Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Follicle growth, ovulation, and luteal formation in primates and rodents: A comparative perspective

Ovarian function has a great deal of functional overlap between species; antral follicles grow in response to FSH, ovulation involves proteolysis, and the steroidogenic pathway is largely the same. However, embedded in these similarities are important differences that reflect the evolutionary and natural history of species and may focus future research into these critical areas. This review compares ovarian function of rats and mice with primates, focusing on estradiol and follicle growth, steroidogenesis and rupture during the periovulatory interval, and the formation of a functional corpus luteum, drawing the conclusion that careful comparison of species yields more functional information about both than studying them in isolation.
A communication model and partitioning algorithm for streaming applications for an embedded MPSoC

Energy efficient embedded computing enables new application scenarios in mobile devices like software-defined radio and video processing. The hierarchical multiprocessor considered in this work may contain dozens or hundreds of resource efficient VLIW CPUs. Programming this number of CPU cores is a complex task requiring compiler support. The stream programming paradigm provides beneficial properties that help to support automatic partitioning. This work describes a compiler for streaming applications targeting the self-build hierarchical CoreVA-MPSoC multiprocessor platform. The compiler is supported by a programming model that is tailored to fit the streaming programming paradigm. We present a novel simulated-annealing (SA) based partitioning algorithm, called Smart SA. The overall speedup of Smart SA is 12.84 for an MPSoC with 16 CPU cores compared to a single CPU implementation. Comparison with a state of the art partitioning algorithm shows an average performance improvement of 34.07%.
Capsule endoscope NORIKA system

The NORIKA Project Team is the development group responsible for the battery-free micro capsule endoscope. RF SYSTEM lab's specialization is the integration of microwave and charge coupled device (CCD) camera technologies. The NORIKA system is powered wirelessly from outside the body, and totally eliminates the risks involved with toxic substances coming from batteries entering the human body. This system can work on continuous stable power supply and guarantee longer durational usage than is possible with batteries. Concerning image reproduction and brightness, the CCD sensor is a primary choice as an image-capturing device, but its power consumption is quite high. To circumvent this, the digital signal processor (DSP), which consumes most of the total power, is separated from the CCD sensor and is placed outside the human body. The camera's focusing feature and the intensity of independently controlled four LED lamps enables clear images to be monitored even in the darkness inside the body. Capsule rotation can also be accomplished for detailed examination. This rotation mechanism combines 3-pole motor theory with strobe light technology. The external unit to transmit data and power includes a coil-embedded vest and a joystick-type controller. The NORIKA system could be an optional diagnostic tool in the near future.
Implementation of a Face Recognition System for Interactive TV Control System

In this paper, a face recognition system which can be applied to an Interactive TV Control System (ITCS) is proposed. The face recognition system consists of three subsystems. The first is for the registration of the user’s face and the second is for the detection of the user’s face. The final subsystem is for the recognition of the user via the user’s face. The face recognition system is used with an ITCS in order to provide personalized services such as the selection of favorite channels or parental guidance. To detect a face, we extract Uniform Local Binary Patterns (ULBP) histogram features in near-infrared face images and use Support Vector Machine (SVM) as a classifier. To recognize a face, we extract local Gabor binary pattern histogram sequences (LGBPHS) and compare faces using a chi-square distance measure.
Characterization of the conductance mechanisms of DNA origami by AC impedance spectroscopy.

For some time now, ample interest has been directed to DNA as a functional or electrically operational molecule. This is due to the superior self-assembly properties that may give DNA a major role in future bottom-up fabrication processes. A striking example of DNA self-assembly techniques is DNA origami, which involves folding a long single-stranded DNA molecule with the help of short oligonucleotides, that is, staple strands. Furthermore, each of the staple strands can serve as a functionalization center (i.e., the template has individually addressable pixels with 6 6-nm spacing). This has further led to the idea that such origami could serve as a nanobreadboard for complex self-assembled nanoelectronic systems. Due to this, apart from the fundamental interest, the intriguing question of DNA electrical conductivity gains further importance: the electrical properties of such a nanobreadboard must be well understood before it can be exploited in nanotechnology. In this Communication, we measure the conductivity, and experimentally analyze the conductivity mechanisms, of single rectangular DNA origamis trapped and immobilized between nanoelectrodes by utilizing alternating-current impedance spectroscopy (AC-IS). The experiments show that the nature of the DNA origami conductivity is not purely Ohmic but that it is a combination of ionic diffusion and electronic conductivity, with a resistance
Forces Driving Third World Military Industrialization : Interests and Passions

Third World states are driven to pursue programs of military industrialization by both their interests and their passions. Interests are defined in instrumental terms, and I examine their importance in explaining the behavior of leading Third World arms producers. An analysis of time-series cross-section data for five countries from 1970 to 1990 suggests that domestic arms production has been motivated by regional conflict as well as a desire to diminish the potential leverage exercised by foreign arms suppliers. Opportunities for increased domestic arms production are provided by capital investment and, obviously, existing arms manufacturing capacity. But instrumentally defined interests (and opportunities to pursue them) provide only a partial explanation of military industrialization. Arms production in the Third World is also driven by states' passions, by their quest to become modern nation-states. These passions are hard to define in instrumental terms. They have developed through exposure to the global military culture, and this exposure may account for some of the residual variance in military industrialization that remains unexplained by state interests.
M ANAGING F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ISK WITH D ERIVATIVES

This study investigates the foreign exchange risk management program of HDG Inc. (pseudonym), an industry leading manufacturer of durable equipment with sales in more than 50 countries. The analysis relies primarily on a three month field study in the treasury of HDG. Precise examination of factors affecting why and how the firm manages its foreign exchange exposure are explored through the use of internal firm documents, discussions with managers, and data on 3110 foreign-exchange derivative transactions over a three and a half year period. Results indicate that several commonly cited reasons for corporate hedging are probably not the primary motivation for why HDG undertakes a risk management program. Instead, informational asymmetries, facilitation of internal contracting, and competitive pricing concerns seem to motivate hedging. How HDG hedges depends on accounting treatment, derivative market liquidity, foreign exchange volatility, exposure volatility, technical factors, and recent hedging outcomes. * Department of Finance, Kenan-Flagler Business School, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB 3490 – McColl Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3490. Voice: (919) 962-9250, Fax: (919) 962-2068, Email: gregwbrown@unc.edu. A more recent version of this document may be available from my web page: http://itr.bschool. unc.edu/faculty/browngr. I gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the treasury staff of HDG in providing data and for allocating time to this endeavor. This study also benefited from the advice and comments of John Graham, David Haushalter, Jay Hartzell, John Hund, Bernadette Minton, Daniel Rogers, Laura Starks, René Stulz, Klaus Toft, Jeremy Stein, and especially Peter Tufano. Furthermore, many improvements have been made due to the suggestions of seminar participants at the Harvard Business School– Journal of Financial Economics Conference on Complementary Research Methodologies, the University of Texas at Dallas, Duke University, the 2000 meetings of the American Finance Association, and the 1999 annual meetings of the Financial Management Association and the International Association of Financial Engineers. I also thank the Bank of America Faculty Development Fund for its financial support.
Involved Nodal Radiotherapy vs. Involved Field Radiotherapy after Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Early Stage Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Aim of work: This study is a prospective randomized trial aiming to investigate whether radiotherapy volume can be reduced without loss of efficacy from involved field radiotherapy (IFRT) to involved node radiotherapy (INRT) after four cycles of ABVD chemotherapy in the treatment of early stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Patients and Methods: Between September 2009 and January 2012, all patients with newly diagnosed early-stage favorable and unfavorable Hodgkin’s lymphoma attending to the Clinical Oncology department of Cairo University, faculty of medicine were enrolled into this study after a written consent was obtained from those cases enrolled. Patients were assigned to receive (ABVD) for four cycles followed by randomization for radiotherapy into two arms one arm of 30 Gy INRT +/– 6 Gy to residual disease or another arm of 30 Gy IFRT +/– 6 Gy to residual disease. Results: 35 patients were enrolled in this study: 16 patients in the INRT arm and 19 patients in the IFRT arm. The median observation time was 25 months. The overall survival for all eligible patients was 97% and freedom from treatment failure was 85.7%. Survival rates at the end of the study revealed no differences between INRT and IFRT arms. Also, in terms of complete remission post radiotherapy (14 versus 15), relapse (1 versus 4), and death (0 versus 1) respectively the outcome was similar in both arms. As regard acute and sub-acute toxicities no significant difference could be detected between both arms except that IFRT arm was associated with a higher incidence of radiation pneumonitis (4 versus 1 patient). Conclusion: Radiotherapy volume size reduction from IFRT to INRT after ABVD chemotherapy for four cycles produces similar results and less toxicity in patients with early-stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma especially in patients with mediastinal disease.
Primary care practices’ perceived constraints to engaging in research: the importance of context and ‘Flow’

Aim The primary purpose of this study is to understand primary care practices’ perceived constraints to engaging in research from micro-, meso-, and macro-level perspectives. Background Past research has spotlighted various barriers and hurdles that primary care practices face when attempting to engage in research efforts; yet a majority of this research has focused exclusively on micro- (physician-specific) and meso-level (practice-specific) factors. Minimal attention has been paid to the context – the more macro-level issues such as how these barriers relate to primary care practices’ role within the dominant payment/reimbursement model of US health-care system. Methods Semi-structured focus groups were conducted in five US practices, all owned by an independent academic medical center. Each had participated in at least one research study but were not part of a practice-based research network or affiliated with a medical school. Data were analyzed using NVIVO-9® by using a multistep coding process. Findings The perceived constraints offered by the participants echoed those featured in previous studies. Secondary analyses of the interconnected nature of these factors highlighted a valuable and sensitive ‘Flow’ that is evident at the individual, interaction, and organizational levels of primary care practice. Engaging in research appears to pose a significant threat to the outcomes of Flow (ie, revenue, patient health outcomes, and the overall well-being of the practice). It is posited that the risk of not meeting expected productivity-based outcomes, which appear to be dictated by current dominant reimbursement models, frames the overall process of research-related decision making in primary care. Within the funding/reimbursement models of the US health-care system, engaging in research does not appear to be advantageous for primary care practices.
Typing of Intimin Genes in Human and Animal Enterohemorrhagic and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli: Characterization of a New Intimin Variant

ABSTRACT Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) produce the characteristic “attaching and effacing” (A/E) lesion of the brush border. Intimin, an outer membrane protein encoded by eae, is responsible for the tight association of both pathogens with the host cell. Severaleae have been cloned from different EPEC and EHEC strains isolated from humans and animals. These sequences are conserved in the N-terminal region but highly variable in the last C-terminal 280 amino acids (aa), where the cell binding activity is localized. Based on these considerations, we developed a panel of specific primers to investigate the eae heterogeneity of the variable 3′ region by using PCR amplification. We then investigated the distribution of the known intimin types in a large collection of EPEC and EHEC strains isolated from humans and different animal species. The existence of a yet-unknown family of intimin was suspected because several EHEC strains, isolated from human and cattle, did not react with any of the specific primer pairs, although these strains were eaepositive when primers amplifying the conserved 5′ end were used. We then cloned and sequenced the eae present in one of these strains (EHEC of serotype O103:H2) and subsequently designed a PCR primer that recognizes in a specific manner the variable 3′ region of this new intimin type. This intimin, referred to as “ɛ,” was present in human and bovine EHEC strains of serogroups O8, O11, O45, O103, O121, and O165. Intimin ɛ is the largest intimin cloned to date (948 aa) and shares the greatest overall sequence identity with intimin β, although analysis of the last C-terminal 280 aa suggests a greater similarity with intimins α and γ.
Dirty paper via a relay with oblivious processing

The Oblivious Relay serves users without a need to know the users error correcting codes. We extend the oblivious relay concept to channels with interference which is known to the transmitter but not to the receiver. Our system uses structured modulation and coding based on lattices. We show that when the interference is known non-causally, it's influence can be overcome wholly and that in simpler causal schemes the performance is usually within the shaping loss of 0.254 bits/channel use from the optimal performance attainable with large lattices.
New aspects of neuroblastoma treatment: ASPHO 2011 symposium review

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood, and the outcomes for children with high‐risk and relapsed disease remain poor. However, new international strategies for risk stratification and for treatment based on novel tumor targets and including immunotherapy are being employed in attempts to improve the outcomes of children with neuroblastoma. A new international neuroblastoma risk classification system has been developed which is being incorporated into cooperative group clinical trials in North America, Japan, and Europe, resulting in standardized approaches for the initial evaluation and treatment stratification of neuroblastoma patients. Furthermore, novel treatment regimens are being developed based on improved understanding of neuroblastoma biology and on the recruitment of the immune system to specifically target neuroblastoma tumors. These approaches will lead to new therapeutic strategies that likely will improve the outcomes for children with neuroblastoma worldwide. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 1099–1105. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mixed-Integer Programming for Railway Capacity Analysis and Cyclic, Combined Train Timetabling and Platforming

We present the literature's first mixed-integer linear programming model of a cyclic, combined train timetabling and platforming problem. The model's objectives are to minimize 1 the cycle length and 2 the total journey time of all trains dispatched during one cycle. The model falls outside the framework of the well-known periodic event scheduling problem and explicitly considers the minimization of cycle length using linear constraints and a linear objective function. We define the model, propose methods for obtaining bounds on the optimal objective value, and describe preprocessing techniques for reducing the number of variables and constraints. Numerous life-size problem instances are solved to optimality using IBM ILOG CPLEX. Results show the model's effectiveness in pursuing objectives 1 and 2, the benefits of deciding the cyclic train order versus assuming a given order, and the model's ability to calculate railway capacity without bias.
Contemporary interpretation of probing depth assessments: diagnostic and therapeutic implications. A literature review.

This paper addresses the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of increased probing depths. In general, in untreated and treated patients, when deep and shallow probing depths are compared, the data indicate that deep sites are associated with increased bleeding upon probing, elevated subgingival temperatures, higher levels of pathogens, more probing errors, a greater amount of infiltrated connective tissue, reduced ability to remove subgingival deposits with root planing, and diminished effectiveness of oral hygiene to alter the subgingival microbiota. Clinical trials demonstrate that probing depth is not a good predictor of future disease progression. However, deep sites are at greater risk of disease progression than shallow sites in untreated and treated patients. Furthermore, the deeper the probing depth, the greater the risk of future disease progression. Overall, the preponderance of evidence indicates that it is advantageous, but not always necessary, for patients to have shallow probing depths. With regards to surgical reduction of probing depths beyond that attained with non-surgical therapy, clinicians need to consider the advantages (e.g., ease of maintenance, reduced risk of disease progression) and disadvantages (e.g., root sensitivity, cosmetic defects) of treatment procedures. Since numerous variables require consideration (e.g., response to root planing, goals of therapy, acceptable level of risk for future disease progression), treatment decisions will vary depending on the patient and the desired clinical outcome at specific sites.
Aging Changes of the Midfacial Fat Compartments: A Computed Tomographic Study

Background: The restoration of a natural volume distribution is a major goal in facial rejuvenation. The aims of this study were to establish a radiographic method enabling effective measurements of the midfacial fat compartments and to compare the anatomy between human cadavers of younger versus older age. Methods: Data from computed tomographic scans of 12 nonfixed cadaver heads, divided into two age groups (group 1, 54 to 75 years, n = 6; and group 2, 75 to 104 years, n = 6), were analyzed. For evaluation of the volume distribution within a specific compartment, the sagittal diameter of the upper, middle, and lower thirds of each compartment was determined. For evaluation of a “sagging” of the compartments, the distance between the cephalad border and the infraorbital rim was determined. Results: Computed tomography enables a reproducible depiction of the facial fat compartments and reveals aging changes. The distance between the fat compartments and the infraorbital rim was higher in group 2 compared with group 1. The sagittal diameter of the lower third of the compartments was higher, and the sagittal diameter of the upper third was smaller in group 2 compared with group 1. The buccal extension of the buccal fat pad was shown to be an independent, separate compartment. Conclusions: This study demonstrates an inferior migration of the midfacial fat compartments and an inferior volume shift within the compartments during aging. Additional distinct compartment-specific changes (e.g., volume loss of the deep medial cheek fat and buccal extension of the buccal fat pad) contribute to the appearance of the aged face.
Naı̈ve T-Cell Depletion Related to Infection by X 4 Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 in Poor Immunological Responders to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy †

Naı̈ve T-Cell Depletion Related to Infection by X4 Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 in Poor Immunological Responders to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy† Pierre Delobel, Marie-Thérèse Nugeyre, Michelle Cazabat, Karine Sandres-Sauné, Christophe Pasquier, Lise Cuzin, Bruno Marchou, Patrice Massip, Rémi Cheynier, Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, Jacques Izopet,* and Nicole Israël Unité de Régulation des Infections Rétrovirales, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Laboratoire de Virologie EA2046-IFR30, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Toulouse, France; Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Toulouse, France; and Unité des Virus Lents, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
Virtual mindfulness meditation: Virtual reality and electroencephalography for health gamification

Mindfulness practices have been shown to improve various health related aspects of patient lifestyles including the reduction of depressive relapse in those who suffer from depression [4] and reduction of perceived pain in chronic pain patients [3]. Mindfulness meditation has also been shown to reduce stress and encourage relaxation [10] which is naturally beneficial for many demographics, including those with low life satisfaction [1]. This paper outlines an attempt to translate learning outcomes of mindfulness practice with gamification into educational software. The software provides immersive virtual environments and guided meditation tracks to catalyze mindfulness learning practices. It also supports electroencephalography (EEG) data collection to monitor the affective states of participants, which allows the software to provide visual feedback in real-time. Its design is heavily influenced by gamification strategies and contemporary game design practices in order to encourage persistent training behaviors in participants over longer periods of time.
Implicit painting of CSG solids

Implicit painting is a non-photorealistic rendering method for painting implicitly represented CSG solids. The method is based on the fact that when a difference equation is applied to a set of particles these particles will move in 3D space. We view the motion of the particles as the motion of the hands of several painters and the trajectories of the particles as long unbroken brush strokes, over the boundaries of solids obtained by set-operations. These boundary surfaces are used as if they are the canvases of painters. The difference equations provide the trajectories of the brushes, brush and paint types. We consider this painting as a creative or ‘artistic’ process in which the resulting artwork can be an image, a stereo image or even an animation that shows the painting process.