Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Non-Linear Camera Calibration With Hierarchical Teaching-learning-based Optimization Algorithm

In this paper, we put forward a novel approach based on hierarchical teaching-and-learning-based optimization (HTLBO) algorithm for nonlinear camera calibration. This algorithm simulates the teaching-learning ability of teachers and learners of a classroom. Different from traditional calibration approach, the proposed technique can find the nearoptimal solution without the need of accurate initial parameters estimation (with only very loose parameter bounds). With the introduction of cascade of teaching, the convergence speed is rapid and the global search ability is improved. Results from our study demonstrate the excellent performance of the proposed technique in terms of convergence, accuracy, and robustness. The HTLBO can also be used to solve many other complex non-linear calibration optimization problems for its good portability.
The contributions of disease activity, sleep patterns, and depression to fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus. A proposed model.

OBJECTIVE This study describes lupus fatigue multidimensionally and introduces a multivariate model: Sleep problems and depression, through reciprocal effects on each other, act as mediators through which lupus disease activity increases fatigue. METHODS Self-reported sleep patterns, depression, and fatigue were assessed in 48 women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 27 women from the general population. Rheumatologists rated current lupus disease activity. RESULTS The SLE group reported greater overall fatigue than did the controls. Temporal and affective dimensions of fatigue were more differentiating than sensory or severity dimensions. The SLE group also reported longer sleep latency and total sleep time, but not higher depression. Using 2-stage regression, a form of structural equation modeling, the proposed lupus fatigue model was supported. CONCLUSION These preliminary results describe fatigue as a multidimensional phenomenon arising out of several contributing factors. They suggest that fatigue treatment strategies should address mediating processes such as sleep and depression, in addition to disease activity.
The Aino 2.0 Model

This paper presents Aino 2.0 – the dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model currently used at the Bank of Finland for forecasting and policy analysis. The paper provides a detailed theoretical description of the model, its estimation and how it can be used to interpret the evolution of the Finnish economy between 1995 and 2014, including the rise and fall of the electronics industry, the global financial crisis, and the stagnant growth performance since the end of the financial crisis.
No evidence for involvement of beta-catenin and APC in urothelial carcinomas.

The wnt pathway plays an important role in embryonal patterning and cell fate determination, involving stabilization of nuclear and cytoplasmic beta-catenin (CTNNB1) mediated by APC, axin, and other proteins. Uncomplexed beta-catenin binds to TCF/LEF transcription factors and activates the expression of growth regulatory target genes such as c-myc or cyclin D1. In colorectal and other cancers, constitutive wnt signaling results frequently from mutations in one or more pathway components, e.g. APC and beta-catenin, resulting in nuclear and/or cytoplasmic accumulation of beta-catenin. In the present study, the most frequent alterations in the CTNNB1 and APC genes were investigated in primary urothelial bladder tumors and cell lines. Snap-frozen bladder tumors (n=99) of different stages and grades and 4 cell lines (RT4, RT112, J82, UROtsa) were investigated for APC allelic deletions by loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis. The most frequent mutated regions of CTNNB1 (degradation box in the third exon) and APC (mutation cluster region) were directly sequenced. Beta-catenin expression was analyzed by immunofluorescence in the cell lines. LOH at the APC gene locus on chromosome 5q21 was found in 7 of 72 (10%) of the informative cases. No mutations were found in either CTNNB1 or APC. A previously described polymorphism at codon 1493 of the APC gene was detected in 8 tumors and 3 cell lines. All cell lines showed normal membranous beta-catenin staining without evidence for nuclear or cytoplasmic accumulation. Alteration of APC and beta-catenin, which are the most frequent wnt pathway alterations in many tumor types, are rare events in urothelial carcinomas. Other wnt pathway members, such as axin, may play an important role in urothelial carcinogenesis.
HERITABLE VARIATION FOR FECUNDITY IN FIELD‐COLLECTED DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER AND THEIR OFFSPRING REARED UNDER DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURES

Heritable variation for fitness components is normally measured under favorable laboratory conditions, but organisms in the field experience variable conditions that are often stressful and may affect the expression of heritable variation. We examined heritable variation for early fecundity in three samples of Drosophila melanogaster from the field. Flies were obtained from a rotting fruit pile in summer, autumn, and spring, and progeny were reared under laboratory conditions. Field parents were tested for fecundity at 14°C or 28°C depending on ambient temperatures. Wing/thorax length ratios measured on flies from the spring collection suggested that flies had developed at around 20°C. Progeny were reared and tested at 14°C, 25°C, and 28°C. In the summer collection, parent‐offspring regression coefficients were high and significant, compared to nonsignificant values obtained in two of three autumn comparisons. In the spring collection, parent‐offspring regressions were negative regardless of testing temperature, suggesting that field females with a high fecundity produced offspring with low scores. Comparisons of F1 and F2 laboratory generations indicated intermediate heritabilities for fecundity in the laboratory. The lower bound heritability estimate for fecundity in field individuals was 37% in summer and 59% in autumn. Estimates of field heritability and evolvability for wing length measured in the spring collection were lower than in the laboratory. The results indicate that heritabilities and additive genetic variances for fecundity can be high in field‐reared flies, but that results may vary between field collections.
Behavior coordination in multi-robot systems

A distributed swarm navigation technique is presented for terrestrial mobile robots. Each robot has its own behavior-based controller that coordinates its basic behaviors by using a hybrid automata. The coordination allows flocking behavior as a result of parallel composition of individual robot automata. The distributed navigation problem is formulated for differential-drive wheeled robots equipped with odometry, compass, and laser range sensor. An interference analysis is made to evaluate the system performance under different configuration of initial parameters. The individual controller allows to expand the number of behaviors. This permits cohesion, align and safe navigation in the robot swarm. The pseudo-experimental results obtained in a ROS-GAZEBO environment were quite positive demonstrating the correctness and feasibility of the proposed solution.
Can Norwegian multi asset-class funds time the market?: an empirical study

In this master thesis, we examine if Norwegian multi asset-class mutual funds (kombinasjonsfond) have the ability to time the market. Market timing skill is the ability to make successful bets on the future returns of an asset class. Norwegian multi asset-class funds have not been the subject for much research, and it is not clear if the market timing activities really adds value to the product. The market timing of multi asset-class mutual funds is particularly interesting, since they can invest in, and therefore time, multiple asset classes. Our extensive dataset consists of monthly holdings and returns data for 22 funds over 8 years. We use four returns based models; we extend a Treynor & Mazuy model and a Henriksson & Merton model in order to search for timing ability in multiple asset classes. In addition, we incorporate more risk-factors into these models. Then, we use a method developed by Clare et al. that measure the relationship between changes in portfolio holdings in one asset class and subsequent asset class returns. In addition, we present a case study of timing performance during the financial crisis. We interview multi asset-class fund managers to shed light on industry practice. Our results using the Treynor & Mazuy and Henriksson & Merton models show that a few funds seem to have market timing skill. Some of these few funds also seem to have market timing ability according to the holding based methods. The case study shows how funds on average increased their holdings of Norwegian equity at attractive levels after the financial crisis. We find that the portion of funds with timing skill in our study is higher than in most previous research from other markets. However, the most important finding is that regardless of method, the majority of funds in the sample do not have the ability to time the market.
Examining the Benefits of Integrating Social Media Into the Classroom

Technology is ever-changing in the society we live in. Social media is one of the most popular technologies used fervently among our youth. Educators must recognize the opportunity to utilize familiar resources to engage our students in the learning process. In addition, social media can enhance collaboration, communication, research, discussion, and critical thinking skills. Furthermore, social media can provide educators the opportunity to model and teach the importance of digital citizenship. This chapter supports the benefits of integrating social media into the classroom as well as provides information on how to overcome concerns associated with implementing social media.
The CYP2D6 poor metabolizer phenotype may be associated with risperidone adverse drug reactions and discontinuation.

OBJECTIVE The cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) enzyme metabolizes risperidone. CYP2D6 poor metabolizers have no CYP2D6 activity (7% of whites and 1%-2% of other races). This study tested whether the CYP2D6 poor metabolizer phenotype was associated with adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and discontinuation due to ADRs. METHOD Adult inpatients and outpatients were recruited from July 2000 to March 2003 including (1) 325 who were stabilized on risperidone therapy and classified as either expressing moderate-to-marked ADRs (22%, 73/325) or not (78%, 252/325) and (2) 212 who discontinued risperidone and were classified as discontinued due to ADRs (38%, 81/212) or for other reasons (62%, 131/212). Genetic tests were performed by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction and/or by the AmpliChip CYP450 microarray system for up to 34 separate CYP2D6 alleles. Two logistic regression models with dependent variables (moderate-to-marked ADRs while taking risperidone and risperidone discontinuation due to ADRs) were evaluated with respect to the CYP2D6 phenotype. RESULTS The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the CYP2D6 poor metabolizer phenotype in the univariate analyses and after correcting for clinical variables were (1) OR = 3.1 (CI = 1.4 to 7.0) and 3.4 (CI = 1.5 to 8.0) for moderate-to-marked ADRs on risperidone and (2) OR = 3.0 (CI = 0.85 to 10.6) and 6.0 (CI = 1.4 to 25.4) for discontinuation due to ADRs. CONCLUSIONS The CYP2D6 poor metabolizer phenotype appears to be associated with risperidone ADRs and discontinuation due to ADRs; however, this finding requires further study in larger patient populations. The CYP3A5 and p-glycoprotein exon 21 and 26 genotypes were not significantly associated with risperidone response.
Stimulant rebound: how common is it and what does it mean?

OBJECTIVE To examine rates and implications of stimulant-induced rebound - the behavioral deterioration that may occur as stimulant medications wear off. METHODS This study compares nurse observations on evening shifts compared to day shifts in 149 psychiatrically hospitalized children treated with short-acting stimulants, usually methylphenidate, comparing nonmedication and stimulant-treated states. RESULTS Behavioral deterioration (rebound), was observed in 30% of children on at least one dose of stimulants but was serious enough to discontinue treatment in only 8.7%. Children experiencing rebound did not differ clinically from those who did not. CONCLUSIONS Rebound exists, occurs significantly in less than 10% of psychiatrically hospitalized children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and does not appear to have specific diagnostic significance.
Augmentation of Microvascular Nitric Oxide Improves Myocardial Performance Following Global Ischemia

Hearts exposed to global myocardial ischemia associated with cardiac surgery often suffer postischemic endothelial and contractile dysfunction related to antecedent regional or global ischemia. Our studies tested the hypothesis that supplementing blood cardioplegia and reperfusion with the nitric oxide (NO) precursor L‐arginine or the NO donor SPM‐5185 would preserve endothelial function, reduce infarct size, and reverse postcardioplegia regional contractile dysfunction or global dysfunction. In the first study involving 23 anesthetized dogs undergoing regional ischemia, supplementation of blood cardioplegia with L‐arginine: (1) reduced infarct size; (2) improved postischemic regional segmental work and diastolic stiffness; (3) attenuated neutrophil accumulation in the area at risk; and (4) improved postischemic depressed coronary artery endothelial function. The NO synthase inhibitor N‐nitro‐L‐arginine (L‐NA) reversed these protective effects. In another experiment involving 18 anesthetized dogs undergoing normothermic global ischemia, hearts treated with blood cardioplegia supplemented with the NO donor SPM‐5185 demonstrated better postischemic coronary artery endothelial function, lowered myeloperoxidase activity in the ischemic‐reperfused myocardium, and significantly improved global ventricular function in the group receiving high‐dose SPM‐5185. We conclude that the inclusion of L‐arginine or high‐dose NO donor SPM‐5185 in blood cardioplegia improves postischemic ventricular performance and endothelial function in ischemically injured hearts, possibly by inhibition of neutrophil‐mediated damage via the L‐arginine‐NO pathway.
A novel caffeoyl triterpene attenuates cerebral ischemic injury with potent anti‐inflammatory and hypothermic effects

Despite the intense efforts in searching for stroke therapies, an urgent need still exists to explore novel neuroprotective agents for ischemic stroke that have high efficacy and wide therapeutic time‐window. Here, we provide the first demonstration that 28‐O‐caffeoyl betulin (B‐CA), a novel derivative of naturally occurring caffeoyl triterpene, could significantly alleviate brain infarction and neurological deficit when given as late as 6 h after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat. Moreover, post‐ischemia B‐CA administration exhibited long‐term (14 days post stroke) protective effects on both brain infarction and functional (i.e., motor and sensory) deficits. Protective B‐CA effects correlated with decreased inflammatory responses as indicated by inhibition of microglia and astrocyte activation [stained with ionized calcium‐binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba‐1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibody, respectively], as well as suppression of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and cyclooxygenase‐2 overproduction in the ipsilateral cortex of ischemic rat. B‐CA administration caused significant hypothermia in the focal cerebral ischemic rat, which may contribute to its ameliorative effects on brain damage and inflammation. In view of its potency in wide therapeutic time‐window, robust anti‐inflammatory and hypothermic effects, this novel caffeoyl triterpene derivative may lead toward the development of effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
A comparative analysis of Cross Site Scripting (XSS) detecting and defensive techniques

Now the web applications are highly useful and powerful for usage in most fields such as finance, e-commerce, healthcare and more, so it must be well secured. The web applications may contain vulnerabilities, which are exploited by attackers to steal the user's credential. The Cross Site Scripting (XSS) attack is a critical vulnerability that affects on the web applications security. XSS attack is an injection of malicious script code into the web application by the attacker in the client-side within user's browser or in the server-side within the database, this malicious script is written in JavaScript code and injected within untrusted input data on the web application. This study discusses the XSS attack, its taxonomy, and its incidence. In addition, the paper presents the XSS mechanisms used to detect and prevent the XSS attacks.
Unstable Void Growth in Thermohyperelastic Plastic IC Packaging Material due to Thermal Load and Vapor Pressure

In this paper, a representative material cell containing a single microvoid is used to investigate void growth under combined vapor pressure and thermal stress. The plastic IC packaging material is assumed to be Gent-Thomas thermohyperelastic materials. Using the theory of cavity formation and unstable void growth in incompressible hyper-elastic material, we gained an analytical relation between the applied traction and the change of temperature. Numerical analysis is given of such polymers electronic packaging materials occurred "Popcorn" critical load burst. Numerical results indicate that the critical stress for unstable void growth is very sensitive to the change of temperature. The critical stress for unstable void growth at reflow temperature is likely to be much lower than that at room temperature.
Serious suicidal behaviors: Socio-demographic and clinical features in a multinational, multicenter sample

Abstract Background: Declared suicidal intent and physical danger are both considered important components in defining suicidal behaviors (SB). Aims: 1) To investigate characteristics of serious suicidal behaviors (SSB), defined by either suicidal intent or lethality; 2) To determine any difference in terms of socio-demographic, clinical and/or service usage variables between SSB and non-serious suicidal behaviors (NSSB). Methods: A total of 2631 contacts for SB were registered in the context of the MONSUE (Monitoring Suicidal Behavior in Europe) study project. Demographic and clinical information were registered. ICD-10 was used for classifying data about psychiatric diagnoses, methods used for SB and injuries reported. Clear intentionality, high-case fatality methods and serious injuries all defined SSB (n = 1169; 44.4%) Results: SSB were more often preceded by a contact with an inpatient (either psychiatric or somatic) rather than an outpatient service. Among those having a previous history of SB, SSB subjects had fewer contacts with health services before the previous attempt. The strongest predictors for SSB appeared to be older age and not professing a religion. Conclusion: Many of the known factors contributing to the risk of completed suicide were also present for SSB. Our findings on service usage by suicide attempters show which aspects of mental health services should be strengthened in order to improve suicide prevention.
Novel 3 level bidirectional buck converter with wide operating range for Hardware-in-the-Loop test systems

For Hardware-in-the-Loop tests of components for the distribution grid, for example circuit breakers, converter systems are required, which can generate a high power output with fast transients of the output signal. In this paper, a novel 3 level buck converter is presented, which is using 3 different supply voltages to enable a wide voltage operation range. The modulation of the converter is presented and the design of a prototype system is performed and optimized for pulsed power operation. The prototype is compared to a hard-switched NPC-design.
Dynamic Interactions of Fcγ Receptor IIB with Filamin-Bound SHIP1 Amplify Filamentous Actin-Dependent Negative Regulation of Fcε Receptor I Signaling1

The engagement of high affinity receptors for IgE (FcεRI) generates both positive and negative signals whose integration determines the intensity of mast cell responses. FcεRI-positive signals are also negatively regulated by low affinity receptors for IgG (FcγRIIB). Although the constitutive negative regulation of FcεRI signaling was shown to depend on the submembranous F-actin skeleton, the role of this compartment in FcγRIIB-dependent inhibition is unknown. We show in this study that the F-actin skeleton is essential for FcγRIIB-dependent negative regulation. It contains SHIP1, the phosphatase responsible for inhibition, which is constitutively associated with the actin-binding protein, filamin-1. After coaggregation, FcγRIIB and FcεRI rapidly interact with the F-actin skeleton and engage SHIP1 and filamin-1. Later, filamin-1 and F-actin dissociate from FcR complexes, whereas SHIP1 remains associated with FcγRIIB. Based on these results, we propose a dynamic model in which the submembranous F-actin skeleton forms an inhibitory compartment where filamin-1 functions as a donor of SHIP1 for FcγRIIB, which concentrate this phosphatase in the vicinity of FcεRI and thereby extinguish activation signals.
Outcomes of Carotid Endarterectomy in the Elderly: Report From the National Cardiovascular Data Registry

Background and Purpose— Benchmark trials of carotid endarterectomy often did not include elderly patients, and the results may not be easily extrapolated to the general population. Using the Carotid Artery Revascularization and Endarterectomy registry, we sought to determine real-world outcomes of carotid endarterectomy in the elderly. Methods— This was a retrospective cohort study of patients aged >70 years. We compared outcomes stratified by age among symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Results— There were 4149 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy; 1376 (33.1%) were symptomatic. Overall mortality rate was 0.5%. The primary outcome of in-hospital death, stroke, and myocardial infarction showed a significant trend and was highest in the age >85 years group (5.6%). Among symptomatic patients, mortality and the primary outcome were not statistically different between those aged >75 years and those aged 70 to 74 years. Among asymptomatic elderly patients, mortality rate was significantly higher in age group >75 years compared with <75 years (0.7% vs 0.0%); however, the combined outcome of stroke, death, and myocardial infarction was not statistically different. Conclusions— Elderly patients >85 years of age were at increased risk for death or perioperative complications of stroke, death, and myocardial infarction compared with those who were relatively younger. More elderly patients underwent carotid endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid stenosis and had higher mortality than the younger counterparts, underlining need for caution in subjecting them to the procedure.
Effect of Reserpine on Serum Prolactin, Growth Hormone, and Glucocorticoids in Dairy Cows

Summary Nonlactating, nonpregnant Holstein cows were used to examine the effects of an im injection of reserpine. A 5-mg reserpine injection resulted in a rapid (within 0.5 hr) and sustained (at least 24 hr) elevation of serum prolactin. Peak prolactin levels (283 ng/ml) occurred 3 hr postinjection. Serum glucocorticoid and growth hormone concentrations were unaffected by reserpine injection. Two sequential injections of 5 mg of reserpine given at 48-hr intervals gave nearly identical prolactin responses. The prolactin response to reserpine was dose dependent with 1 mg giving approximately 39.5% of the response obtained with 5 mg of reserpine. The authors appreciate the assistance of C. J. Wil-cox, Dairy Science Department, University of Florida, with analysis of the mixed-model factorial design.