Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CLEVER: A Cooperative and Cross-Layer Approach to Video Streaming in HetNets

We investigate the problem of providing a video streaming service to mobile users in an heterogeneous cellular network composed of micro e-NodeBs (<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu$</tex-math><alternatives> <inline-graphic xlink:href="cuomo-ieq1-2774298.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>eNBs) and macro e-NodeBs (MeNBs). More in detail, we target a cross-layer dynamic allocation of the bandwidth resources available over a set of <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu$</tex-math><alternatives> <inline-graphic xlink:href="cuomo-ieq2-2774298.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula>eNBs and one MeNB, with the goal of reducing the delay per chunk experienced by users. After formulating the optimal problem of minimizing the chunk delay, we detail the Cross LayEr Video stReaming (CLEVER) algorithm, to practically tackle it. CLEVER makes allocation decisions on the basis of information retrieved from the application layer as well as from lower layers. Results, obtained over two representative case studies, show that CLEVER is able to limit the chunk delay, while also reducing the amount of bandwidth reserved for offloaded users on the MeNB, as well as the number of offloaded users. In addition, we show that CLEVER performs clearly better than two selected reference algorithms, while being very close to a best bound. Finally, we show that our solution is able to achieve high fairness indexes and good levels of Quality of Experience (QoE).
Multichannel Power Allocation for Maximizing Energy Efficiency in Wireless Networks

This paper aims at solving two classes of energy efficiency (EE) maximization problems in multiple channels wireless communication systems. First, the EE maximization problem with sum power constraint is solved based on the geometric water-filling approach; and second, the approach is extended into the EE maximization problem with additional least throughput requirement constraint. Our proposed algorithms make use of the water-filling structure of the optimal solution and provide exact and computation efficient solution to the energy-efficient power allocation problems. The proposed algorithms also have excellent scalability, which is applicable for large-scale wireless communication systems. Optimality of the proposed algorithms is strictly proved, and the proposed algorithms only require low-degree polynomial computational complexity. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithms. To the best of our knowledge, no prior algorithms in the existing literature could provide such solutions to the EE maximization problems under the merit of exactness and the efficiency.
Evaluating Visual Data Analysis Systems: A Discussion Report

Visual data analysis is a key tool for helping people to make sense of and interact with massive data sets. However, existing evaluation methods (e.g., database benchmarks, individual user studies) fail to capture the key points that make systems for visual data analysis (or visual data systems) challenging to design. In November 2017, members of both the Database and Visualization communities came together in a Dagstuhl seminar to discuss the grand challenges in the intersection of data analysis and interactive visualization. In this paper, we report on the discussions of the working group on the evaluation of visual data systems, which addressed questions centered around developing better evaluation methods, such as "How do the different communities evaluate visual data systems? " and "What we could learn from each other to develop evaluation techniques that cut across areas? ". In their discussions, the group brainstormed initial steps towards new joint evaluation methods and developed a first concrete initiative --- a trace repository of various real-world workloads and visual data systems --- that enables researchers to derive evaluation setups (e.g., performance benchmarks, user studies) under more realistic assumptions, and enables new evaluation perspectives (e.g., broader meta analysis across analysis contexts, reproducibility and comparability across systems).
Development of the turtle carapace: Implications for the evolution of a novel bauplan

The chelonian carapace is composed of the endochondral ribs and vertebrae associated with a specialized dermis. The ribs are found in an aberrant position compared to those of all other tetrapods; they are superficial and dorsal to the limb girdles. This morphological arrangement, which constitutes the unique chelonian Bauplan, is examined from a developmental perspective. Embryos of Chelydra serpentina were studied during stages of carapace development. Tissue morphology, autoradiography, and indirect immunofluorescent localization of adhesion molecules indicate that the outgrowth of the embryonic carapace occurs as the result of an epithelial–mesenchymal interaction in the body wall. A carapacial ridge composed of mesenchyme of the dermis and overlying ectoderm is formed dorsal to the ectodermal boundary between somitic and lateral plate mesoderm. It is the anlage of the carapace margin, in which the ribs will eventually terminate. The ectoderm of the carapacial ridge is thickened into a pseudostratified columnar epithelium, which overlies a condensation in the mesenchyme of the dermis. Patterns of cell proliferation and the distribution of N‐CAM and fibronectin in the carapacial ridge are consistent with patterns seen in other structures initiated by epithelial–mesenchymal interactions such as feathers and limb buds.
Extended myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy patients with midventricular obstruction†

OBJECTIVES Surgical strategies for patients with midventricular obstruction remain underappreciated. We sought to assess clinical and haemodynamic results, summarize the surgical technique of extended myectomy and provide reliable pre- and intraoperative methods of evaluating patients with midventricular obstruction. METHODS The preoperative evaluation process, intraoperative surgical strategy and early outcomes were thoroughly reviewed in 40 patients with midventricular obstruction. RESULTS Isolated transaortic myectomy was conducted in 38 (95.0%) patients, and 2 (5.0%) other patients with an apical aneurysm were treated with a combined transaortic and transapical myectomy. The median resection length of the removed muscle was 50 mm (45-55 mm), approximately 5 mm more than the obstruction length measured using preoperative transthoracic echocardiography. There were no early or late deaths, complete heart blocks or iatrogenic septal perforations in our study series with a median follow-up time of 19 months (13-54 months). Instantaneous pressure gradients at the subaortic level decreased from 70.5 mmHg (51-89.5 mmHg) preoperatively to 7.7 mmHg (6-11 mmHg) (P < 0.001) at the most recent evaluation and at the midventricular level from 61.0 mmHg (42.8-85.5 mmHg) to 8.5 mmHg (6.3-11.8 mmHg) (P < 0.001). In all patients, the New York Heart Association functional classifications improved, with a better haemodynamic status. CONCLUSIONS Transaortic myectomy can be extended to the midventricular level, improving haemodynamic status and yielding satisfactory early outcomes in selected patients. Additional transapical myectomy should be considered in patients with a long obstruction, limited exposure of the midventricular area or a concomitant apical aneurysm.
Precision medicine in united airways disease: A “treatable traits” approach

United airways disease (UAD) is the concept that the upper and lower airways, which are anatomically and immunologically related, form a single organ. According to this concept, upper and lower airway diseases are frequently comorbid because they reflect manifestations of a single underlying disease at different sites of the respiratory tract. Allergic asthma‐allergic rhinitis is the archetypal UAD, but emerging data indicate that UAD is a heterogeneous condition and consists of multiple phenotypes (observable clinical characteristics) and endotypes (pathobiologic mechanisms). The UAD paradigm also extends to myriad sinonasal diseases (eg, chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps) and lower airway diseases (eg, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Here, we review currently known phenoendotypes of UAD and propose a “treatable traits” approach for the classification and management of UAD, wherein pathophysiological mechanisms and factors contributing to disease are identified and targeted for treatment. Treatable traits in UAD can be analyzed according to a framework comprising airway inflammation (eosinophilic, neutrophilic), impaired airway mucosal defense (impaired mucociliary clearance, antibody deficiency), and exogenous cofactors (allergic sensitizers, tobacco smoke, microbes). Appreciation of treatable traits is necessary in advancing the effort to deliver precise treatments and achieve better outcomes in patients with UAD.
LoCoSDN: A local controller for operation of of switches in non-SDN networks

Hybrid OpenFlow (OF) switches can be operated as legacy switches with a local control plane or as OF switches that are controlled by an SDN controller. As a first thought, hybrid switches are the first choice for network administrators as they facilitate the transition from a traditionally operated towards a software-defined network. However, we encountered several limitations as most of these switches are based on a legacy hardware platform that is augmented with a limited set of OF features. As a consequence, some packet processing pipelines of hybrid switches filter out packets before they pass the OF part. To avoid these issues, we developed LoCoSDN, an SDN architecture that imitates the hybrid switch behavior on OF-only devices, i.e., they can be operated in traditional networks and without any special knowledge about SDN. LoCoSDN contains a Cisco-like CLI and configuration format so that configurations from existing devices can be imported. It differentiates between a startup and running configuration, and provides reconfigurability during operation and support for an additional SDN controller. We implemented LoCoSDN as a lightweight SDN controller for the Ryu SDN controller framework that can be run on a single-board computer.
Performance benchmark of state-of-the-art lateral path-following controllers

Although extensive research has been conducted to design path-following algorithms for automated vehicles, the cross comparison between different path-following controllers is still weakly-analyzed. Therefore, we benchmarked five path-following algorithms to evaluate their performance according to various disturbances like gust wind, drop of road friction coefficient and inaccurate GPS localization. The comparison was carried out in simulation environment between geometrical-based, path controller with preview, LQR, linear MPC and observer-based controller with integral action approaches.
Irreversible temperature gating in trpv1 sheds light on channel activation

Temperature activated TRP channels or thermoTRPs are among the only proteins that can directly convert temperature changes into changes in channel open probability. In spite of a wealth of information, including several experimentally determined structural models of TRP channels, the mechanism of temperature activation remains unknown. We have carefully characterized the repeated activation of TRPV1 by thermal stimuli and discovered a previously unknown inactivation process, which is irreversible. This inactivation is associated with specific conformational changes in the membrane proximal domain. We propose that this form of gating in TRPV1 channels is a consequence of the heat absorption process that leads to channel opening.
Early Retinal and Choroidal Coat Thickness Changes after Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant Injection for Diabetic Macular Edema

Background: Intravitreal steroid injection is one of the treatment options for diabetic macular edema. Dexamethasone implant is the most novel form of intravitreal steroid therapy. Improvement in macular thickness is a well-known effect of Dexamethasone implant however, subfoveal choroidal coat thickness changes require investigation. Aims: To evaluate the early central macular thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness alterations after single-dose dexamethasone implant injection in diabetic macular edema. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: We identified 29 patients with diabetic macular edema (29 eyes) who underwent optical coherence tomography and fundus fluorescein angiography. All patients received a single-dose intravitreal Dexamethasone implant and were followed up for central macular thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness alterations for 1 hour, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-injection. Results: The preoperative mean central macular thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness measurements were 592.3±122.3 (412–879) μm and 264.8±53.7 (165–397) μm, respectively. Central macular thickness measurements decreased significantly in the first hour (p<0.050) and continued to decrease until the third month (p<0.001), whereas the subfoveal choroidal thickness decrement was only significant on the first day (p<0.05). Decreases in subfoveal choroidal thickness and central macular thickness of 1.5% and 5% were observed at 1 hour; however, the difference was not significant (p>0.050). The decrease in central macular thickness was significantly greater than that in subfoveal choroidal thickness at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months (p<0.001). Conclusion: Intravitreal Dexamethasone implant has a meaningful effect on central macular thickness in patients with diabetic macular edema, while subfoveal choroidal thickness decreases significantly at first day.
Study the estimated distance error in indoor localization using UHF-RFID

Distance estimation is the fundamental step in indoor localization. In RSS (Received Signal Strength)-based localization, the radio propagation model of a RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag based on the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) measurements is used to convert the signal strength into distance. However, the propagation model for a single tag in one direction is not too accurate due to large deviations in the measured RSSI values. In this paper, an approach using a single RFID tag is presented. Performances of a single active UHF-RFID tag operating at 433 MHz are examined. Distance estimations are determined using the One-Slope Model (OSM). Improvements in distance estimations for different angles are based on an averaging algorithm which allows detecting the attenuation of the signal in a series of positions of the reader antenna. In addition, the Path Loss Exponent 'n' is also determined in different positions. Further, Experimental validations show the evolution of the Power when the distance (tag-reader) increases. Then, the Path loss contours, for measured distances, are plotted.
Characterization of the seven-day course of pulmonary response following unilateral lung acid injury in rats

Background Aspiration of gastric acid is an important cause of acute lung injury. The time course of the pulmonary response to such an insult beyond the initial 48 hours is incompletely characterized. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively describe the pulmonary effects of focal lung acid injury over a seven day period in both directly injured and not directly injured lung tissue. Methods Male Wistar rats underwent left-endobronchial instillation with hydrochloric acid and were sacrificed at 4, 24, 48, 96 or 168 h after the insult. Healthy non-injured animals served as controls. We assessed inflammatory cell counts and cytokine levels in right and left lung lavage fluid and blood, arterial oxygen tension, alterations in lung histology, lung wet-to-dry weight ratio and differential lung perfusion. Results Lung acid instillation induced an early strong inflammatory response in the directly affected lung, peaking at 4–24 hours, with only partial resolution after 7 days. A less severe response with complete resolution after 4 days was seen in the opposite lung. Alveolar cytokine levels, with exception of IL-6, only partially reflected the localization of lung injury and the time course of the functional and histologic alterations. Alveolar leucocyte subpopulations exhibited different time courses in the acid injured lung with persistent elevation of alveolar lymphocytes and macrophages. After acid instillation there was an early transient decrease in arterial oxygen tension and lung perfusion was preferentially distributed to the non-injured lung. Conclusion These findings provide a basis for further research in the field of lung acid injury and for studies exploring effects of mechanical ventilation on injured lungs. Incomplete recovery in the directly injured lung 7 days after acid instillation suggests that increased vulnerability and susceptibility to further noxious stimuli are still present at that time.
Novel tool in rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis—The usage of urease flap region peptidomimetics

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease. Early diagnosis can prevent joint erosion. However, available biomarkers do not always allow for clear distinction between RA and non‐RA individuals. It has become known that bacteria/viruses are among the environmental triggers that initiate RA via multiple molecular mechanisms.
Fermentation of Nocellara Etnea Table Olives by Functional Starter Cultures at Different Low Salt Concentrations

Nocellara Etnea is one of the main Sicilian cultivars traditionally used to produce both olive oil and naturally fermented table olives. In the present study, the effect of different salt concentrations on physico-chemical, microbiological, sensorial, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) formation was evaluated in order to obtain functional Nocellara Etnea table olives. The experimental design consisted of 8 treatments as follow: fermentations at 4, 5, 6, and 8% of salt with (E1-E4 samples) and without (C1-C4 samples) the addition of starters. All the trials were carried out at room temperature (18 ± 2°C) and monitored for an overall period of 120 d. In addition, the persistence of the potential probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei N24 at the end of the process was investigated. Microbiological data revealed the dominance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), starting from the 7th d of fermentation, and the reduction of yeasts and enterobacteria in the final product inoculated with starters. VOCs profile highlighted a high amount of aldehydes at the beginning of fermentation, which significantly decreased through the process and a concomitant increase of alcohols, acids, esters, and phenols. In particular, esters showed an occurrence percentage higher in experimental samples rather than in control ones, contributing to more pleasant flavors. Moreover, acetic acid, ethanol, and phenols, which often generate off-flavors, were negatively correlated with mesophilic bacteria and LAB. It is interesting to note that salt content did not affect the performances of starter cultures and slightly influenced the metabolome of table olives. Sensory data demonstrated significant differences among samples registering the highest overall acceptability in the experimental sample at 5% of NaCl. The persistence of the L. paracasei N24 strain in experimental samples, at the end of the process, revealed its promising perspectives as starter culture for the production of functional table olives with reduced salt content.
Lead-free germanium iodide perovskite materials for photovoltaic applications

Computational screening based on density-functional-theory calculations reveals Ge as a candidate element for replacing Pb in halide perovskite compounds suitable for light harvesting. Experimentally, three AGeI3 (A = Cs, CH3NH3 or HC(NH2)2) halide perovskite materials have been synthesized. These compounds are stable up to 150 °C, and have bandgaps correlated with the A-site cation size. CsGeI3-based solar cells display higher photocurrents, of about 6 mA cm−2, but are limited by poor film forming abilities and oxidising tendencies. The present results demonstrate the utility of combining computational screening and experimental efforts to develop lead-free halide perovskite compounds for photovoltaic applications.
LAT1-Targeting Thermoresponsive Fluorescent Polymer Probes for Cancer Cell Imaging

L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) is more highly expressed in cancer cells compared with normal cells. LAT1 targeting probes would therefore be a promising tool for cancer cell imaging. In this study, LAT1-targeting thermoresponsive fluorescent polymer probes based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (P(NIPAAm-co-DMAAm)) were synthesized and their affinity for LAT1 was evaluated. The synthesized polymer probes interacted with LAT1 on HeLa cells, and inhibition of l-[3H]-leucine, one of the substrates for LAT1 uptake, was investigated. l-Tyrosine-conjugated P(NIPAAm-co-DMAAm) inhibited the uptake of l-[3H]-leucine, while P(NIPAAm-co-DMAAm) and l-phenylalanine-conjugated P(NIPAAm-co-DMAAm) did not. This result indicated that l-tyrosine-conjugated polymer has a high affinity for LAT1. The fluorescent polymer probes were prepared by modification of a terminal polymer group with fluorescein-5-maleimide (FL). Above the polymer transition temperature, cellular uptake of the polymer probes was observed because the polymers became hydrophobic, which enhanced the interaction with the cell membrane. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of the fluorescent probe using flow cytometry indicated that l-tyrosine-conjugated P(NIPAAm-co-DMAAm)-FL shows higher fluorescence intensity earlier than P(NIPAAm-co-DMAAm)-FL. The result suggested that cellular uptake was promoted by the LAT1 affinity site. The developed LAT1-targeting thermoresponsive fluorescent polymer probes are expected to be useful for cancer cell imaging.
Self-adaptive signal separation for non-contact heart rate estimation from facial video in realistic environments

Objective: Recent research indicates that facial epidermis color varies with the rhythm of heat beats. It can be captured by consumer-level cameras and, astonishingly, be adopted to estimate heart rate (HR). The HR estimated remains not as precise as required in a practical environment where illumination interference, facial expressions, or motion artifacts are involved, although numerous methods have been proposed in the last few years. A novel algorithm is proposed to make non-contact HR estimation technique more robust. Approach: First, the face of the subject is detected and tracked to follow the head movement. The facial region then falls into several blocks, and the chrominance feature of each block is extracted to establish a raw HR sub-signal. Self-adaptive signal separation is performed to separate the noiseless HR sub-signals from raw sub-signals. On that basis, the noiseless sub-signals full of HR information are selected using a weight-based scheme to establish the holistic HR signal, from which the average HR is computed adopting wavelet transform and data filtering. Main results: Forty subjects took part in our experiments, whose facial videos were recorded by a normal webcam with the frame rate of 30 fps under ambient lighting conditions. The average HR estimated by our method correlates strongly with ground truth measurements, as indicated in experimental results measured in a static scenario with the Pearson correlation r = 0.980 and a dynamic scenario with the Pearson correlation r = 0.897. In addition, our method, compared to the newest method, decreases the error rate by 38.63% and increases the Pearson correlation by 15.59%. Significance: This work proposes a robust method for non-contact HR measurement in a realistic environment. Results of comparative experiments indicate that our method out-performs state-of-the-art non-contact HR estimation methods in realistic environments.