Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An effective error-resilient coding for H.264 video

The transmission errors in H.264 may propagate in the temporal direction. Errors in intra-coded picture (I-frame) will propagate into the associated P-B frame if they are in the same Group Of Picture (GOP). Therefore it is important to detect errors in the I-frame rather than in the P-B frame. This paper proposes and demonstrates an effective technique of Error-Resilient Coding based on bit-error detection and Directional Intra-Frame Concealment (DIFC) for H.264 video. The bit error detection is derived from multiblock checksum, chain coverage and remainder coding. DIFC takes advantage of flexible block sizes to deal with detailed movement areas and employs object edge detection to improve the accuracy of spatial interpolation. The results showed that the proposed directional intra-frame concealment has a better performance than the weighted pixel interpolation in H.264 software.
Tensile, Flexural and Compressive Properties of Sisal/Silk Hybrid Composites

The natural fiber composites of sisal/silk unsaturated polyester based hybrid composites with different fiber lengths were prepared. Sisal—silk fiber at a ratio of 1 : 1 has been incorporated with unsaturated polyester resin with different fiber lengths such as 1, 2, and 3 cm. The variation of mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, and compressive strengths of these composites with different fiber lengths has been studied. In the present work a hand lay-up method was used for making the composites. Sisal fibers are treated with NaOH and the effect of alkali treatment on the tensile, flexural, and compressive properties of the sisal/silk hybrid composites has also been studied. Significant improvement in tensile, flexural, and compressive strengths of the sisal/silk hybrid composites has been observed by these treatments.
Functional abnormalities of circulating natural killer cell subpopulations in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

We investigated abnormalities in natural killer (NK) cells in the myocardium and circulating blood of 38 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), 18 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 8 patients with primary amyloidosis, and 12 age-matched normal control subjects. Immunohistochemical staining of myocardial biopsies revealed a significantly greater number of CD57-positive NK cells in patients with DCM than that in controls (3.7 +/- 2.7 v.s. 1.9 +/- 1.6, p < 0.05). The New York Heart Association functional class, left ventricular ejection fraction, myocardial fiber diameter, and interstitial fibrosis volume fraction did not differ significantly between the DCM patients who died within five years of diagnosis and the 31 surviving DCM patients. However, there were significantly fewer CD57-positive NK cells in patients who died than in surviving patients (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the peripheral NK cell activity or the number of NK subset cells between the 16 patients with DCM (n = 16) and the 12 age-matched normal controls. In normal controls, the number of some NK cell subpopulations (CD16+, CD57+, CD16+ CD57+, and CD8+ CD57+ cells) were positively correlated with NK cell activity. In patients with DCM, there was no correlation between the number of NK cell subpopulations and NK cell activity. Our findings indicate that functional abnormalities exist in NK cell subpopulations in patients with DCM, and that these abnormalities may be related to the pathogenesis of DCM.
Abstracts of presentations made at ACM '81

Information files of all kinds are now in common use--personnel records, parts inventories, customer account information, business correspondence, document holdings in libraries, patient records in hospitals, and so on. Information retrieval systems are designed to help analyze and describe the items stored in a file, to organize them and search among them, and finally to retrieve them in response to a user's query.Designing and using a retrieval system involves four major activities: information analysis, information organization and search, query formulation, and information retrieval and dissemination. The tutorial and panel discussion are designed to examine the current developments in the field and to point the way to the future. The emphasis in the discussion will be placed on modern online retrieval services, automatic indexing and abstracting and novel text matching systems.
Structured Interactive Music Scores

Interactive Scores is a formalism for the design and performance of interactive scenarios that provides temporal relations (TRs) among the objects of the scenario. We can model TRs among objects in Time Stream Petri nets, but it is difficult to represent global constraints. This can be done explicitly in the Non-deterministic Timed Concurrent Constraint (ntcc) calculus. We want to formalize a heterogeneous system that controls in one subsystem the concurrent execution of the objects using ntcc, and audio and video processing in the other. We also plan to develop an automatic verifier for ntcc.
Technical aspects of the development and validation of tests for variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease in blood transfusion

The development of tests for variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease in the context of blood transfusion is technically complicated by a number of factors, including the long asymptomatic period and uncertainty as to whether infectivity is present in human blood at all. The specific needs of a donor test impose constraints. It is argued that the only possible analyte will be blood, and that while the initial work will involve animal studies, these will provide only an approximate guide. A rapid infectivity assay is key to confirming positives in human samples, and dilutions of infected human brain will probably provide adequate routine control samples to ensure the correct performance of the test.
Placental Transport of Leucine and Lysine Is Reduced in Intrauterine Growth Restriction1

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is characterized by a reduction in fetal plasma concentrations of a number of essential amino acids. Whether this is caused by impaired placental transport is unknown. We studied transport of leucine and lysine in syncytiotrophoblast microvillous (MVM) and basal membrane (BM) vesicles isolated from uncomplicated (control) and IUGR pregnancies. In addition, we investigated the possibility that leucine uptake is stimulated by an outwardly directed glycine gradient. Uptake of 3H-L-lysine (0.1 µM) and 3H-L-leucine (0.25 µM) was studied at 37°C using rapid filtration techniques. In IUGR, mediated uptake of lysine was reduced by 44% (p < 0.05) in BM and uptake of leucine was lower in both MVM (-46%, p < 0.05) and BM (-38%, p < 0.05) compared with control vesicles. Intravesicular glycine (2 mM) increased the uptake of leucine by 98% in MVM (p < 0.05). These data suggest that the activity of placental transporters for cationic and neutral amino acids is reduced in IUGR. We speculate that a reduced glycine gradient in the placenta in IUGR, due to reduction in system A activity, will impair leucine transport to the fetus, providing an additional mechanism for reduced placental transport of leucine in IUGR.
Guided modes of a width-reduced photonic-crystal slab line-defect waveguide with asymmetric cladding

The authors fabricated GaAs-based width-reduced photonic-crystal (PC) slab line-defect waveguides with asymmetric cladding, characterized optically by broadband transmission spectral results. These waveguides were vertically sandwiched between air and oxide claddings. Transmission peaks originating from the guided mode located within the bandgap were observed, thereby showing the presence of a bandgap effect for the transverse-electric (TE)-like guided mode even with the coexistence of a fundamental transverse-magnetic (TM)-like mode. Propagation loss spectra were derived from transmission spectra for both TE and TM polarization inputs. Comparing the obtained spectra to band diagrams, the authors detected a mini-stopband effect in the transmission spectra arising from a folding of the fundamental TM-like mode at the Brillouin zone boundary. The coupling coefficient was then estimated to be /spl sim/0.01 [a/sup -1/] (with a being a lattice constant). Dips in spectral intensity were also observed and were attributed to TE-TM mode conversion based on a comparison to the band diagram.
Growth of high-quality SrTiO3 films using a hybrid molecular beam epitaxy

A hybrid molecular beam epitaxy approach for atomic-layer controlled growth of high-quality SrTiO3 films with scalable growth rates was developed. The approach uses an effusion cell for Sr, a plasma source for oxygen, and a metal-organic source titanium tetra isopropoxide for Ti. SrTiO3 films were investigated as a function of cation flux ratio on 001 SrTiO3 and LaAlO30.3Sr2AlTaO60. 7 LSAT substrates. Growth conditions for stoichiometric insulating films were identified. Persistent 180 oscillations reflection high-energy electron diffraction oscillation characteristic of layer-by-layer growth were observed. The full widths at half maximum of x-ray diffraction rocking curves were similar to those of the substrates, i.e., 34 arc sec on LSAT. The film surfaces were nearly ideal with root mean square surface roughness values of less than 0.1 nm. The relationship between surface reconstructions, growth modes, and stoichiometry is discussed.
’ s repository of research publications and other research outputs Medical implantable devices for the controlled release of anti-TGF-beta 1 in the repair of peripheral nerve injuries Conference Item

The development of novel bioartificial nerve grafts which release soluble therapeutic agents, shows great promises guiding the extension of the injured axons and optimizing and improving the degree and specificity of neural outgrowth. The TGF-β family cytokines are polypeptides involved in pathogenesis of neuropathies during nerve lesion. In particular, studies carried out on TGF-β1 have demonstrated its key-role as a humoral stimulus in scar formation. The use of neutralising antibodies to this pro-fibrotic factor, incorporated and released by medical devices, could be potentially useful to get improved results in nerve repair. The aim of this study was to characterise the uptake and release of antibodies, structurally no different from the antiTGFβ1 specific ones, by innovative constructs based on the use of biodegradable and biocompatible compounds with which to support and improve peripheral nerve repair.
Intravitreal Triamcinolone Reinjection for Refractory Diabetic Macular Edema

Purpose To evaluate the effect of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVT) reinjection on clinical and optical coherence tomographic features in refractory diabetic macular edema. Methods In a prospective interventional case series, all IVT treated patients enrolled in a previous clinical trial were recalled to have a new ophthalmologic examination and optical coherence tomography (OCT) performed. Eyes found suitable for reinjection received 4 mg IVT. Complete clinical examination and OCT were repeated at 2 and 4 months post-injection. The changes were statistically analyzed using a paired t test and were compared to the results of the first injections. Results Of all returning patients, 12 cases with complete records were considered candidates for reinjection. Visual acuity (VA) changes were not significant after the first and second interventions, although there was a relative improvement (0.14 logMAR) 2 months after the first injection. Reductions of central macular thickness (CMT) were 43±69 µm, and 40±69 µm after the first injection and 27±48 µm, 49±58 µm after the reinjection at 2 & 4 months, respectively. None of the mentioned changes was significant. After the second injection, however, intraocular pressure was elevated at both 2 & 4 months (3.6 & 2.4 mmHg respectively, P<0.05). Two months after the first administration, intraocular pressure was found to be raised significantly (5.58 mmHg, P=0.001). Conclusions The transient beneficial effects of IVT on diabetic macular edema are not repeated with second injections. However, IVT-related ocular hypertension is more persistent after reinjection.
Infrared Quantum Dots

Colloidal nanocrystals are quantum‐size‐effect tunable; offer an abundance of available surface area for electronic and chemical interactions; and are processible from organic or aqueous solution onto substrates rigid or flexible, smooth or rough, flat or curved, inorganic or organic (including biological), crystalline or amorphous, conducting, semiconducting, or insulating. With the benefit of over a decade's progress in visible‐light‐emitting colloidal‐quantum‐dot synthesis, physical chemistry, and devices, significant progress has recently been made in infrared‐active colloidal quantum dots and devices. This progress report summarizes the state‐of‐the‐art in infrared colloidal quantum dots, with an emphasis on applications and devices. The applications of interest surveyed include monolithic integration of fiber‐optic and free‐space‐communications photonic components with electronic substrates such as silicon and glass; in‐vivo biological tagging in infrared spectral bands in which living tissue is optically penetrable to a depth of 5–10 cm; solar and thermal photovoltaics for energy conversion; and infrared sensing and imaging based on non‐visible, including thermal, signatures. The synthesis and properties of quantum dots are first reviewed: photoluminescence quantum efficiencies greater than 50 % are achievable in solution, and stable luminescent dots are available in organic and aqueous solvents. Electroluminescent devices based on solution processing have been reported with external quantum efficiencies approaching 1 %. Photoconductive devices have been realized with 3 % internal quantum efficiencies, and a photovoltaic effect was recently observed. Electro‐optic modulation achieved by either field‐ or charge‐induced modification of the rate of optical absorption has been demonstrated based both on interband and intersubband (intraband) transitions. Optical gain from these processible materials with a threshold of 1 mJ cm–2 and an optical net modal gain coefficient of 260 ± 20 cm–1 have been reported.
Bone matters in lung cancer

Background Bone metastases are a significant and undertreated clinical problem in patients with advanced lung cancer. Design We reviewed the incidence of bone metastases and skeletal-related events (SREs) in patients with lung cancer and examined the burden on patients' lives and on health care systems. Available therapies to improve survival and lessen the impact of SREs on quality of life (QoL) were also investigated. Results Bone metastases are common in lung cancer; however, owing to short survival times, data on the incidences of SREs are limited. As with other cancers, the costs associated with treating SREs in lung cancer are substantial. Bisphosphonates reduce the frequency of SREs and improve measures of pain and QoL in patients with lung cancer; however, nephrotoxicity is a common complication of therapy. Denosumab, a recently approved bone-targeted therapy, is superior to zoledronic acid in increasing the time to first on-study SRE in patients with solid tumours, including lung cancer. Additional roles of bone-targeted therapies beyond the prevention of SREs are under investigation. Conclusions With increasing awareness of the consequences of SREs, bone-targeted therapies may play a greater role in the management of patients with lung cancer, with the aim of delaying disease progression and preserving QoL.
Comparison of cathodoluminescence and photoluminescence of CdSeTe films grown on Si by molecular beam epitaxy

For the first time, cathodoluminescence of CdSexTe1-x (with x = 0-1) films grown by molecular beam epitaxy on (211) Si substrates were systematically studied and compared with photoluminescence. The Se mole fraction was consistently determined by x-ray rocking-curve diffraction, wavelength-dispersive spectroscopy, and Rutherford backscattering. The band gap energy, as determined by both cathodoluminescence and photoluminescence, was found consistent with literature. The band gap energy varied parabolically with composition as predicted by theory. The results suggest cathodoluminescence can be used to conveniently map composition fluctuations such as Se segregation in CdSexTe1-x films, with higher spatial resolution than photoluminescence.
A Sentence Reduction using Syntax Control

This paper present a method based on the behavior of nonnative speaker for reduction sentence in foreign language. We demonstrate an algorithm using semantic information in order to produce two reduced sentences in two difference languages and ensure both grammatical and sentence meaning of the original sentence in reduced sentences. In addition, the orders of reduced sentences are able to be different from original sentences.
Filling Preposition-Based Templates to Capture Information from Medical Abstracts

Due to the recent explosion of information in the biomedical field, it is hard for a single researcher to review the complex network involving genes, proteins, and interactions. We are currently building GeneScene, a toolkit that will assist researchers in reviewing existing literature, and report on the first phase in our development effort: extracting the relevant information from medical abstracts. We are developing a medical parser that extracts information, fills basic prepositional-based templates, and combines the templates to capture the underlying sentence logic. We tested our parser on 50 unseen abstracts and found that it extracted 246 templates with a precision of 70%. In comparison with many other techniques, more information was extracted without sacrificing precision. Future improvement in precision will be achieved by correcting three categories of errors.
Factors controlling the effect of crumb rubber on critical properties of asphalt binders

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the results of a project conducted to evaluate the effects of Crumb Rubber Modifiers (CRMS) produced by different processes on basic rheological properties of asphalt binders. The evaluation was done using the new testing and aging procedures developed for the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP). The results were used to quantify the effect of CRM source and CRM content on rheological properties at a wide range of testing temperatures and loading conditions. Statistical models were developed that represent the nature of effects on performance-related properties of asphalts.
Fast algorithms for polynomial solutions of linear differential equations

We investigate polynomial solutions of homogeneous linear differential equations with coefficients that are polynomials with integer coefficients. The problems we consider are the existence of nonzero polynomial solutions, the determination of the dimension of the vector space of polynomial solutions, the computation of a basis of this space. Previous algorithms have a bit complexity that is at least quadratic in the largest integer valuation N of formal Laurent series solutions at infinity, even for merely detecting the existence of nonzero polynomial solutions. We give a deterministic algorithm that computes a compact representation of a basis of polynomial solutions in O(Nlog3N) bit operations. We also give a probabilistic algorithm that computes the dimension of the space of polynomial solutions in O(√Nlog2N) bit operations. In general, the integer N is not polynomially bounded in the bit size of the input differential equation. We isolate a class of equations for which detecting nonzero polynomial solutions can be performed in polynomial complexity. We discuss implementation issues and possible extensions.
A Nutrition Education Intervention to Combat Undernutrition: Experience from a Developing Country

Introduction. Undernutrition in children is a major public health concern in Pakistan. A number of interventions which focused only on providing nutrient supplementation have failed to change child undernutrition status during the last 2 decades. The present study aimed to assess the impact of nutrition education on the nutritional status of children living in resource-limited environments. Methods. Subjects were 586 children from Tando Jam and Quetta, Pakistan, aged from 6 months to 8 years. Children were characterized as mild, moderate, or severely wasted on Z-scores. Anthropometry and 24-hour dietary recall were used for nutritional assessment. Intervention strategy was nutrition counselling targeting mothers. Primary outcome was decrease in the severity of wasting and changes in the feeding practices. Results. Nearly 36% children in Tando Jam and 32% children in Quetta progressed to a normal nutritional status. There was a significant increase in the number of meals taken per day (Tando Jam—P ≤ 0.000/Quetta—P ≤ 0.025). In Tando Jam, significant increase was reported in the intake of high starch food items, vegetables, and fruits (P ≤ 0.000). In Quetta, significant increase was noted in the intake of plant protein (P ≤ 0.005), dairy foods (P ≤ 0.041), and vegetables (P ≤ 0.026). Conclusion. Nutrition education was successful in reducing undernutrition in food insecure households.
Pulmonary function in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease: have we paid proper attention to this problem?

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate pulmonary function and functional capacity in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 70 children and adolescents (8-15 years of age) with sickle cell disease who underwent pulmonary function tests (spirometry) and functional capacity testing (six-minute walk test). The results of the pulmonary function tests were compared with variables related to the severity of sickle cell disease and history of asthma and of acute chest syndrome. Results: Of the 64 patients who underwent spirometry, 15 (23.4%) showed abnormal results: restrictive lung disease, in 8 (12.5%); and obstructive lung disease, in 7 (10.9%). Of the 69 patients who underwent the six-minute walk test, 18 (26.1%) showed abnormal results regarding the six-minute walk distance as a percentage of the predicted value for age, and there was a ≥ 3% decrease in SpO2 in 36 patients (52.2%). Abnormal pulmonary function was not significantly associated with any of the other variables studied, except for hypoxemia and restrictive lung disease. Conclusions: In this sample of children and adolescents with sickle cell disease, there was a significant prevalence of abnormal pulmonary function. The high prevalence of respiratory disorders suggests the need for a closer look at the lung function of this population, in childhood and thereafter.
CAM04-6: Single-Path Routing of Time-varying Traffic

We consider the problem of finding a single-path intra-domain routing for time-varying traffic. We characterize the traffic variations by a finite set of traffic profiles with given non-zero fractions of occurrence. Our goal is to optimize the average performance over all of these traffic profiles. We solve the optimal multi-path version of this problem using linear programming and develop heuristic single-path solutions using randomized rounding and iterated rounding. We analyze our single-path heuristic (finding the optimal single-path routing is NP-hard), and prove that the randomized rounding algorithm has a worst case performance bound of O(log(KN)/log(log(KN))) compared to the optimal multi-path routing with a high probability, where K is the number of traffic profiles, and N the number of nodes in the network. Further, our simulations show the iterated rounding heuristics perform close to the optimal multi-path routing on a wide range of measured ISP topologies, in both the average and the worst-case. Overall, these results are extremely positive since they show that in a wide-range of practical situations, it is not necessary to deploy multi-path routing; instead, an appropriately computed single-path routing is sufficient to provide good performance.