Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is the step‐up therapy of topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy effective and safe for the patients with recalcitrant facial flat wart?

Facial flat wart, caused by human papilloma virus type 3 and less often, type 10, 27, and 41, often brings many cosmetic problems to children and young adults. Considering the disturbing cosmetic problem, the treatment of facial flat wart is always frustrating and often unsuccessful, although there are many treatment modalities. Considering the possible serious side effects of 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA‐PDT), we designed step‐up therapy of ALA‐PDT on different clinical phases of facial flat wart. As a new protocol of ALA‐PDT, we found the step‐up therapy of ALA‐PDT could also receive excellent effects with the lower side effects. Meanwhile, the tolerance of patients to ALA‐PDT could improve with subsequent treatment sessions and escalating doses of ALA‐PDT.
Function-approximation-based importance sampling for pricing American options

Monte Carlo simulation techniques that use function approximations have been successfully applied to approximately price multidimensional American options. However, for many pricing problems the time required to get accurate estimates can still be prohibitive, and this motivates the development of variance reduction techniques. In this paper, we describe a zero-variance importance sampling measure for American options. We then discuss how function approximation may be used to approximately learn this measure; we test this idea in simple examples. We also note that the zero-variance measure is fundamentally connected to a duality result for American options. While our methodology is geared towards developing an estimate of an accurate lower bound for the option price, we observe that importance sampling also reduces variance in estimating the upper bound that follows from the duality.
X-ray waveguides and waveguide-based lensless imaging

The scope of the present thesis is X-ray waveguides and applications in waveguide-based lensless X-ray microscopy. The propagation of X-rays in waveguides is analysed analytically for some simple geometries; finite-difference field calculations based on the parabolic wave equation enable the studying of more complicated cases. The end face of an X-ray waveguide can serve as a very small source with cross-sectional dimensions of typically 10-100 nm. The exiting beam is highly coherent and slightly divergent. X-ray waveguides are prepared by means of electron-beam lithography and characterised at synchrotron beamlines.The waveguide beam allows the recording of a magnified image of a sample. When imaging small objects with a high spatial resolution, the recorded image has to be considered an in-line hologram. An "image" is then obtained by a computational holographic reconstruction. The spatial resolution is limited by the cross-sectional dimensions of the waveguide. Microscopy experiments demonstrate a spatial resolution of below 400 nm. However, the reconstructed image is significantly disturbed by a so-called "twin-image", which is an inherent problem of in-line holography.Image quality can be significantly improved by off-axis holography using two coherently illuminated waveguides. One waveguide illuminates the sample while the other waveguide provides an additional reference wave. In particular in the case of hard X-rays, the sample mainly shifts the phase of X-rays while absorption is very weak. Numerical reconstruction from an off-axis hologram gives direct access to the phase. Thus, even very small samples can be imaged with sufficient contrast. First proof-of-principle experiments demonstrate a spatial resolutions of about 100 nm and an improved image quality compared to in-line holography.
Dissociation of Phagocyte Recognition of Cells Undergoing Apoptosis from Other Features of the Apoptotic Program*

Apoptosis is a programmed form of cell death characterized by biochemical and morphological changes affecting the nucleus, cytoplasm, and plasma membrane. These changes in various cellular compartments are widely regarded as mechanistically linked events in a single “program” in which activation of caspases and proteolysis of intracellular substrates represent a final common pathway leading to cell death. To date there has been very limited exploration of the linkage of this program to the plasma membrane changes, which bring about swift recognition, uptake, and safe degradation of apoptotic cells by phagocytes. Using the mitochondrial inhibitors antimycin A and oligomycin in human monocytic THP.1 cells triggered into apoptosis, we report the uncoupling of plasma membrane changes from other features of apoptosis. These inhibitors blocked increased plasma membrane permeability, externalization of phosphatidylserine, and recognition by two classes of phagocytes but not activation of caspase-3, cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and DNA fragmentation. Externalization of phosphatidylserine in apoptotic human leukemic U937 cells was also dissociated from caspase activation. Thus changes governing safe clearance of apoptotic cells may be regulated by an independent pathway to those bringing about caspase activation. This finding could have important consequences for attempts to manipulate cell death for therapeutic gainin vivo.
The HapticTouch toolkit: enabling exploration of haptic interactions

In the real world, touch based interaction relies on haptic feedback (e.g., grasping objects, feeling textures). Unfortunately, such feedback is absent in current tabletop systems. The previously developed Haptic Tabletop Puck (HTP) aims at supporting experimentation with and development of inexpensive tabletop haptic interfaces in a do-it-yourself fashion. The problem is that programming the HTP (and haptics in general) is difficult. To address this problem, we contribute the Haptictouch toolkit, which enables developers to rapidly prototype haptic tabletop applications. Our toolkit is structured in three layers that enable programmers to: (1) directly control the device, (2) create customized combinable haptic behaviors (e.g., softness, oscillation), and (3) use visuals (e.g., shapes, images, buttons) to quickly make use of these behaviors. In our preliminary exploration we found that programmers could use our toolkit to create haptic tabletop applications in a short amount of time.
Information-theoretic tools for parametrized coarse-graining of non-equilibrium extended systems

In this paper, we focus on the development of new methods suitable for efficient and reliable coarse-graining of non-equilibrium molecular systems. In this context, we propose error estimation and controlled-fidelity model reduction methods based on Path-Space Information Theory, combined with statistical parametric estimation of rates for non-equilibrium stationary processes. The approach we propose extends the applicability of existing information-based methods for deriving parametrized coarse-grained models to Non-Equilibrium systems with Stationary States. In the context of coarse-graining it allows for constructing optimal parametrized Markovian coarse-grained dynamics within a parametric family, by minimizing information loss (due to coarse-graining) on the path space. Furthermore, we propose an asymptotically equivalent method-related to maximum likelihood estimators for stochastic processes-where the coarse-graining is obtained by optimizing the information content in path space of the coarse variables, with respect to the projected computational data from a fine-scale simulation. Finally, the associated path-space Fisher Information Matrix can provide confidence intervals for the corresponding parameter estimators. We demonstrate the proposed coarse-graining method in (a) non-equilibrium systems with diffusing interacting particles, driven by out-of-equilibrium boundary conditions, as well as (b) multi-scale diffusions and the corresponding stochastic averaging limits, comparing them to our proposed methodologies.
Identifying Anomalous Nodes in Multidimensional Networks

This paper investigates the problem of the detection of anomalies in multidimensional networks, that is, networks where nodes are connected through multiple links (dimensions). Anomaly detection in monodimensional networks has been well studied and several approaches have been proposed. This problem, however, has been less investigated in the multidimensional setting. In this paper we deal with the lack of an effective approach for identifying anomalous nodes in multidimensional networks. Our contribution is two fold. First, we develop a novel scoring function that reflects the anomalousness degree of a node. Second, based on the estimated anomaly scores, we devise a probabilistic approach based on the beta mixture model to systematically discriminate between normal and anomalous nodes. A notable feature of our approach is that it performs anomaly detection in an automatic fashion without requesting human intervention to set an empirical detection threshold to detect anomalies, or by specifying the number of anomalous nodes to be selected. Furthermore, the approach that we propose exploits the topological structure of the multidimensional network as such, without considering any aggregation technique nor examining independently each dimension to identify anomalies. Experiments on synthetic as well as real networks illustrate the suitability of the proposed approach.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a serious condition, due to its frequency and high mortality with rupture; however, there is an improved outlook achieved with elective versus emergency repair. The drive is to identify these aneurysms early, so that patients can have surgical fixation in an elective setting. This article will highlight the areas where GPs are essential in improving the management of AAA, in particular, prompt diagnosis and referral of ruptured AAAs, and early AAA diagnosis through screening. It will also explore the different surgical options, with particular emphasis on the risks associated with AAA repair, especially in an emergency setting.
Weakly pulse-coupled oscillators, FM interactions, synchronization, and oscillatory associative memory

We study pulse-coupled neural networks that satisfy only two assumptions: each isolated neuron fires periodically, and the neurons are weakly connected. Each such network can be transformed by a piece-wise continuous change of variables into a phase model, whose synchronization behavior and oscillatory associative properties are easier to analyze and understand. Using the phase model, we can predict whether a given pulse-coupled network has oscillatory associative memory, or what minimal adjustments should be made so that it can acquire memory. In the search for such minimal adjustments we obtain a large class of simple pulse-coupled neural networks that can memorize and reproduce synchronized temporal patterns the same way a Hopfield network does with static patterns. The learning occurs via modification of synaptic weights and/or synaptic transmission delays.
Sorted Index Numbers for Privacy Preserving Face Recognition

This paper presents a novel approach for changeable and privacy preserving face recognition. We first introduce a new method of biometric matching using the sorted index numbers (SINs) of feature vectors. Since it is impossible to recover any of the exact values of the original features, the transformation from original features to the SIN vectors is noninvertible. To address the irrevocable nature of biometric signals whilst obtaining stronger privacy protection, a random projection-based method is employed in conjunction with the SIN approach to generate changeable and privacy preserving biometric templates. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated on a large generic data set, which contains images from several well-known face databases. Extensive experimentation shows that the proposed solution may improve the recognition accuracy.
Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease: A Bidirectional Relationship

Sleep apnea occurs in ≈5% to 10% of the general population, regardless of race and ethnicity.1 By contrast, in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), its prevalence, depending on the specific disorder surveyed, can range between 47% and 83%. 2–4 One form, central sleep apnea (CSA), is rare in the general population, but is detected often in conditions characterized by sodium and water retention, such as heart failure (HF). 2 Such epidemiological observations raise several important and as yet unresolved questions: What accounts for this remarkable concentration of sleep apnea among patients with CVD and its association with fluid retaining states? Does obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) predispose at-risk individuals to develop, over time, hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, or HF? Conversely, could mechanisms engaged by CVD, such as activation of the sympathetic nervous and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems, with consequences including renal sodium retention, contribute over time to the development or exacerbation of sleep apnea? From the clinical perspective, is sleep apnea, when present in patients with CVD an epiphenomenon, perhaps related to ageing, or a causal contributor to worse prognosis? And if so, are there now sufficient data to recommend randomized controlled trials to determine whether specific treatment of sleep apnea can reduce mortality or cardiovascular event rates? Our objectives, in this review, are to provide novel insight into each of these specific questions by integrating into our contemporary understanding of relationships between sleep apnea and CVD5 newer epidemiological, observational, mechanistic, and trial data; to introduce a hypothetical model of bidirectional causality; and to consider directions for future research. In healthy subjects, during non–rapid eye movement sleep (which constitutes ≈85% of total sleep time), efferent sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) diminishes and vagal tone increases, resulting in reductions in metabolic rate, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR). 6 …
Management of biliary problems after liver transplantation

Key Points 1 Biliary complications of some type occur in approximately one of every eight liver transplant recipients. Although they are uncommon causes of mortality, they are significant sources of morbidity. 2 Leaks and strictures that occur early after transplantation have technical causes. Late strictures and obstruction are more likely to be complex and have multiple causes, including hepatic artery occlusion, preservation injury, rejection, and recurrent disease. 3 Diagnosis relies on abdominal imaging and cholangiographic studies. Patency of the hepatic artery must be proven when a complication of the donor biliary tree occurs. 4 Management of late complications is largely influenced by the nature and extent of strictures. Percutaneous and endoscopic treatment of anastomotic strictures offers a significant prospect of successful long‐term management. 5 Nonsurgical management of more complex hilar and intrahepatic strictures is less successful, and surgical revision or retransplantation may be required for definitive treatment.
Performance of MWCNT/HDPE Nanocomposites at High Strain Rates

Performance of HDPE/MWCNT composite at high strain rate up to 10 4 s -1 was investigated in a split Hopkinson pressure bar. The results revealed that the incorporation of MWCNTs into HDPE can enhance the impact strength of HDPE. High strain rate impact has a significant influence on morphology, density, crystallinity and melting temperature of the composite. With increase in strain rate, the densities of both HDPE and HDPE/MWCNT composite decreased. The drop of the density of HDPE/MWCNT composite was quicker than that of HDPE density. This could be the reason that much more cracks were formed in the HDPE/MWCNT composite, which could result in high energy dissipation, during SHPB test. The corporation of MWCNTs did lead to the decrease in yield stress.
Composition of Self Descriptive Protocols for Future Network Architectures

The network protocols we use today have been introduced decades ago. Since then the whole Internet came to existence and with it a single protocol stack: TCP/IP. What was a good solution back then, is no longer appropriate to fulfill the emerging demands of applications. Newer protocols have been created as solutions for the problems, but replacing TCP/IP requires a complicated deployment and migration phase. The problems with the current Internet architecture and its fixed structure have triggered a discussion on a Future Internet architecture. We propose a way to dynamically select and compose protocols based on principles of service oriented architectures. The goal is a network architecture where new protocols could be easily added and are automatically and transparently used by applications. In this paper we present a way to describe protocols and their effects and dependencies between them. We also present a method to select and compose protocols.
Predicting the Outcomes of Subjects With Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia Using Monocyte Human Leukocyte Antigen-DR

BACKGROUND: The objective was to study the level of monocyte-human leukocyte antigen-DR (mHLA-DR), an immune function-related biomarker, at 24 h after admission, to predict the outcomes of subjects with severe pneumonia. METHODS: Subjects with severe community-acquired pneumonia (n = 102) were included in the study. Blood samples were collected from each subject 24 h after admission. Data regarding age, sex, PaO2/FIO2, comorbidities, occurrence of altered mental status, bacteremia, septic shock, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score within the first 24 h; the highest temperature within 24 h after admission; mechanical ventilation usage; timing of antibiotic therapy; ICU stay; and 28-d survival were collected. Expression of mHLA-DR was measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS: APACHE II score and SOFA score were significantly higher (P < .001), whereas the mHLA-DR expression was significantly lower (P < .001) in the non-survivors than in the survivors. The outcomes at day 28 after admission were significantly associated with the APACHE II score (P = .002, odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, 95% CI 1.10–1.48), the SOFA score (P = .003, OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.15–2.00), and mHLA-DR level (P = .01, OR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.85–0.98), as shown by logistic regression. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.877 (95% CI 0.81–0.94, P < .001), 0.862 (95% CI 0.79–0.93, P < .001), and 0.781 (95% CI 0.69–0.87, P < .001) for APACHE II score, SOFA score, and the mHLA-DR expression, respectively. The optimal threshold for mHLA-DR level was 27.2%. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that subjects with mHLA-DR ≥ 27.2% had significantly better outcomes compared with < 27.2% level (P < .001, log rank test, hazard ratio = 0.963, 95% CI 0.94–0.99). CONCLUSIONS: mHLA-DR may be a reliable biomarker that can predict the outcomes of patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia, and 27.2% may be the cut-off value to predict the outcomes.
Efficient keyword search for public-key setting

Querying over encrypted data is gaining increasing popularity in cloud based data hosting services. Security and efficiency are recognized as two important and yet conflicting requirements for querying over encrypted data. In this paper we propose an efficient public-key encryption with keyword search scheme (EPEKS for short) that support binary search for inverted index-based encrypted data. First, we describe approaches of constructing a searchable encryption scheme that supports binary search. Second, we present a novel framework for EPEKS, and provide its formal security definitions in terms of IND-PEKS-CKA security and search pattern privacy by modifying Nishioka's security notions [1]. Third, built on the proposed framework, we design a concrete EPEKS scheme based on the groups of prime order. The scheme enjoys strong notions of security, namely statistical IND-PEKS-CKA security and statistical search pattern privacy. Finally, we experimentally evaluate the proposed EPEKS scheme and show that it is significantly more efficient in terms of search over encrypted data than existing search pattern secure PEKS schemes.
Fiber optic illumination sensor

This paper presents fiber optic illumination sensor based on composition of detecting special shape optical fibers. The proposed optical fibre system was used for illumination measurements. The experimentally obtained characteristics of designed detection head are presented and compared to standard illumination measurement equipment for inclination angles from 0o to 90o. The good agreement of characteristics of proposed system with commercial available devices was obtained. The potential applications of illumination optical fibre sensor are presented.
A new approach to clustering biological data using message passing

Clustering algorithms are widely used in bioinformatics to classify data, as in the analysis of gene expression and in the building of phylogenetic trees. Biological data often describe parallel and spontaneous processes. To capture these features, we propose a new clustering algorithm that employs the concept of message passing. Message passing clustering (MPC) allows data objects to communicate with each other and produces clusters in parallel, thereby making the clustering process intrinsic. We have proved that MPC shares similarity with hierarchical clustering (HC) but offers significantly improved performance because it takes into account both local and global structure. We analyzed 35 sets of simulated dynamic gene expression data, achieving a 95% hit rate in which 639 genes out of total 674 genes were correctly clustered. We have also applied MPC to a real data set to build a phylogenetic tree from aligned mycobacterium sequences. The results show higher classification accuracies as compared to traditional clustering methods such as HC.
Quantifying the potential of ride-sharing using call description records

Ride-sharing on the daily home-work-home commute can help individuals save on gasoline and other car-related costs, while at the same time reducing traffic and pollution in the city. Work in this area has typically focused on technology, usability, security, and legal issues. However, the success of any ride-sharing technology relies on the implicit assumption that human mobility patterns and city layouts exhibit enough route overlap to allow for ride-sharing on the first place. In this paper we validate this assumption using mobility data extracted from city-wide Call Description Records (CDRs) from the city of Madrid. We derive an upper bound on the effectiveness of ride-sharing by making the simplifying assumption that any commuter can share a ride with any other as long as their routes overlap. We show that simple ride-sharing among people having neighboring home and work locations can reduce the number of cars in the city at the expense of a relatively short detour to pick up/drop off passengers; e.g., for a 0.6 km detour, there is a 52% reduction in the number of cars. Smartphone technology enables additional passengers to be picked up along the way, which can further reduce the number of cars, as much as 67%.