Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PRK vs LASEK vs Epi-LASIK: a comparison of corneal haze, postoperative pain and visual recovery in moderate to high myopia.

INTRODUCTION The field of refractive surgery continues to evolve amid continued concerns as to which surgical technique minimizes the risk of inducing ectasia. PURPOSE To compare clinical outcomes between PRK, LASEK and Epi-LASIK in moderately to highly myopic eyes (-4.00 D to -8.00 D). MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective chart review of 100 PRK eyes, 100 LASEK eyes (with alcohol) and 97 Epi-LASIK eyes was performed. Post-operative pain, uncorrected visual acuity, and corneal haze data was recorded and analyzed at post-op days 1, 4 and 7 and at post-op months 1, 3, 6 and 12. RESULTS In all groups surgical corrections ranged from -4.00 D to -8.00 D. There was less pain associated with the epi-LASIK procedure especially early (post-op days 1 and 4). Visual recovery was superior within the PRK group during the first post-operative week but by post-op week 4 all three were equal. Haze scores were similar but a trend for less haze was demonstrated with epi-LASIK at 6 and 12 months. CONCLUSION Epi-LASIK has a slight advantage over PRK and LASEK early on in the post-op course with regards to pain. Visual recovery is similar by 4 weeks and is better with PRK early. In addition, epi-LASIK trends toward less significant haze.
Designing an "Information-Experience" Using Creativity Science Theory and Tools

OF PROJECT Designing an “Information-Experience” Using Creativity Science Theory & Tools This project was to create an “information-experience” as encapsulated by a technological/digital audio-visual tool. From the review of observations, outcomes, and learning that has stemmed from this creation process (including: conceptual and personal factors motivating and fueling this project forward; as well as several noted “unspoken elements of creative process;”) it is deduced that when well managed and directed (in even the smallest ways) “unspoken creative process elements” have profound impacts on both how well our “physiology of creativity” functions, but also in terms of how well foundational creative thinking and behavioral prerequisites (energy, motivation, imagination, and ownership) are leveraged. The product: 1) introduces the user to one component of the CPS (Creative Problem Solving) Facilitation Process Exploring the Challenge; 2) features a content specific component which prompts exploration of the many correlations between societal, organizational / community, human physiological / behavioral data, and the direct relationships of these to creative/productive capacities and capabilities; while also 3) establishing an overview and resources to delve further into experiences or information concerning the domain of Creativity Science, Innovation, Change Leadership, or wellness/health-driving productivity factors, behaviors, and tools. ___________________________ Stephanie Belhomme ___________________________ Date Buffalo State College State University of New York Department of Creative Studies Designing an “Information-Experience” Using Creativity Science Theory & Tools A Project in Creative Studies By Stephanie Belhomme Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of
The state complexity of L2 and Lk

We show that if M is a DFA with n states over an arbitrary alphabet and L = L(M), then the worst-case state complexity of L^2 is n*2^n - 2^{n-1}. If, however, M is a DFA over a unary alphabet, then the worst-case state complexity of L^k is kn-k+1 for all k >= 2.
Endothelial Fate Mapping in Mice With Pulmonary Hypertension

Background— Pulmonary endothelial injury triggers a reparative program, which in susceptible individuals is characterized by neointima formation, vascular narrowing, and the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension. The neointimal cells in human pathological plexiform lesions frequently coexpress smooth muscle &agr;-actin and the endothelial von Willebrand antigen, creating a question about their cellular lineage of origin. Methods and Results— Experimental pulmonary hypertension with neointima formation develops in C57Bl/6 mice subjected to left pneumonectomy followed 1 week later by jugular vein injection of monocrotaline pyrrole (20 &mgr;g/&mgr;L and 1 &mgr;L/g; group P/MCTP). Compared with the group vehicle, by day 35, group P/MCTP developed higher right ventricular systolic pressure (54±5 versus 25±2 mm Hg; P<0.01) and right ventricular hypertrophy (0.58±0.16 versus 0.26±0.05; P<0.01). Transgenic vascular endothelial-cadherin Cre recombinase or Tie-2 Cre mice were intercrossed with mTomato/mGreen fluorescent protein double-fluorescent Cre reporter mice to achieve endothelial genetic lineage marking with membrane-targeted green fluorescent protein. In control mice, few endothelial lineage–marked cells lining the lumen of small pulmonary arteries demonstrate expression of smooth muscle &agr;-actin. Concurrent with the development of pulmonary hypertension, endothelial lineage–marked cells are prominent in the neointima and exhibit expression of smooth muscle &agr;-actin and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain. Human pulmonary arterial hypertension neointimal lesions contain cells that coexpress endothelial CD31 or von Willebrand antigen and smooth muscle &agr;-actin. Conclusion— Neointimal cells in pulmonary hypertension include contributions from the endothelial genetic lineage with induced expression of smooth muscle &agr;-actin and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain.
IBD: advances in pathogenesis, complications, diagnosis, and therapy.

DOI:10.1097/MOG.0b013e328354d81c The advances in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that we have witnessed in the last few decades are nothing short of remarkable. Relegated to a ‘Cinderella status’ behind many other chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases about 40 years ago, IBD is now at the forefront of progress in the fields of pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy among most immune-mediated conditions. This progress has led to the identification and recognition – widely viewed as correct – that both forms of IBD, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, result from the interaction of multiple factors among which environmental changes, genetic predisposition, the gut microbiome and the immune response play a leading role. What is particularly rewarding in this improved knowledge is the fact that patients affected by either form of IBD are directly benefitted from it, as demonstrated by the wide arsenal of diagnostic tools that have become available, a whole new array of innovative treatments, and an improved quality of life. In this issue, selected topics are reviewed that reflect progress ongoing in pathogenesis, diagnosis, complications and therapy of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Evolving knowledge of IBD pathogenesis is discussed by Scharl and Rogler [1], who draw attention to the importance of not only identifying more precisely the etiological and mechanistic components of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, but also of integrating their effects. They emphasize the increasingly appreciated notion that IBD risk factors are not independent, but they actually merge and become amalgamated into functionally shared pathways. This notion is appealing because it could help simplify what still seems to be an enormously intricate forest of biological events in which it is presently impossible to discern and follow the key pathways that lead to disease. The number of gene variants separately associated with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or shared by both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis is already quite large, but they only explain less than 30% of all IBD cases. Recent studies using increasingly detailed DNA analyses suggest that only a limited number of additional risk genes remain to be discovered, and recommend
Folding by Numbers: Primary Sequence Statistics and Their Use in Studying Protein Folding

The exponential growth over the past several decades in the quantity of both primary sequence data available and the number of protein structures determined has provided a wealth of information describing the relationship between protein primary sequence and tertiary structure. This growing repository of data has served as a prime source for statistical analysis, where underlying relationships between patterns of amino acids and protein structure can be uncovered. Here, we survey the main statistical approaches that have been used for identifying patterns within protein sequences, and discuss sequence pattern research as it relates to both secondary and tertiary protein structure. Limitations to statistical analyses are discussed, and a context for their role within the field of protein folding is given. We conclude by describing a novel statistical study of residue patterning in β-strands, which finds that hydrophobic (i,i+2) pairing in β-strands occurs more often than expected at locations near strand termini. Interpretations involving β-sheet nucleation and growth are discussed.
Development Environment for a Multimodal Interactive System Based on Ontological Knowledge

The aim of the present research is to develop MrailsBuilder, a multimodal interactive system development environment, based on ontological knowledge. MrailsBuilder supports the process of data modeling on MrailsScript by visualizing the structure of ontology. MrailsScript automatically generates a set of prototype codes for a multimodal interactive system based on an MVC model. In addition, MrailsBuilder automatically generates background knowledge of a multimodal interactive system by issuing SPARQL queries from MrailsScript and collecting contents from Linked Open Data. We examined the functionality of MrailsBuilder by developing a typical retrieval system for a multimedia archive.
Zelfregulatie in het beroepsonderwijs: Een kans voor succes

Jossberger, H. , Brand-Gruwel, S. , Boshuizen, H. P. A. , & Van de Wiel, M. (2010, June). Zelfregulatie in het beroepsonderwijs: Een kans voor succes [Self-direction in vocational education: A chance for succes]. Paper presentation at Onderwijs Research Dagen [Educational Research Days], Enschede, The Netherlands.
Determinants for the Subcellular Localization and Function of a Nonessential SEDS Protein

ABSTRACT The Bacillus subtilis SpoVE integral membrane protein is essential for the heat resistance of spores, probably because of its involvement in spore peptidoglycan synthesis. We found that an SpoVE-yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) fusion protein becomes localized to the forespore during the earliest stages of engulfment, and this pattern is maintained throughout sporulation. SpoVE belongs to a well-conserved family of proteins that includes the FtsW and RodA proteins of B. subtilis. These proteins are involved in bacterial shape determination, although their function is not known. FtsW is necessary for the formation of the asymmetric septum in sporulation, and we found that an FtsW-YFP fusion localized to this structure prior to the initiation of engulfment in a nonoverlapping pattern with SpoVE-cyan fluorescent protein. Since FtsW and RodA are essential for normal growth, it has not been possible to identify loss-of-function mutations that would greatly facilitate analysis of their function. We took advantage of the fact that SpoVE is not required for growth to obtain point mutations in SpoVE that block the development of spore heat resistance but that allow normal protein expression and targeting to the forespore. These mutant proteins will be invaluable tools for future experiments aimed at elucidating the function of members of the SEDS (“shape, elongation, division, and sporulation”) family of proteins.
Identification and in vivo role of the Armadillo-Legless interaction

The Wnt signalling system controls many fundamental processes during animal development and its deregulation has been causally linked to colorectal cancer. Transduction of Wnt signals entails the association of β-catenin with nuclear TCF DNA-binding factors and the subsequent activation of target genes. Using genetic assays in Drosophila, we have recently identified a presumptive adaptor protein, Legless (Lgs), that binds toβ -catenin and mediates signalling activity by recruiting the transcriptional activator Pygopus (Pygo). Here, we characterize theβ -catenin/Lgs interaction and show: (1) that it is critically dependent on two acidic amino acid residues in the first Armadillo repeat ofβ -catenin; (2) that it is spatially and functionally separable from the binding sites for TCF factors, APC and E-cadherin; (3) that it is required in endogenous as well as constitutively active forms of β-catenin for Wingless signalling output in Drosophila; and (4) that in its absence animals develop with the same phenotypic consequences as animals lacking Lgs altogether. Based on these findings, and because Lgs and Pygo have human homologues that can substitute for their Drosophila counterparts, we infer that the β-catenin/Lgs binding site may thus serve as an attractive drug target for therapeutic intervention in β-catenin-dependent cancer progression.
WLC18-6: Modified GML Algorithm for Estimation of Signal Arrival Time in UWB Systems

In this paper, estimation of the signal arrival time based on the generalized maximum-likelihood (GML) algorithm for multi-band orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MB- OFDM) ultra wide-band (UWB) systems is presented. The estimation algorithm uses the ranging reference portion of the preamble signal in the MB-OFDM UWB system for estimation of the time of arrival (TOA). To mitigate the effects from dense multipath interference and to reduce the computational complexity of the estimation algorithm, a modified GML algorithm is proposed. The problems of threshold settings in the modified GML algorithm, based upon the minimum root mean square error (RMSE) criteria, are discussed. Comparing with the conventional cross-correlation method and the original GML approach, the computer simulation results show that the proposed modified GML algorithm achieves better performance in estimation of the signal arrival time.
Evolving learning mechanism for a general computing network model

In this paper, an evolving learning mechanism is proposed for general computing network model to make decisions in intelligent systems. The novel mechanism is performed by means of a set of computing cell operations such as self-generation, growth, self-division, and death. Under the mechanism, a computing network grows up to a mature network. A hidden cell in the network is defined as a condition matching-unit in response to a fuzzy sub-superspace in multiple-dimension input superspace. A sense-function is defined to represent connections from a hidden cell to input cells. The range and edge vagueness of the sense-function are determined by evolving learning mechanism when sample instances are presented to the network. This network is able to learn from a very few training instances to make decisions for unseen instances. The benchmark data sets from the UCI machine learning repository are applied to test the network and comparable results are obtained.
Inhibition of Rat Arterial Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation by Heparin: In Vivo Studies with Anticoagulant and Nonanticoagulant Heparin

Heparin inhibits the proliferation of intimal smooth muscle cells which occurs after denudation of endothelium by air-drying injury in the rat carotid artery. We determined (1) whether the antiproliferative effect of heparin is secondary to effects on platelet adherence to subendothelium or endothelial regeneration and (2) whether the antiproliferative and anticoagulant activities of heparin are related. Morphometric observations by scanning electron microscopy showed that heparin did not alter platelet adherence 5 days after arterial injury and had little or no effect on endothelial regener- ation at 5 and 10 days. To study the relationship between the antiproliferative and anticoagulant effects, we fractionated heparin by affinity chromatography on antithrombin-Sepharose into purified anticoagulant and nonanticoagulant fractions. These heparin fractions were administered to rats in doses which were equivalent either in terms of anticoagulant activity or in terms of mass to the dosage of unfractionated heparin known to inhibit myointimal growth. Additionally, some rats received nonanticoagulant heparin at a dose which was greater in terms of mass than the highest dose of unfractionated heparin which could be administered without inducing fatal hemorrhage. Inhibition of myointimal growth, determined by morphometric analysis of total plaque volume 2 weeks after arterial injury, correlated with total mass of heparin administered but not with anticoagulant activity. Non- anticoagulant heparin given at high dose caused 77% inhibition of myointimal growth (P = 0.02 vs. controls). Heparin inhibition of arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation does not appear to be mediated either by effects on other cells at the level of the arterial wall or by antithrombin. This study should direct attention toward a potential growth regulatory role for arterial glycosaminoglycans. Circ Res 46: 625-634, 1980
Applying Reputation to Virtual Magnetic Networks

Virtual Magnetic Fields are self-organizing message forwarding mechanisms that are capable of delivering messages to specific nodes according to some aspects concerning the application semantics. Considering that virtual magnetic networks are open distributed systems, malicious or defective nodes may affect negatively the functioning of the entire network. This paper proposes two reputation-based methods to mitigate this issue. The results obtained from the application of both methods to different simulation scenarios show their effectiveness in reducing the impact of misbehaving nodes.
The IsoMetrics usability inventory: An operationalization of ISO 9241-10 supporting summative and formative evaluation of software systems

Aiming at a user-oriented approach in software evaluation on the basis of ISO 9241 Part 10, we present a questionnaire (IsoMetrics) which collects usability data for summative and formative evaluation, and document its construction. The summative version of IsoMetrics shows a high reliability of its subscales and gathers valid information about differences in the usability of different software systems. Moreover, we show that the formative version of IsoMetrics is a powerful tool for supporting the identification of software weaknesses. Finally, we propose a procedure to categorize and prioritize weak points, which subsequently can be used as basic input to usability reviews.
AN EXPLORATION OF COMMUNITY RESILIENCE IN A GROUP OF POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS IN A CHALLENGING TRAINING PROGRAMME

Literature on community resilience focuses on communities' responses to mass trauma, and little research exists on communities' continuous exposure to challenging circumstances requiring resilience. This study aimed to explore the experiences of a group of post-graduate psychology students exposed to continuous challenges, and to contribute to the discourse on community resilience. Qualitative methods were used. Data were obtained via the MmogomethodTM, focus group discussions, written texts and an in-depth interview. Three males and fourteen females aged between 23-30 years participated during 2007/8. Findings illustrated that threats to resilience exist within and outside the community, and that developing resilience is qualitatively different from maintaining it. Community resilience as a function was observed in the mutual support and fortification processes among participants. Research design and sampling limitations of this study could be improved in future studies to enhance generalisation. Positive psychology and social capital theory's role in community resilience requires further investigation.
Die Auswirkungen der Doppelbelastung durch Familie und Beruf auf das Krankheitsrisiko von Frauen

Zusammenfassung Der Aufsatz untersucht den Einfluß der Doppelbelastung durch Familie und Berufstätigkeit auf das Krankheitsrisiko von Frauen. Auf der Grundlage einer Längsschnittanalyse wird zunächst gezeigt, daß eine Erwerbstätigkeit grundsätzlich positive Auswirkungen auf die Gesundheit von Frauen hat. Darüber hinaus wirkt sich auch die Lebensform der Ehe positiv auf die Gesundheit von Frauen aus. Allerdings vermindert die gleichzeitige Doppelbelastung durch kleine Kinder und Erwerbstätigkeit die Gesundheit der Frauen fast ebenso stark, wie die Erwerbstätigkeit per se die Gesundheit fördert. Dies dürfte damit Zusammenhängen, daß diese Frauen in ihrem Versuch, Familienarbeit und Erwerbstätigkeit zu verbinden, mit wenig abgestimmten sozialen Strukturen von Familien- und Beschäftigungssystem konfrontiert werden (fehlende Kinderbetreuungsplätze, unflexible Arbeitszeiten etc.), die zu (Zeit-)Konflikten führen und das Risiko einer gesundheitlichen Überlastung erhöhen. Falls diese Frauen darüber hinaus auch noch als Arbeiterinnen beschäftigt sind, kann der negative Gesamteffekt einer Erwerbstätigkeit, wegen der in diesen Tätigkeiten vorherrschenden schlechteren Arbeitsbedingungen, sogar überwiegen.
A Probabilistic Approach for Improving TCP Fairness across Multiple Contending WLANs

Contention among multiple nearby WLANs in urban areas may cause severe TCP unfairness, where some TCP flows can achieve very high throughput at the expense of starving others. This unfairness results from the fact that different physical nodes conveying TCP flows at a wireless bottleneck may have different channel observations and consequently they may provide inconsistent feedbacks to the TCP sources. Existing solutions to this problem try to synchronize channel observations of contending nodes by exchanging control messages among them. They rely on the assumption that these nodes are within each other''s transmission range, which however may not always hold. In this paper, we propose a new approach, called Wireless Probabilistic Drop (WPD), to improve TCP fairness without requiring direct communication among nodes. In WPD, when a node detects congestion, it probabilistically chooses to either drop some packets to resolve the congestion, or aggressively spread the congestion signal to other contending nodes. Each node makes the choice with a probability that is proportional to its flow rate. Henceforth, high-rate flows tend to perform rate reduction more often, and low-rate flows are more likely to increase their flow rates. Eventually, all flows passing the bottleneck are expected to get a fair share of the channel bandwidth. Extensive simulations in ns-2 demonstrate that WPD can significantly improve fairness among TCP flows across multiple contending WLANs.
AUTOMATICALLY IDENTIFYING USABILITY PROBLEMS IN E-COMMERCE WEBSITES

Managers at e-commerce firms are in need of proven methods for evaluating the usability of their websites. So, one of the most pressing issues is whether the design of their online storefronts is effective, and if not, which areas require attention and improvements. However, current usability evaluation methods (e.g., user testing, inspection, inquiry) are not well suited to the task at hand. This paper proposes a new approach to website evaluation, which is grounded in the economic theory of production. We conceptualize human-computer interaction during online shopping as an economic production process in which customers are making use of various functionalities provided by the e-commerce website in order to complete a purchase transaction. This view enables us to formulate a novel perspective on website usability — the ability to transform inputs (i.e., use of website functionalities) into outputs (i.e., completed purchase transactions). We use data envelopment analysis (DEA) as the methodological vehicle for evaluating e-commerce websites and propose two new metrics, Inefficiency Breadth and Unit Inefficiency to help automatically identify website functionalities that are potentially problematic. The value of the proposed method is illustrated by applying it to the evaluation of a real-world ecommerce website.