. We therefore studied the separate and combined impacts of increases in temperature and pCO2 on phosphate, ammonium, and nitrate uptake rates by the scleractinian coral S. pistillata. Three experiments were performed, during 10 days i) at three pHT conditions (8.1, 7.8, and 7.5) and normal temperature (26°C), ii) at three temperature conditions (26°, 29°C, and 33°C) and normal pHT (8.1), and iii) at three pHT conditions (8.1, 7.8, and 7.5) and elevated temperature (33°C). After 10 days of incubation, corals had not bleached, as protein, chlorophyll, and zooxanthellae contents were the same in all treatments. However, photosynthetic rates significantly decreased at 33°C, and were further reduced for the pHT 7.5. The photosynthetic efficiency of PSII was only decreased by elevated temperature. Nutrient uptake rates were not affected by a change in pH alone. Conversely, elevated temperature (33°C) alone induced an increase in phosphate uptake but a severe decrease in nitrate and ammonium uptake rates, even leading to a release of nitrogen into seawater. Combination of high temperature (33°C) and low pHT (7.5) resulted in a significant decrease in phosphate and nitrate uptake rates compared to control corals (26°C, pHT = 8.1). These results indicate that both inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism may be negatively affected by the cumulative effects of ocean warming and acidification.
Towards EEG-based eye-tracking for interaction design in head-mounted devices

Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have an increasing impact on our daily lives. They improve workers' performance in industry and medicine. In addition gaming and entertainment profit from these innovations. The enabling devices are often head-mounted. New intuitive interaction methods must be developed to control application, because conventional input devices such as keyboards, touch screens or classical touch pads cannot be used. This paper introduces electroencephalographic (EEG) eye-tracking as an additional interaction channel. Ocular artefacts (EOG) in the EEG signal are used to detect eye positions. A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is used to capture the data. Data is processed and EOG artefacts are extracted to compute the position of the pupil. The first test runs confirm that ocular artefacts in the EEG signal are strongly correlated with the position of the pupils. Extreme positions of the pupils (horizontal left, horizontal right, vertical up and vertical down) can be detected with high accuracy (true-positive-rate of up to 96,6%). In future tests, we successively refine the direction and speed of eye movement and verify their usage under real-time conditions.
Distance-dependent aposematism and camouflage in the cinnabar moth caterpillar (Tyria jacobaeae, Erebidae)

Defended prey often use distinctive, conspicuous, colours to advertise their unprofitability to potential predators (aposematism). These warning signals are frequently made up of salient, high contrast, stripes which have been hypothesized to increase the speed and accuracy of predator avoidance learning. Limitations in predator visual acuity, however, mean that these patterns cannot be resolved when viewed from a distance, and adjacent patches of colour will blend together (pattern blending). We investigated how saliency changes at different viewing distances in the toxic and brightly coloured cinnabar moth caterpillar (Tyria jacobaeae). We found that although the caterpillars' orange-and-black stripes are highly salient at close range, when viewed from a distance the colours blend together to match closely those of the background. Cinnabar caterpillars therefore produce a distance-dependent signal combining salient aposematism with targeted background matching camouflage, without necessarily compromising the size or saturation of their aposematic signal.
Penalty-Based multitask estimation with non-local linear equality constraints

We consider distributed estimation problems over multitask networks where the parameter vectors at distinct agents are coupled via a set of linear equality constraints. Unlike previous existing works, the current work assumes that each constraint involves agents that are not necessarily one-hop neighbors. At each time instant, we assume that each agent has access to the instantaneous estimates of its one-hop neighbors and to the past estimates of its multi-hop neighbors through a multi-hop relay protocol. A distributed penalty-based algorithm is then derived and its performance analyses in the mean and in the mean-square-error sense are provided. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the strategy and validate the theoretical models.
Cognitive Performances Are Selectively Enhanced during Chronic Caloric Restriction or Resveratrol Supplementation in a Primate

Effects of an 18-month treatment with a moderate, chronic caloric restriction (CR) or an oral supplementation with resveratrol (RSV), a potential CR mimetic, on cognitive and motor performances were studied in non-human primates, grey mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus). Thirty-three adult male mouse lemurs were assigned to three different groups: a control (CTL) group fed ad libitum, a CR group fed 70% of the CTL caloric intake, and an RSV group (RSV supplementation of 200 mg.kg−1.day−1) fed ad libitum. Three different cognitive tests, two motor tests, one emotional test and an analysis of cortisol level were performed in each group. Compared to CTL animals, CR or RSV animals did not show any change in motor performances evaluated by rotarod and jump tests, but an increase in spontaneous locomotor activity was observed in both groups. Working memory was improved by both treatments in the spontaneous alternation task. Despite a trend for CR group, only RSV supplementation increased spatial memory performances in the circular platform task. Finally, none of these treatments induced additional stress to the animals as reflected by similar results in the open field test and cortisol analyses compared to CTL animals. The present data provided the earliest evidence for a beneficial effect of CR or RSV supplementation on specific cognitive functions in a primate. Taken together, these results suggest that RSV could be a good candidate to mimic long-term CR effects and support the growing evidences that nutritional interventions can have beneficial effects on brain functions even in adults.
Disconnected Cuts in Claw-free Graphs

A disconnected cut of a connected graph is a vertex cut that itself also induces a disconnected subgraph. The decision problem whether a graph has a disconnected cut is called Disconnected Cut. This problem is closely related to several homomorphism and contraction problems, and fits in an extensive line of research on vertex cuts with additional properties. It is known that Disconnected Cut is NP-hard on general graphs, while polynomial-time algorithms are known for several graph classes. However, the complexity of the problem on claw-free graphs remained an open question. Its connection to the complexity of the problem to contract a claw-free graph to the 4-vertex cycle $C_4$ led Ito et al. (TCS 2011) to explicitly ask to resolve this open question. We prove that Disconnected Cut is polynomial-time solvable on claw-free graphs, answering the question of Ito et al. The centerpiece of our result is a novel decomposition theorem for claw-free graphs of diameter 2, which we believe is of independent interest and expands the research line initiated by Chudnovsky and Seymour (JCTB 2007-2012) and Hermelin et al. (ICALP 2011). On our way to exploit this decomposition theorem, we characterize how disconnected cuts interact with certain cobipartite subgraphs, and prove two further novel algorithmic results, namely Disconnected Cut is polynomial-time solvable on circular-arc graphs and line graphs.
Nordic consensus statement on the systematic assessment and management of possible severe asthma in adults

ABSTRACT Although a minority of asthma patients suffer from severe asthma, they represent a major clinical challenge in terms of poor symptom control despite high-dose treatment, risk of exacerbations, and side effects. Novel biological treatments may benefit patients with severe asthma, but are expensive, and are only effective in appropriately targeted patients. In some patients, symptoms are driven by other factors than asthma, and all patients with suspected severe asthma (‘difficult asthma’) should undergo systematic assessment, in order to differentiate between true severe asthma, and ‘difficult-to-treat’ patients, in whom poor control is related to factors such as poor adherence or co-morbidities. The Nordic Consensus Statement on severe asthma was developed by the Nordic Severe Asthma Network, consisting of members from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Estonia, including representatives from the respective national respiratory scientific societies with the aim to provide an overview and recommendations regarding the diagnosis, systematic assessment and management of severe asthma. Furthermore, the Consensus Statement proposes recommendations for the organization of severe asthma management in primary, secondary, and tertiary care.
The Ugandan version of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI‐UG). Part II: Psychometric properties

BACKGROUND The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) has been recommended as a gold standard in paediatric rehabilitation. A Ugandan version of PEDI (PEDI-UG) has been developed by culturally adapting and translating the original PEDI. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the PEDI-UG in Ugandan children by testing the instrument's rating scale functioning, internal structure, and test-retest reliability. METHODS Two hundred forty-nine Ugandan children (125 girls) aged 6 months to 7.5 years (Mean = 3.4, SD = 1.9) with typical development were tested using the PEDI-UG. Forty-nine children were tested twice to assess test-retest reliability. Validity was investigated by Rasch analysis and reliability by intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS The PEDI-UG domains showed good unidimensionality based on principal component analysis of residuals. Most activities (95%) showed acceptable fit to the Rasch model. Six misfit items were deleted from the Functional Skills scales and one from the Caregiver Assistance scales. The category steps on the Caregiver Assistance scales' rating scale were reversed but functioned well when changed from a 6-point to 4-point rating scale. The reliability was excellent; intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.87-0.92 for the domains of the Functional Skills scales and 0.86-0.88 for the domains of the Caregiver Assistance scales. CONCLUSION The PEDI-UG has good to excellent psychometric properties and provides a valid measure of the functional performance of typically developing children from the age of 6 months to 7.5 years in Uganda. Further analysis of all items, including misfit and deleted items, in children with functional disability is recommended.
Assessment of driving performance using a simulator protocol: validity and reproducibility.

We examined the validity and reproducibility of simulator-based driving evaluations. In Study 1, we examined correlations among Trails A and B, demerit points for simulated drives, and simulator-recorded errors. With one exception, correlations ranged from . 44 (p = .103) to . 83 (p = .001). In Study 2, we examined correlations among Trail Making Test Part A, Useful Field of View, and demerit points for simulated drives; correlations ranged from . 50 to . 82 (all ps < .001). The correlation between demerit points for on-road and simulated drives was . 74 (p = .035). We examined reproducibility of simulator assessments using the playback function; intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from . 73 to . 87 (all ps < .001). These results suggest that simulators could be used to facilitate the evaluation of fitness to drive.
Effect of transforming growth factor beta-1 in endotoxin-induced uveitis.

PURPOSE Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF beta-1) can modulate inflammation. Endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) is characterized by acute ocular inflammation related to the release of cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6. The authors investigated the effect of TGF beta-1 on EIU in mice. METHODS Three independent experiments were performed. Endotoxin-induced uveitis was induced in C3H/HeN mice by an injection of 200 micrograms of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Two micrograms of TGF beta-1 in 0.1 ml phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or 0.1 ml PBS alone was administered intraperitoneally at 8 hours after LPS injection. Twenty-four hours after LPS injection, the aqueous humor of the right eyes was collected for leukocyte count, protein concentration, and IL-6 assay. Left eyes were processed for routine histology. RESULTS TGF beta-1-treated mice showed less ocular inflammation histologically than to the animals that were given PBS. This was confirmed by decreases in leukocyte count, protein concentration, and IL-6 level in the aqueous humor. CONCLUSIONS TGF beta-1 inhibits the development of EIU. TGF beta-1 may be useful for the modulation of uveitis in humans.
Adaptive wavelet algorithm for solving nonlinear initial-boundary value problems with error control

ADAPTIVE WAVELET ALGORITHM FOR SOLVING NONLINEAR INITIAL–BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS WITH ERROR CONTROL C. Harnish,1 K. Matouš,1,∗ & D. Livescu2 1Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Center for Shock Wave-processing of Advanced Reactive Materials, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA 2Computer and Computational Sciences Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
Influence of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obstructive lung disease on multiple sclerosis disease course

Background: Comorbidities are known to affect multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in a number of ways, including delaying time to diagnosis and reducing health-related quality of life. Objective: To determine the impact of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and obstructive lung disease on disease course in MS patients. Methods: The Knowledge Program is a database linked to our electronic medical record allowing capture of patient and clinician reported outcomes. Through Knowledge Program query and chart review, we identified all relapsing-remitting MS patients seen between 1 January 2010 and 29 May 2012 and acquired their magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results and comorbidities. Linear and logistic regression models with adjustment for important covariates were used to determine whether the comorbidities affected outcomes over a 3-year period. Results: Hypertension, diabetes, and obstructive lung disease, but not hyperlipidemia, impacted clinical outcomes, including walking speed, self-reported disability, and depression. Hypertension had the greatest effect. The presence of multiple comorbidities had a cumulative effect on clinical outcomes. MRI outcomes were unaffected by comorbidities. Conclusion: This 3-year longitudinal study revealed that all comorbidities tested except hyperlipidemia impacted clinical outcomes and a cumulative effect with multiple comorbidities was observed. Consideration of comorbid conditions is essential in MS patient care.
Tuberculous lumbar spinal epidural abscess in a young adult (case report)

Introduction: Spinal Epidural abscess (SEA) is an uncommon pathology that needs an urgent intervention to decompress the pressure on the spinal epidural sac, cord, and roots. The authors report a rare case of a young adult with lumbar spinal epidural tuberculous abscess occupying the spinal canal from L2–L5 vertebrae with extesion to the posterior paraspinal muscles and presenting with bilateral progressive lower limb weakness. Case report: A 42 years old male teacher presented with a 15-day history of progressive difficulty to walking and bilateral lower limb weakness associated with fever, malaise and later on urinary incontinence. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed a paraspinal intermuscular abscess and an abscess occupying the spinal canal compressing the dural sac from L2–L4/5, without any signs of vertebral involvement. Surgery was done by a posterior midline incision. Pus was evacuated from multiple pockets through the paraspinal muscle layers. Laminectomy for L3/4, and hemilaminectomy for L2/3, and L4/5 were performed. Pus and bone specimens were negative for acid-fast bacilli. However, both histopathological studies and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing confirmed the presence of tuberculosis (TB). The patient received TB antibiotics, and a follow-up MRI scan at 2 months showed complete evacuation of the abscess. However, signs of L5 spondylitis were evident. No further surgery was needed as there was no vertebral collapse or neural compression and the patient's clinical condition was improving. He had normal right lower limb power and sensation and grade 4+ motor power of the left lower limb. Bowels and bladder function was normal. Conclusion: Isolated tuberculous spinal epidural abscess is a rare disease and should be treated urgently with evacuation and decompression. Signs of spondylitis or spondylodiscitis may appear later and therefore long follow up is recommended in tuberculous cases presenting with an isolated epidural abscess.
A robust scan-based side-channel attack method against HMAC-SHA-256 circuits

A scan-based side-channel attack is still a real threat against a crypto circuit as well as a hash generator circuit, which can restore secret information by exploiting the scan data obtained from scan chains inside the chip during its processing. In this paper, we propose a scan-based attack method against a hash generator circuit called HMAC-SHA-256. Our proposed method restores the secret information by finding out the correspondence between the scan data obtained from a scan chain and the internal registers in the target HMAC-SHA-256 circuit, even if the scan chain includes registers other than the target hash generator circuit and an attacker does not know well the hash generation timing. Experimental results show that our proposed method successfully restores two secret keys of the HMAC-SHA-256 circuit in at most 6 hours.