Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learned adaptive nonlinear filtering for anisotropic diffusion approximation in image processing

In the machine vision community multi-scale image enhancement and analysis has frequently been accomplished using a diffusion or equivalent process. Linear diffusion can be replaced by convolution with Gaussian kernels, as the Gaussian is the Green's function of such a system. In this paper we present a technique which obtains an approximate solution to a nonlinear diffusion process via the solution of an integral equation which is the nonlinear analog of convolution. The kernel function of the integral equation plays the same role that a Green's function does for a linear PDE, allowing the direct solution of the nonlinear PDE for a specific time without requiring integration through intermediate times. We then use a learning technique to approximate the kernel function for arbitrary input images. The result is an improvement in speed and noise-sensitivity, as well as providing a parallel algorithm.
The utility of naphthyl-keratin adducts as biomarkers for jet-fuel exposure

We investigated the association between biomarkers of dermal exposure, naphthyl-keratin adducts (NKA), and urine naphthalene biomarker levels in 105 workers routinely exposed to jet-fuel. A moderate correlation was observed between NKA and urine naphthalene levels (p = 0.061). The NKA, post-exposure breath naphthalene, and male gender were associated with an increase, while CYP2E1*6 DD and GSTT1-plus (++/+−) genotypes were associated with a decrease in urine naphthalene level (p < 0.0001). The NKA show great promise as biomarkers for dermal exposure to naphthalene. Further studies are warranted to characterize the relationship between NKA, other exposure biomarkers, and/or biomarkers of biological effects due to naphthalene and/or PAH exposure.
Workflow Management Systems Benchmarking: Unfulfilled Expectations and Lessons Learned

Workflow Management Systems (WfMSs) are a type of middleware that enables the execution of automated business processes. Users rely on WfMSs to construct flexible and easily maintainable software systems. Significant effort has been invested into standardising languages for business processes execution, with standards such as the Web Services Business Process Execution Language 2.0 or the Business Process Model and Notation 2.0. Standardisation aims at avoiding vendor lock-in and enabling WfMS users to compare different systems. The reality is that, despite standardisation efforts, different independent research initiatives show that objectively comparing WfMSs is still challenging. As a result, WfMS users are likely to discover unfulfilled expectations while evaluating and using these systems. In this work, we discuss the findings of two research initiatives dealing with WfMSs benchmarking, presenting unfulfilled expectations and lessons learned concerning WfMSs' usability, reliability, and portability. Our goal is to provide advice for practitioners implementing or planning to use WfMSs.
Reducing the interaction between user and mobile terminal antenna based on antenna shielding

Reducing the effect of the hand and the head of a user on the operation of mobile terminal antennas is investigated with simulations and measurements. The study is made at 900 and 2000 MHz. The shielded antenna structure consists of two antenna elements. Non-self-resonant antenna elements are required to obtain an improved antenna performance. Depending on the use position, the better-performing antenna element is selected and the other is acting as a shield. It is shown that the proposed structure can improve the total efficiency with hand and head by 5.0 dB and decrease the maximum specific absorption rate (SAR) in the head by 81% at 900 MHz compared to the traditional single element structure. At 2000 MHz, the benefits are 2.1 dB and 43%, respectively. The shielding structure can be used also to significantly decrease the SAR in the hand.
The number of human peripheral blood CD4+ CD25high regulatory T cells increases with age

Ageing is associated with evidence of immune deficiency and dysregulation. Key changes in the immune system with ageing include a progressive reduction in naive T cell output associated with thymic involution and peripheral expansion of oligoclonal memory T cells. These features are associated with evidence of impaired immune responsiveness both in vitro and in vivo, termed immune senescence. CD4+ CD25+ T cells have recently been recognized as mediators of peripheral immune regulation and play a role in the control of autoimmune and pathogen‐specific immune responses. The significance of CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells in the context of immunosenescence is not known. We have investigated the number, phenotype and function of CD4+ CD25+ T cells in healthy volunteers over a wide age range. We demonstrate that the number of CD4+ CD25+ and CD4+ CD25high T cells in healthy volunteers increases with age. In both age groups CD4+ CD25+ T cells showed a phenotype consistent with that described for regulatory T cells. Further analysis of CD4+ CD25high T cells in young and elderly donors showed equivalent expression of intracellular CTLA‐4 and surface expression of activation markers. In vitro, functional titration assays of CD4+ CD25high T cells demonstrated equivalent regulatory function in both young and elderly donors, with suppression of proliferation and cytokine production in response to polyclonal T cell stimulation. These observations demonstrate an increase in peripheral blood CD4+ CD25high regulatory T cells associated with ageing. The relevance of these expanded cells in relation to the immune senescence seen in the elderly as yet remains unclear.
Neck or Shoulder ( CANS ) : A Mixed Methods Study

Purpose To investigate the experiences of participants of a self-management program for employees with complaints of the arm, neck or shoulder (CANS). The program consisted of six group sessions combined with an eHealth module. Methods Semi-structured interviews with the first 31 consecutive participants of the intervention group participating in a randomized controlled trial. Participants were interviewed after their last group session. Semi-structured interviews were guided by an interview guide and audio-recorded. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and the emerging themes were discussed. All participants in the intervention group were asked about their experiences with a questionnaire at three (n = 58) and 12-months (n = 53) follow-up. Results Most participants appreciated the diversity of the program and benefited from the interaction with their peers. The eHealth module, although not used by everyone, was generally experienced as positive, especially the section with the physical exercises. Participants obtained more insight into their complaints and increased awareness, which contributed to the acceptance of and coping with the complaints. There was also criticism about the content of the program and the lack of a follow-up session. Results of the questionnaires showed that participants had a high level of satisfaction. Conclusions In general, the intervention fitted the needs of employees with CANS. Participants obtained more knowledge and insight into their complaints, as well as increased awareness; all this contributed to a behavioral change and improved coping. Many participants made changes at work and during their leisure time, whereas some felt that continuing their ‘changed’ behavior would be a challenge.
Common γ-chain cytokine signaling is required for macroautophagy induction during CD4+ T-cell activation

Macroautophagy is a cellular process that mediates degradation in the lysosome of cytoplasmic components including proteins and organelles. Previous studies have shown that macroautophagy is induced in activated T cells to regulate organelle homeostasis and the cell's energy metabolism. However, the signaling pathways that initiate and regulate activation-induced macroautophagy in T cells have not been identified. Here, we show that activation-induced macroautophagy in T cells depends on signaling from common γ-chain cytokines. Consequently, inhibition of signaling through JAK3, induced downstream of cytokine receptors containing the common γ-chain, prevents full induction of macroautophagy in activated T cells. Moreover, we found that common γ-chain cytokines are not only required for macroautophagy upregulation during T cell activation but can themselves induce macroautophagy. Our data also show that macroautophagy induction in T cells is associated with an increase of LC3 expression that is mediated by a post-transcriptional mechanism. Overall, our findings unveiled a new role for common γ-chain cytokines as a molecular link between autophagy induction and T-cell activation.
Un phénix linguistique? Le tour narratif va + infinitif renaîtrait-il, en français contemporain, de ses cendres médiévales?

Les etudes typologiques (Hagege 1993, Bybee et al.1994, Dahl 2000, Bourdin 2008 notamment) ont montre de facon consistante que les indications spatiales (notamment les verbes de mouvement) tendaient a se grammaticaliser en expressions temporelles. La forme itive (en francais aller) dans les langues romanes a fait l’objet de ce processus linguistique , et avec succes, puisque, en tant qu’auxiliaire d’un verbe a l’infinitif ou au participe present (et moins frequemment au participe passe), elle est a meme d’offrir, au cours de son histoire, pas moins de onze emplois grammaticalises (Bres et Labeau a paraitre). Nous nous interesserons dans cet article, qui ne portera que sur le francais, a l’emploi que nous nommerons, avec Larreya (2005) et Lansari (2009), narratif: il apparait en textualite narrative, dont les propositions du premier plan sont regies par la relation de progression (Labov 1972/1978). Cet emploi que le francais a connu jusqu’au debut du XVIIeme (1) tend, sur des bases peut-etre differentes, a se repandre aujourd’hui (2): (1) Sur ces propos, feirent leur accord, et, en regardant le lieu le plus propre pour faire ceste belle oeuvre, elle vat dire qu'elle n'en scavoit poinct de meilleure ne plus loing de tout soupson, que une petite maison qui estoit dedans le parc, ou il y avoit chambre et lict tout a propos. Le gentil homme, qui n'eust trouve nul lieu mauvais, se contenta de cestuy-la. (Navarre M. de, L'Heptameron, 1550) (2) (…) Teddy Pendergrass est remarque par Harold Melvin, leader du quintette vocal The Blue Notes. Il rejoint alors la formation, qui va enchainer une succession de tubes. En 1976, Teddy Pendergrass decide de mener une carriere solo et quitte les Blue Notes . Il va regulierement occuper les premieres places des meilleures ventes de disques aux USA. (Le Monde, Obituaire de T. Pendergrass, 27 .1. 2010)
Correlation of Filtration Bleb Morphology With Histology

Guarded filtration surgery (ie, trabeculectomy), introduced by Sugar and Cairns, remains the procedure of choice for the majority of patients with glaucoma. Antimetabolites, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and mitomycin C (MMC), allow wound healing modulation and an individualized approach to modify the inflammatory/fibrotic response to the surgical insult. Despite advances in operative technique guarded trabeculectomy augmented by antimetabolites can have significant complications such as hypotony, suprachoroidal hemorrhage, choroidal effusions, hypotony maculopathy, bleb leak, blebitis, bleb encapsulation, failure, and endophthalmitis. These complications are partially attributed to the contradictory concepts of traditional glaucoma surgery: prevention of wound healing around the surgical fistula and inhibition of fibrosis of Tenon capsule to sclera on one hand and normal tissue repair of the overlying delicate conjunctiva to maintain the functional and anatomic integrity of the bleb constituting an adequate barrier against infection on the other.
The patient-provider relationship and antenatal care uptake at two referral hospitals in Malawi: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND Approximately 90% of Malawian women attend antenatal care at least once during their pregnancies; however, most mothers first present during months five and six and do not adhere to the World Health Organization's recommended four visits. The objective of this study was to explore the role the patient-provider relationship has on antenatal care uptake. METHODS A qualitative study, consisting of interviews with 20 urban pregnant mothers and eight health workers, was conducted from September to December 2014. Two large tertiary care hospitals in the Central and Southern regions of Malawi were selected as study sites. RESULTS Several factors influenced antenatal care attendance. Significant barriers reported included the patient-provider relationship, clinic wait times, family and friend support, distance from home to the clinic, transportation, cost, and number of visits. The patient-provider relationship appears to have a large impact on antenatal clinic participation. Mothers indicated that health workers often mistreat or demean them during visits. Additionally, health workers revealed that, due to staff shortages, patients often do not receive the care they deserve. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that, in addition to other factors, healthcare provider attitudes influence antenatal clinic attendance. Improving the patient-provider relationship may increase antenatal clinic attendance and decrease pregnancy complications during pregnancy. Professional development opportunities and quality improvement programmes are would help improve patient care and health outcomes while the continued staff shortages in the country are addressed.
Management of retroperitoneal lymph nodes in advanced ovarian cancer

Autopsy studies have demonstrated a very high incidence of positive retroperitoneal lymph nodes in patients with advanced ovarian cancer, but the clinical management of these nodes has only recently been investigated. Several institutional studies had suggested an advantage to systematic removal of pelvic and paraaortic nodes in patients whose tumor was optimally cytoreduced in the peritoneal cavity. However, the only randomized prospective study revealed a 7-month benefit in progression-free survival for patients having systematic lymphadenectomy, but no benefit in terms of overall survival. Unless a future randomized trial shows evidence to the contrary, removal of clinically normal nodes should not be considered part of the standard care for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Bulky nodes should be removed as part of the surgical aim of removing all macroscopic residual disease
A Brief Survey on 5G Wireless Mobile Network

The new upcoming technology of the fifth generation wireless mobile network is advertised as lightning speed internet, everywhere, for everything, for everyone in the nearest future. There are a lot of efforts and research carrying on many aspects, e.g. millimetre wave (mmW) radio transmission, massive multiple input and multiple output (Massive-MIMO) new antenna technology, the promising technique of SDN architecture, Internet of Thing (IoT) and many more. In this brief survey, we highlight some of the most recent developments towards the 5G mobile network.
Finding the shortest path in huge data traffic networks: A hybrid speed model

The shortest path problem has become an important issue in the increasingly complex road networks nowadays, especially for these applications which are strict with high timeliness. However, searching the shortest path is difficult as road traffic flows are time-varying. An important issue in searching the shortest path is how to obtain the time expired on each segment at the given time. To this purpose, we propose a hybrid speed model to calculate the travel time in this paper, which considers the difference between the speed in congested and uncongested road networks. And analysis of speed in both conditions are given, respectively. Subsequently, a metric is also proposed to distinguish between congested and uncongested networks. Our work also utilizes the huge traffic data to reflect and analyze the real scenario. Compared to the previous work, this paper considers a more complex urban traffic scenario and some verifications are made with our data. Finally, a numerical study is carried out in the urban road network in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The results show the hybrid speed model can give travel time prediction in an accurate way and can provide useful information for road designers.
The Autobiographical Myth of Robert Lowell

Lowell's continuing productivity and his ever-increasing stature as a poet demand a new evaluation of his work, and Cooper has provided it in this penetrating study. Though Cooper's primary purpose is to demonstrate the principle of the interrelation of the poems, a secondary and equally important purpose is to analyze the significance of Lowell's most recent work.Originally published in 1970.A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.
Dysfunctional sexual beliefs as vulnerability factors for sexual dysfunction

We investigated the differences in sexual beliefs presented by men and women with sexual dysfunction and their sexually functional counterparts. A total of 488 participants (160 females and 232 males without sexual problems; 47 females and 49 males with a DSM‐IV diagnosis of sexual dysfunction) answered the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire. Findings showed that, although effects have only reached statistical significance for the female group, both dysfunctional men and women endorsed more sexually dysfunctional beliefs than functional beliefs. Women presented significantly more age‐related beliefs (e.g., after menopause women lose their sexual desire; as women age, the pleasure they get from sex decreases) and body image beliefs (women who are not physically attractive can't be sexually satisfied). Additionally, sexually dysfunctional males presented higher scores (not statistically significant) on “macho” belief (a real man has sexual intercourse very often) and beliefs about women's satisfaction (the quality of the erection is what most satisfies women). Overall, findings supported the idea that sexual beliefs play a role as vulnerability factors for sexual dysfunction.
Glycoviruses: chemical glycosylation retargets adenoviral gene transfer.

Gene therapy provides a means to exploit knowledgegenerated under the human genome project by the use ofgenedeliveryvectorstosupplementthefunctionofmissingormutated genes. Some applications of gene therapy requiretherapeuticgenedeliverytospecificdiseasedcells,suchasthecystic fibrotic epithelia for treatment of cystic fibrosis,
Effects of Osmoprotection on Symptoms, Ocular Surface Damage, and Tear Film Modifications Caused by Glaucoma Therapy

Purpose TO determine the effects of 2 artificial tear formulas on the ocular surface in patients with glaucoma using topical preserved beta-blockers (BB) or prostaglandins (PG). Methods This was a prospective, comparative, randomized, double-blind study with a crossover design. Twenty patients with dry eye were divided into 2 groups based on glaucoma treatment: BB (10 subjects) or PG (10 subjects). Each group was administered a 4-week course of unpreserved isotonic (300 mOsm/L) solution containing 0.2% sodium hyaluronate (SH) or a preserved isotonic (295–305 mOsm/L) solution containing 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose and 0.9% glycerin as compatible solute (CMCs) administered QID. After a 2-week washout period, the course of treatment was reversed. The primary efficacy criteria consisted of assessing symptoms according to the Ocular Surface Disease Index© (OSDI); the secondary efficacy criteria consisted of evaluating tear film confocal microscopy, central corneal thickness (CCT), and lissamine corneal and conjunctival staining (Oxford Grading System Score [OGSS]). Results Within each group, only CMCs induced a significant improvement in OSDI and OGSS compared to baseline values: OSDI-20.5, p<0.0001; OGSS-0.9, p<0.0001. Tear film confocal microscopy improved after treatment, especially in case of patients who were administered CMCs. No difference in CCT was noticed for any subject. Conclusions This study demonstrates for the first time that the use of concomitant CMCs in the management of glaucoma undergoing treatment with BB or PG may assist in tear film production and could lead to better compliance with intraocular pressure-lowering medication and ultimately better prognosis.
Binding of plasminogen to hepatocytes isolated from injured mice liver and nonparenchymal cell-dependent proliferation of hepatocytes

Plasmin is an essential enzyme located in the pericellular microenvironment of liver cells during liver regeneration. Previously, we reported that liver regeneration ability was significantly increased in α2-antiplasmin gene knockout mice as compared to wild-type mice, but it was significantly decreased in plasminogen knockout mice, or Plg/α2-antiplasmin gene knockout mice. The present study aimed to demonstrate direct interaction between plasminogen and mouse hepatocytes in the process of liver regeneration. Using the isolated hepatocytes from mice we analyzed following subjects: binding capacity of plasminogen to hepatocytes, plasminogen activation in the presence of hepatocytes, and proliferation ability of hepatocytes cocultured with liver nonparenchymal cells. The isolated hepatocytes from plasminogen wild-type mice bound to immobilized plasminogen. The mouse hepatocytes enhanced plasminogen activation, and impaired the inhibitory effect of α2-antiplasmin. The proliferation ability of hepatocytes after liver injury was studied. In plasminogen wild-type and plasminogen knockout mice, the hepatocytes cocultured with nonparenchymal cells, which were obtained from mice without CCl4 injection, showed similar proliferation abilities. On the contrary, the proliferation ability of hepatocytes cocultured with nonparenchymal cells, which were obtained from CCl4-treated plasminogen knockout mice, was significantly impaired as compared to wild-type mice. These results indicate that the plasminogen–plasmin system on the surface of mouse hepatocytes plays an important role in liver regeneration.
Inside Agile Processes: A Practitioner's Perspective

Organizational agility is achieved through timely awareness and agile Business Processes (BPs). Yet, in Business Process Management (BPM), agility tends to be associated only with operational BPs and is often reduced to technical agility. This paper argues that agility should be investigated in the context of other types of processes, especially knowledge-intensive emergent business processes (EBPs), as they are, by definition, agile. This paper describes an action research project that uses a holistic model of BPM to investigate a real-life example of EBPs, taking a practitioner's perspective.
Stability and feedback control based on LMIs of linear time-varying periodic descriptor systems

All of the solutions of controllability, observability, stability and stabilization of linear time-varying periodic(LTVPD) system depend on its state transition matrix. However, it is very difficult to obtain the state transition matrix of an ordinary LTVPD system. By using the thought of solving robust control of the linear time invariant systems, the periodic problem is converted into a kind of norm bounded problems. The calculation of the state transition matrix of LTVPD systems is avoided. By introducing the definition of Riccati stability of LTVPD systems, the LMIs based memoryless state controllers of stabilization and robust stabilization of LTVPD systems are designed. Two numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the application of the proposed methods.