Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantifying gaze and mouse interactions on spatial visual interfaces with a new movement analytics methodology

Eye movements provide insights into what people pay attention to, and therefore are commonly included in a variety of human-computer interaction studies. Eye movement recording devices (eye trackers) produce gaze trajectories, that is, sequences of gaze location on the screen. Despite recent technological developments that enabled more affordable hardware, gaze data are still costly and time consuming to collect, therefore some propose using mouse movements instead. These are easy to collect automatically and on a large scale. If and how these two movement types are linked, however, is less clear and highly debated. We address this problem in two ways. First, we introduce a new movement analytics methodology to quantify the level of dynamic interaction between the gaze and the mouse pointer on the screen. Our method uses volumetric representation of movement, the space-time densities, which allows us to calculate interaction levels between two physically different types of movement. We describe the method and compare the results with existing dynamic interaction methods from movement ecology. The sensitivity to method parameters is evaluated on simulated trajectories where we can control interaction levels. Second, we perform an experiment with eye and mouse tracking to generate real data with real levels of interaction, to apply and test our new methodology on a real case. Further, as our experiment tasks mimics route-tracing when using a map, it is more than a data collection exercise and it simultaneously allows us to investigate the actual connection between the eye and the mouse. We find that there seem to be natural coupling when eyes are not under conscious control, but that this coupling breaks down when instructed to move them intentionally. Based on these observations, we tentatively suggest that for natural tracing tasks, mouse tracking could potentially provide similar information as eye-tracking and therefore be used as a proxy for attention. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
An efficient embedded processor for object detection using ASIP methodology

This paper presents an Application Specific Instruction set Processor (ASIP) for object detection using AdaBoost-based learning algorithm with Haar-like features as weak classifiers. In the proposed ASIP, Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) architecture is adopted for fully exploiting data-level parallelism inherent to the target algorithm.With adding pipeline stages, application-specific registers and custom instructions, AdaBoost algorithm is accelerated by a factor of 13.7× compared to baseline processor. Furthermore, the results show an advantage of the proposed architecture in terms of chip area efficiency while maintain a reliable detection accuracy and achieve real-time object detection at 32fps on VGA video.
Language of Early- and Later-identified Children With Hearing Loss

Objective. To compare the language abilities of earlier- and later-identified deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Method. We compared the receptive and expressive language abilities of 72 deaf or hard-of-hearing children whose hearing losses were identified by 6 months of age with 78 children whose hearing losses were identified after the age of 6 months. All of the children received early intervention services within an average of 2 months after identification. The participants' receptive and expressive language abilities were measured using the Minnesota Child Development Inventory. Results. Children whose hearing losses were identified by 6 months of age demonstrated significantly better language scores than children identified after 6 months of age. For children with normal cognitive abilities, this language advantage was found across all test ages, communication modes, degrees of hearing loss, and socioeconomic strata. It also was independent of gender, minority status, and the presence or absence of additional disabilities. Conclusions. Significantly better language development was associated with early identification of hearing loss and early intervention. There was no significant difference between the earlier- and later-identified groups on several variables frequently associated with language ability in deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Thus, the variable on which the two groups differed (age of identification and intervention) must be considered a potential explanation for the language advantage documented in the earlier-identified group.
Designing Fcabs: well-expressed and stable high affinity antigen-binding Fc fragments

Fc fragment with antigen-binding (Fcab) is a novel construct which can be selected to recognize specifically a wide variety of target proteins. We describe the selection and affinity maturation of Fcab clones targeting VEGF, an important pro-angiogenesis factor. To investigate the extent of engineering permissible to Fcabs we applied targeted mutagenesis to all three C-terminal loop structures and the C-terminus of the CH3 domain to isolate high-affinity binders by directed evolution and yeast display. The matured clone, CT6, binds to VEGF with low nanomolar affinity and inhibits VEGF-stimulated proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to address flexibility of the molecular structure of CT6 and to approximate a structural ensemble in aqueous solution. Significantly higher RMSF levels of CT6 in comparison to wild-type Fc were limited to the elongated CD-loop in the CH3 domain, while the overall structural integrity was retained. This allowed the Fcab to replace the Fc portion of a mAb, in which both the CH3 and Fab are capable of antigen engagement: a construct called mAb2 was assembled with CT6 and the Fab of bevacizumab. This bispecific molecule showed more potent antagonistic activity than bevacizumab in vitro. Further evaluation for the potential of the CT6 Fcab in targeted therapy is warranted due to the possibility of being combined with other therapeutically meaningful targets.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements Have a Nutritionally Significant Impact on Micronutrient Intakes of Older Adults Attending Senior Centers

Older adults frequently report use of vitamin and mineral (VM) supplements, although the impact of supplements on dietary adequacy remains largely unknown. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate micronutrient intakes of older adults with emphasis on identifying nutrients most improved by VM supplements, nutrients most likely to remain inadequate, and nutrients most likely consumed in excess. Community-based volunteers were recruited from senior centers and completed a questionnaire querying demographic data, current health status, and VM supplement use. Participants (n = 263) were then contacted by telephone to complete two 24-hour diet recalls and confirm VM supplement use. Dietary adequacy was determined by comparing the ratio of mean dietary intake to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI). Dietary consumption was lowest for vitamins D and E, calcium, and magnesium. VM supplementation most improved intakes of vitamins E, D, B6, folic acid, and calcium. Participants were most likely to exceed the Tolerable Upper Limit with supplementation of niacin, folic acid, and vitamin A.
The impact of metal hard-mask AIO etch on BEOL electrical performance

In advanced CMOS technology nodes with Cu/low-k interconnect, as Cu line CD continues being scaled, the back-end-of-line (BEOL) electrical performance significantly impacts the chip operation speed by total RC (Resistance and Capacitance) delay. The resistance includes metal sheet resistance (RS) and via contact resistance (RC), while the capacitance includes inter metal and intra metal capacitance. Metal sheet resistance is always coupled with intra metal capacitance, so trench CD and profile dominate both metal resistance and intra metal capacitance if low-k damage is well controlled. The trench CD and profile associated with lower RC delay are proposed. If gap filling capability is considered, tapered trench profile is preferred and then metal HM CD and film thickness need be optimized to meet the RC delay target. The contact resistance of via is dominated by via contact area. Via bottom CD and trench top CD decide the contact area together and both of them are critical for KV RC reduction. Via chamfer profile effect on via resistance is insignificant. Partial via etch depth plays totally different role in KV RC on two different kinds of film stack. The mechanism of this phenomenon is addressed. Such complex correlation between via and trench is investigated in this paper by means of electrical performance testing, meanwhile the impact of AIO etch on BEOL electrical performance is revealed correspondingly.
Factores determinantes de la independencia de la comisión de auditoría en las empresas españolas

La entrada en vigor de la Ley de Medidas de Reforma del Sistema Financiero (44/02) introdujo la obligacion de que las empresas cotizadas formen una comision de auditoria delegada del consejo de administracion, modificando de esta forma el caracter voluntario que hasta ese momento tenia dicha comision. Eso hace de nuestro pais un marco interesante para el analisis de los motivos que conducen a la constitucion voluntaria del comite de auditoria y del grado de independencia con que se crea. En el presente trabajo estudiamos los factores determinantes de la independencia de dicha comision y analizamos hasta que punto actua como un organo complementario o sustitutivo de otros mecanismos de gobierno corporativo. Nuestros resultados muestran que el tamano del consejo de administracion, la independencia de dicho consejo y la segregacion de los cargos de director general y de presidente del consejo de administracion mantienen una relacion positiva con la independencia del comite de auditoria, mientras que la participacion directiva en la propiedad de la empresa guarda una relacion negativa. En su conjunto, estos resultados sugieren que el comite de auditoria actua simultaneamente como mecanismo complementario y sustitutivo de otros instrumentos de gobierno corporativo.
DIFFERENT DOSING OF INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB FOR CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION BECAUSE OF PATHOLOGIC MYOPIA

Purpose: To compare the visual outcomes and retreatment rate of single injection of intravitreal bevacizumab followed by pro re nata (PRN) treatment and three monthly injections of intravitreal bevacizumab followed by PRN treatment for myopic choroidal neovascularization. Methods: Thirty-one consecutive eyes of 31 patients with myopic choroidal neovascularization were retrospectively evaluated. Nineteen eyes were treated with a single injection + PRN and 12 eyes with 3 monthly injections + PRN. The best-corrected visual acuity 12 months after the initial injection, logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution gain from baseline, recurrence rate, and number of injections were statistically compared. Results: Baseline best-corrected visual acuity (logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution) was 0.42 ± 0.31 in the single injection + PRN group and 0.47 ± 0.29 in the 3 monthly injections + PRN group (P = 0.64). The best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly at 3, 6, and 12 months in both groups (P < 0.05 at each time point). Mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution gain at 3, 6, and 12 months did not differ significantly between groups. The single injection + PRN group required significantly fewer intravitreal bevacizumab treatments (P = 0.005). The rate of recurrence and choroidal neovascularization persistence did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusion: Compared with 3 monthly injections followed by PRN, single injection followed by PRN for myopic choroidal neovascularization required fewer injections and produced a similar visual outcome over 12 months.
Evolving Effective Healthcare System through Public Private Partnership

--This paper reviews the state of Public Healthcare Infrastructure in Nigeria and the potentiality of PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP as a financing model towards resuscitating the Healthcare delivery system. First, we reviewed vital documents on Healthcare delivery and Public Private Partnership(PPP) models of delivering public infrastructure projects. The provisions of the National Health Act 2014, the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (establishment) Act 2005, and the National Health Policy were examined respectively. The review showed that poor healthcare infrastructure had persisted over decades owing to neglect, poor government funding and a myriad of other factors. Accordingly, having regard to health financing, we examined all PPP-based healthcare projects vis-a-vis that in other segments of the economy. Though the PPP model appears to be a more prospective model for healthcare infrastructure procurement it is yet to be exploited by the public authorities. Our findings showed that Nigeria has the potential to enthrone effective and efficient healthcare delivery through the PPP platform.
High genetic diversity in the remnant island population of hihi and the genetic consequences of re‐introduction

The maintenance of genetic diversity is thought to be fundamental for the conservation of threatened species. It is therefore important to understand how genetic diversity is affected by the re‐introduction of threatened species. We use establishment history and genetic data from the remnant and re‐introduced populations of a New Zealand endemic bird, the hihi Notiomystis cincta, to understand genetic diversity loss and quantify the genetic effects of re‐introduction. Our data do not support any recent bottleneck events in the remnant population. Furthermore, all genetic diversity measures indicate the remnant hihi population has retained high levels of genetic diversity relative to other New Zealand avifauna with similar histories of decline. Genetic diversity (NA, alleles per locus, allelic richness, FIS and HS) did not significantly decrease in new hihi populations founded through re‐introduction when compared to their source populations, except in the Kapiti Island population (allelic richness and HS) which had very slow post‐re‐introduction population growth. The Ne/Nc ratio in the remnant population was high, but decreased in first‐level re‐introductions, which together with significant genetic differentiation between populations (FST & Fisher’s exact tests) suggest that extant populations are diverging as a result of founder effects and drift. Importantly, simulations of future allele loss predict that the number of alleles lost will be higher in populations with a slow population growth, fewer founding individuals and with nonrandom mating. Interestingly, this species has very high levels of extra‐pair paternity which may reduce reproductive variance by allowing social and floater males to reproduce a life history trait that together with a large remnant population size may help maintain higher levels of genetic diversity than expected.
Prevention of glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis

There is increasing evidence that pamidronate and related compounds are effective in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. It is therefore of relevance to document the time course and mechanism of bis‐phosphonate action in this condition. To this end, the present study describes the biochemical responses to prophylactic treatment with oral pamidronate (APD, 150 mg/day) in 16 glucocorticoid‐treated patients and contrasts them with those in 19 steroid‐treated control subjects. Measurements were made over a period of 12 months.
Utility of oxygen saturation and heart rate spectral analysis obtained from pulse oximetric recordings in the diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome.

OBJECTIVES We prospectively evaluate the spectral characteristics of nocturnal arterial oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) and heart rate variability obtained from pulse oximetric recording as a diagnostic test for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). SUBJECTS AND MEASUREMENTS Three hundred referred outpatients with symptoms compatible with the diagnosis of OSA were studied using nocturnal pulse oximetric recording performed simultaneously with polysomnography. Power spectral analysis of SaO(2) and heart rate data were analyzed using fast Fourier transformation of a Hamming-windowed signal. DESIGN AND RESULTS Recording test results were classified as abnormal (suspicion of OSA) if the periodogram showed a peak in the period 30 to 70 s in either of the signals. A normal test result was defined as the absence of this peak in the periodogram in both signals. Two independent observers performed a single-blind evaluation. The total area of the periodogram (STOT), the ratio of the area enclosed in the periodogram within the period 30 to 70 s (S(30-70)), the ratio of the area enclosed in the periodogram within the period 30 to 70 s with respect to the total area of the periodogram (S), and the peak amplitude of the periodogram in the period 30 to 70 s (PA) were measured in both signals. The presence of a peak in the periodogram in either of the signals has a sensitivity of 94%, a specificity of 82%, a positive predictive value of 87%, and a negative predictive value of 92% with respect to the OSA diagnosis. The patients in the OSA group had higher values for STOT, S(30-70), S, and PA than the group without OSA. CONCLUSIONS SaO(2) and heart rate spectral analysis obtained by nocturnal pulse oximetry as well as the identification of a peak within 30 to 70 s in either signal could be useful as a diagnostic technique for patient with OSA.
The prevalence and correlates of urinary tract symptoms in Norwegian men: The HUNT Study

To estimate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) by severity (using the International Prostate Symptom Score, IPSS) in a population‐based study of men aged ≥ 20 years, and to assess the association between putative risk factors and the presence of moderate to severe LUTS.
Spanish Experience in Liver Transplantation for Hilar and Peripheral Cholangiocarcinoma

Objective:To assess the real utility of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in patients with cholangiocarcinoma, we need series with large numbers of cases and long follow-ups. The aim of this paper is to review the Spanish experience in OLT for hilar and peripheral cholangiocarcinoma and to try to identify the prognostic factors that could influence survival. Summary Background Data:Palliative treatment of nondisseminated irresectable cholangiocarcinoma carries a zero 5-year survival rate. The role of OLT in these patients is controversial, due to the fact that the survival rate is lower than with other indications for transplantation and due to the lack of organs. Methods:We retrospectively reviewed 59 patients undergoing OLT in Spain for cholangiocarcinoma (36 hilar and 23 peripheral) over a period of 13 years. We present the results and prognostic factors that influence survival. Results:The actuarial survival rate for hilar cholangiocarcinoma at 1, 3, and 5 years was 82%, 53%, and 30%, and for peripheral cholangiocarcinoma 77%, 65%, and 42%. The main cause of death, with both types of cholangiocarcinoma, was tumor recurrence (present in 53% and 35% of patients, respectively). Poor prognosis factors were vascular invasion (P < 0.01) and IUAC classification stages III–IVA (P < 0.01) for hilar cholangiocarcinoma and perineural invasion (P < 0.05) and stages III-IVA (P < 0.05) for peripheral cholangiocarcinoma. Conclusions:OLT for nondisseminated irresectable cholangiocarcinoma has higher survival rates at 3 and 5 years than palliative treatments, especially with tumors in their initial stages, which means that more information is needed to help better select cholangiocarcinoma patients for transplantation.
Survivin Enhances Aurora-B Kinase Activity and Localizes Aurora-B in Human Cells*

Survivin, one of the most tumor-specific gene products, has been implicated in both anti-apoptosis and cytokinesis. However, the mechanism by which survivin regulates these two different processes is still elusive. Here, we show that survivin binds to the catalytic domain of Aurora-B. We demonstrate that in the presence of survivin, Aurora-B phosphorylates histone H3 much more efficiently than in the absence of survivin in a cell-free system. Furthermore, we confirm that cells lacking survivin due to survivin antisense oligonucleotide-treatment have lower Aurora-B kinase activity, whereas cells overexpressing survivin have higher Aurora-B kinase activity. We also provide evidence that depletion of survivin by survivin antisense oligonucleotide treatment causes significant reduction of endogenous phosphorylated histone H3 and mislocalization of Aurora-B. These results indicate that survivin stimulates Aurora-B kinase activity and helps correctly target Aurora-B to its substrates during the cell cycle, thus providing a mechanism as to how survivin exerts its function in human cells.
Role of listeriolysin-O (LLO) in the T lymphocyte response to infection with Listeria monocytogenes. Identification of T cell epitopes of LLO.

Using a murine model, we investigated the role of the bacterial exotoxin listeriolysin O (LLO) in cellular immunity to Listeria monocytogenes. A correlation between LLO production by infecting bacteria and generation of protective immunity to virulent LLO-producing bacteria was noted. Using isogeneic hemolysin (Hly+ or Hly-) strains of L. monocytogenes, we demonstrated that LLO production by infecting bacteria is required to elicit T cells reactive both to bacteria-associated Ag and to the secreted LLO molecule as measured by IL-2 production in vitro. Distinct sets of T cells specific for largely nonoverlapping pools of antigenic determinants represented by LLO and cell-associated Ag (heat-killed L. monocytogenes) are generated after infection. We have used models for prediction of T cell epitopes based on primary structure of LLO, and synthetic amphipathic LLO peptides were evaluated as Ag in vitro or as immunogenes in vivo. Infection of several strains of mice (H-2k and H-2d) with LLO-producing L. monocytogenes resulted in the generation of T cells that could respond consistently to two peptides, LLO 215-234 and LLO 354-371. Mouse strains lacking expression of I-E molecules (e.g., B10.A(4R) and C57BL/6) responded to LLO but not to the peptides tested. With C3HeB/FeJ mice, antibodies to I-Ek blocked the presentation of LLO 215-234. The importance of the N-terminal portion of LLO 215-234 was evidenced by the drastic reduction in antigenic activity of truncated peptides (e.g., LLO 221-234 and LLO 224-234). LLO 215-234, the strongest and most consistent activator of T cells from L. monocytogenes-immune mice, fit well some models for antigenic peptides in several ways. It could be predicted to form an amphipathic alpha-helix, it contained multiple "Rothbard motifs" (charged residue or glycine, two or three hydrophobic amino acids and then a glycine or polar residue), it had a net charge of +2, and it contained the correct spacing of amino acids (five to six residues between a hydrophobic and basic amino acid) that is characteristic of I-Ek-binding peptides. Immunization with 8 of 10 synthetic LLO peptides generated T cells that recognized the immunizing peptide in vitro, but such T cells were only poorly reactive with LLO. Our results indicate that LLO is an important target Ag for stimulation of CD4+ L. monocytogenes-specific T cells, and that LLO 215-234 is antigenically dominant in C3HeB/FeJ mice.