Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A method of inserting binary data into MPEG bitstreams

We propose a method for inserting binary data into MPEG bitstreams. The proposed method allows us to extract the inserted data perfectly eventhough the MPEG video is a lossy algorithm, and the quality of the decoded images after extracting additional information is almost the same as that of the ordinary MPEG bitstreams. Moreover, the standard MPEG decoder can be used for decoding the bitstreams with inserted binary data. In that case, the additional binary data remains in bitstreams but can decode images without obvious image degradation. To verify the effectiveness of our method, we show simulation results using BIFS (BInary Format for Scenes) data for MPEG-4 as an example of the binary data for insertion.
Translational and Therapeutic Approaches to the Understanding and Treatment of Dyslipidemia

Circulating lipoproteins containing cholesterol and triglycerides are major risk factors for many cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Many therapeutic strategies targeting lipid metabolism have been successfully used to treat dyslipidemia and subsequently reduce cardiovascular risk. Most notably, statins, which effectively lower low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), have been widely used and have been shown to substantially reduce cardiovascular events. More recently, a new class of LDL-lowering drugs, the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, has been developed with highly promising results. Many other therapeutic approaches aiming to modulate lipids are also being considered. These include antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) designed to inhibit well-characterized gene targets involved in dyslipidemia, modulators of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) function and reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) pathways, and triglyceride-lowering drugs. We herein highlight recent basic, translational, and clinical studies published in ATVB that further elucidates the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of these approaches. LDL-receptor (LDLR) is a cell surface receptor that was found to be mutated in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). 1 FH is a genetic disorder typically characterized by hypercholesterolemia, ectopic cholesterol deposition, and premature CVD. Hepatic LDLR is essential for the uptake of circulating LDL-C, which cannot be effectively cleared in FH patients. Conversely, increasing LDLR levels, particularly in the liver, enhances LDL-C clearance. Recent evidence identified PCSK9, a protein secreted by the liver, as a mediator of LDLR degradation by interacting with its extracellular domain and promoting its trafficking to the lysosome, rather than allowing normal recycling to the cell surface.2,3 PCSK9 gain-of-function mutations in humans were associated with decreased LDLR levels, and thus increased circulating LDL-C, causing autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia.4,5 In contrast, loss-of-function mutations in PCSK9 were associated with lower LDL-C levels and reduced CVD events.6 Therefore, PCSK9 became a …
Manifestation of Atopic Eczema in Children after Heart Transplantation in the First Year of Life

Abstract: Children undergoing heart transplantation in the first year of life appear in clinical observation to develop atopic eczema at an above‐chance frequency despite immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporine A. A clinical study was undertaken to clarify the extent to which those children develop atopic eczema with above‐chance frequency. In this cross‐sectional study, we examined 41 consecutive children after heart transplantation. Twenty‐seven underwent heart transplantation in the first year of life, seven after the first birthday, and seven had cardiac surgery other than heart transplantation in the first year of life and served as a control group. Atopic eczema was diagnosed in 11 out of 27 children with heart transplant in the first year of life. No atopic eczema was diagnosed in the other two groups. Children undergoing heart transplant prior to the first birthday apparently develop atopic eczema more frequently than children whose surgery was performed after the first birthday, and also more frequently than children undergoing organ‐preserving procedures, despite immunotherapy. It remains an open question whether a surgical procedure within the first months of life with subsequent immunosuppression causes an alteration in the reactivity of the immune system in these children compared to older children which promotes the occurrence of atopic eczema despite immunosuppression.
The dairy farming support system: Do the direct payments cause economic inefficiency?

Economic distortions created by the dairy farming support system in Iceland are examined in this paper. Specifically, the impact of the direct payments component of this system is analyzed. The analysis lead to the conclusion that the form of direct payments that has been used is in many ways well-suited to improve dairy farmers' living standards without creating additional social costs in terms of resource misallocation. It follows that it would be socially wasteful, as well as economically detrimental to dairy farmers, to replace this system with an economically less efficient way of providing them with the same amount of financial support.
Broadband LDMOS 40 W and 55 W integrated power amplifiers

The performance of broadband microwave 40 W and 55 W LDMOS integrated power amplifiers is reported. A 30 V LDMOS process with 500 nm gate length was used for the design. Single and dual die packages were evaluated. A dual die package provides flexibility in output power and efficiency depending on combiner topology at the input and output of the circuit. Different saturated power and efficiency are obtained for different classes, Class A, AB and B operation and for different combiners, Wilkinson, quadrature or balun. Moreover, dual die in Doherty configuration provides a compact solution for better back-off efficiency in a symmetrical / asymmetrical topology. The 40 W design demonstrates 24 %, 1 dB fractional bandwidth around 2.1 GHz, and power added efficiency of 48 % at P-1 dB of 50 W. It showed excellent back-off linearity and best in class memory effect over frequency and temperature. The 55 W design has 28 %, 1 dB fractional bandwidth around 2.2 GHz, and power added efficiency of 49 % at P-1 dB equal to 63 W.
Lisfranc injury caused by a pedal brake perforating the foot.

The tarsometatarsal joint or Lisfranc joint is a complex articulation whose stability is provided by the osseous, capsular and ligamentous attachments. Lisfranc lesions (LFLs) are commonly fracture-dislocations of the Lisfranc joint and are generally caused by high-energy trauma.1 Since publication of the classification of LFLs by Hardcastle and colleagues,2 based on the work by Qenu and Kuss, many papers have dealt with their anatomic patterns, treatment and prognosis, each of which is open to questions. However, the main area of controversy has been the modalities of surgical stabilization.2–4 We report the case of a patient with fracture-dislocation of the Lisfranc joint, treated surgically with the use of K-wires, in which the mechanism of injury was unusual.
Impact of Social Media Endorsement on Fashion Brands

Celebrity endorsements are widely used advertising strategies used for the marketing of different products. The present study investigates the differences in brand name memorability and credibility of celebrity-endorsement in Twitter and Facebook. Celebrity endorsements were previously seen in print magazines as well as television commercials. However, in recent years, the inception of social media as a popular source of daily media consumption has provided another venue for celebrities to endorse different items on an even more personal level. Twitter and Facebook are currently one of the most popular social media sites. These sites allow individuals to post “Tweets” or short updates about their thoughts, activities, or opinions that have a great impact on purchase pattern.
Carcass characteristics of sexed broilers under two rearing systems in three housing zones in environmentally controlled broiler house during winter

The aim of study was to compare carcass characteristics of broiler housed under two different rearing systems (cage and floor) in three housing zones. For this purpose, 240 day old commercial broilers (Hubbard Classic) were purchased and half of them were reared in cages and other half on floor. Under each system, the birds were further divided in three zones of house (near vent, middle and near variable speed fans). There were four replicates containing 10 birds each. The data were analyzed through Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) technique in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) under factorial arrangements. Means were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMR) with the help of SAS 9.1. Pre-slaughter and post-slaughter weight of males rear on the floor exhibited significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight as compared with those rear in the cages. Similarly female attained significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight on floor as compared with those rear in the cages. Dressing percentage, breast weight, leg quarter yield, liver, heart and gizzard weight (filled & empty) in both sexes of broilers reared on floor was significantly (P<0.05) higher as compared to those reared in cages. Pre-slaughter body weight, post-slaughter body weight, Dressing percentage, higher breast weight, higher Leg quarter yields, liver, higher heart and gizzard weight (filled & empty) were found to be better near vents. It can be concluded from the present study that birds reared on floor perform better in area near the vent as compared to the cage.
Dyslipidemias in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: Classification and Risks and Benefits of Therapy

To characterize the lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities in patients with diabetes mellitus and evaluate the risks and benefits of marketed pharmacologic therapies, a MEDLINE search of the National Library of Medicine data base was performed of studies published from January 1966 to March 1994. Clinical trials assessing effects on lipids and lipoproteins, and adverse effects of marketed lipid‐lowering agents were extracted. Reviews and other relevant articles were included if they provided information regarding lipid and lipoprotein metabolism or guidelines on the treatment of dyslipidemias in patients with diabetes mellitus. An extensive review of clofibrate was not included. The most common dyslipidemia in patients with poorly controlled insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is combined elevated triglyceride and cholesterol levels, with reduced high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (mixed hyperlipidemia). Hypertriglyceridemia combined with a reduced HDL cholesterol is the most common dyslipidemia in patients with noninsulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus, but essentially any pattern of dyslipidemia may be present. Small and dense low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), glycosylation of lipoproteins, and increased oxidized lipoproteins may be present in patients with diabetes mellitus; all contribute to accelerated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Insulin therapy generally corrects quantitative lipid abnormalities in patients with IDDM, so drug treatment is seldom indicated. Diet, exercise, and insulin or oral sulfonylureas will improve hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL concentrations, but do not always return them to normal. Drug therapy is indicated when nonpharmacologic measures are inadequate. It is administered based on the effects of each agent on lipids and lipoproteins, patient age, adverse effect profile, patient tolerability, and drug‐disease and drug‐drug interactions. A fibric acid derivative is the drug of choice for marked hypertriglyceridemia in patients with diabetes mellitus. Niacin can worsen glycemic control, but it may be required in severe hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, or mixed hyperlipidemia. Bile‐acid binding resins may accentuate hypertriglyceridemia but may be useful in selected patients with marked hypercholesterolemia and normal triglycerides. Hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors are preferred in patients with elevated LDL cholesterol and mild hypertriglyceridemia. Patients with marked lipid abnormalities or mixed hyperlipidemias may require carefully dosed combinations of lipid‐lowering drugs.
Harmonic Filters Design of a Power System with Specially Connected Transformers Using Hybrid Differential Evolution Method

This paper is used to investigate the harmonic filters planning of a power system with three-phase to two-phase specially connected transformers. The hybrid differential evolution (HDE) method is used to obtain the filter parameter values. The migrant and accelerating operations embedded in HDE are used to overcome the traps of local optimal solutions and problems of time consumption. The design purposes are to minimize the total demand distortion of harmonic currents and total harmonic distortion of voltages. The reactive power compensation and constraints of individual harmonics are also considered. Three design cases are compared to demonstrate the design results. The study results shows that the scheme type of three-phase to two-phase specially connected transformers have significant effects on the harmonic distribution. The design approach can greatly reduce the harmonic distortion. Keywords-power system harmonic, harmonic filter, hybrid differential evolution, power quality, specially connected transformers,.
Occurrence of Two Types of Hynobius naevius in Northern Kyushu, Japan (Amphibia: Urodela)

Abstract A survey to examine genetic variation among Hynobius naevius from four localities of Fukuoka Pref. , northern Kyushu, Japan, resulted in the detection of two, sympatric, genetic types (A and B) that are clearly different in the allelic frequencies of four loci (ACOH-A, ACOH-B, ADH-A, and SOD-A) in each locality. Morphological investigations between the two genetic types also proved that they are clearly discriminated; the type A is about 75 mm in SVL, lacks mottling pattern on bluish purple dorsum, and possesses relatively short vomerine teeth series, while the type B is about 60 mm in SVL, and has light mottling on reddish purple ground color. These results strongly suggest that reproductive isolation occurs between these two types, and that they could be regarded as separate species. Populations from Toyota-cho, western Honshu, and Yabe-machi, central Kyushu, both close to Fukuoka Pref. , were very similar to the types A and B, respectively. From these results, we consider that two evolutionary lineages that first evolved allopatrically in western Honshu and southern Kyushu secondarily contacted and became sympatric in the region of northern Kyushu.
EMPIRICAL RESEARCH ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF CLUSTERS IN ROMANIA AND THE IMPACT ON THE ENTREPRENEURIAL ENVIRONMENT

The present research focuses on the empirical study about the features of clusters in Romania and its impact on business environment. In the scientific approach we tested five research hypotheses which have been validated. Methodological framework included as main instruments: questionnaires, semi-structured interviews with persons who represent the clusters, studies reported in the specialized literature, studies conducted in other projects, examples of best practice from countries with advanced economies. Findings which emerged from our empirical research, as a result of processing of data collection from respondents, may be useful to persons who manage clusters and decision-making authorities at regional and even national level.
The Situation‐Specific Theory of Pain Experience for Asian American Cancer Patients

Studies have indicated the need for theories that explain and target ethnic-specific cancer pain experiences, including those of Asian Americans. In this article, I present a situation-specific theory that explains the unique cancer pain experience of Asian Americans. Unlike other existing theories, this situation-specific theory was developed on the basis of evidence, including a systematic literature review and research findings, making it comprehensive and highly applicable to research and practice with Asian American patients with cancer. Thus, this theory would strengthen the interconnections among theory, evidence, and practice in pain management for Asian American cancer patients.
Calonectria species isolated from Eucalyptus plantations and nurseries in South China

Diseases caused by species of Calonectria (Ca.) represent a serious threat to the growth and sustainability of Eucalyptus plantations in China. Symptoms caused by these fungi mainly include leaf blight on trees in plantations and rotting of stems and leaves in nurseries. Extensive surveys have recently been conducted where Calonectria species were collected in Eucalyptus plantations and nurseries in the FuJian, GuangDong, GuangXi, and YunNan Provinces of South China. Additional isolates were baited from soil samples in the Hong Kong Region. The aim of this study was to identify the 115 Calonectria isolates obtained using comparisons of DNA sequence data for the β-tubulin (tub2), calmodulin (cmdA), histone H3 (his3) and partial translation elongation factor-1α (tef1) gene regions as well as their morphological features. Seven known species were identified, including Calonectria arbusta, Ca. asiatica, Ca. chinensis, Ca. eucalypti, Ca. hongkongensis, Ca. mossambicensis and Ca. pentaseptata. In addition, six novel taxa were collected and are described here as Ca. aciculata, Ca. honghensis, Ca. lantauensis, Ca. pseudoturangicola, Ca. pseudoyunnanensis, and Ca. yunnanensis spp. nov. Overall, the results reflect a high diversity of Calonectria species in China.
Challenges of the Targeting Approach to Social Protection: An assessment of the Ghana Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty Programme in the Wa Municipality of Ghana

Global debates on social protection have raised concerns about the appropriateness of the targeting approach for better inclusion. This study contributes to these debates by exploring the specific challenges associated with the targeting mechanism adopted by the Ghana Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty (LEAP) programme within the Upper West Regional programme district of Wa Municipality of Ghana. Qualitative data on beneficiaries’ perceptions and experiences with the LEAP programme were collected through in-depth interviews with 30 LEAP beneficiaries and key informant interviews with three LEAP implementers. The findings reveal widespread perceptions of inclusion errors associated with the targeting approach adopted by LEAP. These perceived inclusion errors are as a result of lack of transparency in the handling of procedures, political interference in the selection process and poor data on household’s poverty statuses. Unintended consequences of the approach include poverty-labeling, stigmatization and envy of beneficiaries leading to hatred and conflicts which are capable of destroying social cohesion in rural beneficiary communities. A sense of beneficiary powerlessness to question the ‘ills’ in the operations of programme is also a challenge inherent in the targeting approach. To ensure effective targeting, there is the need for education to be provided on the purpose, selection process and benefits of the programme, particularly, at the community level. There is also the need to strengthen the monitoring of the selection process. It is important that civil society organizations provide complementary interventions to empower beneficiaries to demand for their entitlements from the programme. Keywords : Social Protection, Cash Transfers, Targeting Approach, Challenges, Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty, Ghana
SWI/SNF Chromatin-remodeling Factors: Multiscale Analyses and Diverse Functions*

Chromatin-remodeling enzymes play essential roles in many biological processes, including gene expression, DNA replication and repair, and cell division. Although one such complex, SWI/SNF, has been extensively studied, new discoveries are still being made. Here, we review SWI/SNF biochemistry; highlight recent genomic and proteomic advances; and address the role of SWI/SNF in human diseases, including cancer and viral infections. These studies have greatly increased our understanding of complex nuclear processes.
A 5-V operated MEMS variable optical attenuator by SOI bulk micromachining

We report the design, fabrication, and successful demonstration of microelectromechanical variable optical attenuator (VOA) using an electrostatic microtorsion mirror (0.6 mm in diameter) combined with a fiber-optic collimator. The VOA operates at low voltages (dc 5 V or less) for large optical attenuation (40 dB, corresponding to mirror angle of 0.3/spl deg/) and a fast response time (5 ms or faster). The mirror made of a bulk-micromachined silicon-on-insulator wafer has been designed to be shock resistant up to 500 G without any mechanical failure. We also have suppressed temperature dependence of optical performance to be less than /spl plusmn/0.5 dB at 10-dB attenuation in the range of -5/spl deg/C-70/spl deg/C by mechanically decoupling the parasitic bimorph effect from the electrostatic operation.
Stock market prediction from Web news using expert articles and machine learning

The market analysis is one of the important tasks for text mining. Many researchers have proposed methods using text information for analyzing the market. In this situation, Web news has an important role to predict stock prices. In this paper, we propose a method to predict the Nikkei Stock Average, which is one of the most important stock market indexes. We extract viewpoints for analyzing web-news from analysis’s articles of an expert and apply the viewpoints and a machine learning technique into the method. Then, we classify the next day into “UP” or “DOWN” by using the articles of a day. The experimental result shows the effectiveness of extracting viewpoints from expert articles.
Multiple genetic polymorphisms in the prediction of clinical outcome of metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with first-line FOLFOX-4 chemotherapy

Objectives The objective of the study is to investigate whether multiple chemotherapeutic agent-related genetic polymorphisms are associated with the clinical outcomes of Taiwanese metastatic colorectal cancers (mCRC) patients treated with the first-line FOLFOX-4 chemotherapy. Methods Consecutive mCRC patients were prospectively enrolled into this study. Peripheral blood samples were used for genotyping of polymorphisms in MTHFR, DPD, GSTP1, MDR1, TYMS, ERCC1, XRCC1, and ERCC2 genes by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism technique and DNA sequencing. The primary end point of the study was to investigate the association of each genetic polymorphism with progression-free survival and overall survival (OS). Results Favorable genotypes from polymorphisms in ERCC1 codon 118C/C [hazard ratio (HR)=0.061, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.014–0.274, P<0.001] and XRCC1 codon 399G/G (HR=0.306, 95% CI: 0.103–0.905, P=0.032) that are associated with progression-free survival were identified. Furthermore, ERCC1 codon 118C/C (HR=0.065, 95% CI: 0.011–0.377, P=0.002) and XRCC1 codon 399G/G (HR=0.152, 95% CI: 0.041–0.568, P=0.005) were significantly associated with favorable OS. Combining ERCC1 and XRCC1 genetic polymorphisms, patients with both favorable genotypes of ERCC1 codon 118C/C and XRCC1 codon 399G/G were associated with the better OS than those with one or without any favorable genotypes (P<0.001). Conclusion The genetic polymorphisms of ERCC1 and XRCC1 may be useful in predicting clinical outcome in Taiwanese mCRC patients treated with FOLFOX-4. However, further prospective studies will be needed for the potential clinical implication.