Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Off-Path Caching for File Versioning in Named Data Networking

Named-Data Networking (NDN) is one of promising architecture for achieving information-centric networking (ICN), in which users can access information by name without knowing where it is. File versioning is expected to be introduced in NDN, however there have been practically no work. %for file versioning in NDN. In this study, we apply an optimal resource allocation model, which was analytically derived in our previous work, to NDN systems in order to introduce file versioning. For preliminary purpose, we in this article compare two resource allocation policies using a simulatior. Our optimal resource allocation policy shows better performance as expected.
Cytomegalovirus Neutralization by Hyperimmune and Standard Intravenous Immunoglobulin Preparations

Background. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains one of the most important pathogens after transplantation, potentially leading to CMV disease, allograft dysfunction, acute, and chronic rejection and opportunistic infections. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) preparations with high antibody titers against CMV are a valuable adjunctive prevention and treatment option for clinicians and apart from standard intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), CMV hyperimmune preparations are available. The CMV antibody titer of these preparations is typically determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), also used for the selection of high titer plasma donors for the production of the CMV Hyperimmune product. However, CMV ELISA titers do not necessarily correlate with CMV antibody function which is determined by virus neutralization tests. Methods. CMV antibody titers were determined by both ELISA and virus neutralization assay and the IgG subclass distribution was compared between a CMV hyperimmune licensed in Europe and standard IVIG preparations. Results. Although the expected high CMV IgG ELISA antibody titers were confirmed for three lots of a CMV hyperimmune preparation, the functionally more relevant CMV neutralizing antibody titers were significantly higher for 31 lots of standard IVIG preparations. Moreover, considerably lower IgG3 levels were found for the CMV hyperimmune preparation compared with standard IVIG preparations. Conclusions. The higher functional CMV neutralization titers of standard IVIG preparations and the better availability of these preparations, suggest that these products could be a valuable alternative to the CMV hyperimmune preparation.
Bayesian Case Influence Measures for Statistical Models With Missing Data

We examine three Bayesian case influence measures including the φ-divergence, Cook’s posterior mode distance, and Cook’s posterior mean distance for identifying a set of influential observations for a variety of statistical models with missing data including models for longitudinal data and latent variable models in the absence/presence of missing data. Since it can be computationally prohibitive to compute these Bayesian case influence measures in models with missing data, we derive simple first-order approximations to the three Bayesian case influence measures by using the Laplace approximation formula and examine the applications of these approximations to the identification of influential sets. All of the computations for the first-order approximations can be easily done using Markov chain Monte Carlo samples from the posterior distribution based on the full data. Simulated data and an AIDS dataset are analyzed to illustrate the methodology. Supplemental materials for the article are available online.
Rate-adaptive multiple sub-carrier-based transmission for broadband infrared wireless communication

We consider the idea of rate-adaptive multiple-sub-carrier-based transmission in order to achieve broadband communication between fixed access point and mobile user terminal in indoor non-directed infrared wireless system. We discuss the choice for realistic system parameters and issues influencing them. In order to maximize system throughput, by means of simulations, we investigate and compare performances of straightforward bit allocation based on the optimal power distribution, as well as Hughes-Hartogs bit-loading algorithm.
Fine-tuning and visualization of convolutional neural networks

Image classification is a widely discussed topic in the field of computer vision. In recent years, with the application of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), the state-of-the-art in this area has progressed rapidly. To yield a well performed CNN, the advanced GPU and large amount of training data are employed, thus training an entire CNN from scratch is difficult. In practice, fine-tuning a pre-trained CNN is a simple yet effective method to solve a target task. In this paper, we address on the issue of visualizing a fine-tuned CNN, comparing with a small CNN trained from scratch on the same task, to explain how fine-tuning achieve such good performance.
Comprehension of handwriting development: Pen‐grip kinetics in handwriting tasks and its relation to fine motor skills among school‐age children

BACKGROUND/AIM Numerous tools have been developed to evaluate handwriting performances by analysing written products. However, few studies have directly investigated kinetic performances of digits when holding a pen. This study thus attempts to investigate pen-grip kinetics during writing tasks of school-age children and explore the relationship between the kinetic factors and fine motor skills. METHODS This study recruited 181 children aged from 5 to 12 years old and investigated the effects of age on handwriting kinetics and the relationship between these and fine motor skills. The forces applied from the digits and pen-tip were measured during writing tasks via a force acquisition pen, and the children's fine motor performances were also evaluated. RESULTS The results indicate that peak force and average force might not be direct indicators of handwriting performance for normally developing children at this age. Younger children showed larger force variation and lower adjustment frequency during writing, which might indicate they had poorer force control than the older children. Force control when handling a pen is significantly correlated with fine motor performance, especially in relation to the manual dexterity. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY A novel system is proposed for analysing school-age children's force control while handwriting. We observed the development of force control in relation to pen grip among the children with different ages in this study. The findings suggested that manipulation skill may be crucial when children are establishing their handwriting capabilities.
Reliability of measurements obtained with the modified Ashworth scale in the lower extremities of people with stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Abnormal muscle tone is a common motor disorder following stroke, which may require rehabilitation. The Modified Ashworth Scale is a 6-point rating scale that is used to measure muscle tone. The interrater and intrarater reliability of measurements obtained with the scale remain equivocal. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability of measurements obtained with the scale in the lower limb of patients with stroke. SUBJECTS Twenty patients were tested 2 weeks after their stroke, and 12 patients were tested 12 weeks after their stroke. METHODS Gastrocnemius, soleus, and quadriceps femoris muscles on the hemiplegic side were tested. RESULTS Interrater reliability for 2 raters was poor, with a Kendall tau-b correlation for the combined muscle group of.062 (P=.461). For intrarater reliability, the Kendall tau-b correlation was.567 (P<.001). The agreement within one rater occurred mostly on the grade of 0. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The Modified Ashworth Scale yielded reliable measurements in the lower limb for a single examiner, and agreement was best on the grade of 0. The reliability between examiners was not good, which may bring into question the validity of measurements obtained with the scale.
Pyrosequencing, a High-Throughput Method for Detecting Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Dihydrofolate Reductase and Dihydropteroate Synthetase Genes of Plasmodium falciparum

ABSTRACT A pyrosequencing protocol was developed as a rapid and reliable method to identify the mutations of the dhfr and dhps genes of Plasmodium falciparum that are associated with antifolate resistance. The accuracy and specificity of this method were tested using six laboratory-cultured P. falciparum isolates harboring known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes dhfr (codons 50, 51, 59, 108, and 164) and dhps (codons 436, 437, 540, 581, and 613). The lowest threshold for detection of all the SNPs tested by pyrosequencing was the equivalent of two to four parasite genomes. Also, this method was highly specific for P. falciparum, as it did not amplify any DNA products from the other species of human malaria parasites. We also mixed wild-type and mutant-type parasite DNAs in various proportions to determine how pyrosequencing, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and direct conventional sequencing (for dhfr) compared with each other in detecting different SNPs in the mixture. In general, pyrosequencing and RFLP showed comparable sensitivities in detecting most of the SNPs in dhfr except for the 164L mutation, which required at least twice the amount of DNA for pyroseqencing as for RFLP. For detecting SNPs in dhps, pyrosequencing was slightly more sensitive than RFLP and direct sequencing. Overall, pyrosequencing was faster and less expensive than either RFLP or direct sequencing. Thus, pyrosequencing is a practical alternative method that can be used in a high-throughput format for molecular surveillance of antimalarial-drug resistance.
International Investment (Trade) Factor and Its Effect on GDP: BRICS Case Study

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to assess the degree to which International Investment (Trade) Factor has impacted on GDP looking at BRICS region. The title is dubbed: “International Investment (Trade) Factor and its Effect on GDP: BRICS Case Study”. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research adopted a desk research approach. in this regard, resource materials were developed from economic journals, books, articles, policy documents, and other credible websites just to a mention a few. Findings and assumption: The finalised research assessed the contribution trade has had to GDP in BRICS region. Trade has been considered as a fundamental growth factor in BRIC and an accelerating component which has been of great attention within the region. The current research argues that trade has benefited BRICS economy in terms of technology, skilled labour, consumer spending, total investment by companies, total government spending and balance of trade. The analysis bases on data collection from the period 2010-2013 so as to test the relationship between the two economic indicators. As indicated, the main research variables included FDI inflows, population growth, exports, and GDP. for data analysis, the researcher examines the descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression model using Microsoft Excel 2013. The main dependent variable being “trade”; it was anticipated that the trade function in regression model and other statistical tests would have positive relationship with other GDP variables. Research limitations/Implications: The main future research undertaking would be to use quantitative measures so as to establish the correlation between Trade as an international investment process and GDP dynamics.Practical Implications: The engagement in economic growth through increased GDP would be determined by the extent of international trade dynamics in BRICS region. Originality/Value: This research paper addresses fundamental policy issues that may be considered in BRICS region on how best to enhance international investment (trade) so as to support the rest of the economy.
AN OBSERVATIONAL RETROSPECTIVE SUBGROUP ANALYSIS OF VERTEPORFIN PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY–NAIVE AND PREVIOUSLY TREATED PATIENTS IN THE FOCUS TRIAL

Purpose: To perform a retrospective post hoc subgroup analysis of the FOCUS trial to assess the visual acuity outcomes and treatment benefits for patients receiving combination therapy who, at the time of enrollment, were naive to verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) or had previously received PDT. Methods: In this retrospective post hoc analysis of 24-month data from the FOCUS trial, PDT-naive and previously PDT-treated patients (n = 162) were included. Patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive 0.5 mg of ranibizumab monthly plus PDT or PDT alone. We retrospectively identified patients who had or had not received prior PDT for a post hoc subgroup analysis of 12- and 24-month outcomes. Results: For the PDT-naive patients, mean change in the visual acuity at 24 months was +4.1 letters for the ranibizumab plus PDT group and −11.5 letters for the PDT monotherapy group, a treatment benefit over control group of 15.6 letters (95% confidence interval: 7.1-24.2). For the previously treated patients, mean change in the visual acuity at 24 months was +5.2 letters for the ranibizumab plus PDT group and −4.3 letters for the PDT monotherapy group, a treatment benefit over control group of 9.5 letters (95% confidence interval: 2.3-16.8). Conclusion: In the FOCUS subanalysis, the PDT-naive patients showed a trend toward greater treatment benefit over control subjects compared with patients previously treated with PDT. However, this study was not designed to address this question, and the confidence intervals were wide. Furthermore, the mean change in the visual acuity from baseline to 24 months was similar for both the PDT-naive and previously treated patients receiving combination therapy.
Validation of a polyvinylidene fluoride impedance sensor for respiratory event classification during polysomnography.

STUDY OBJECTIVES The AASM has recommended specific sensors in measuring apnea and hypopnea based on published reliability and validity data. As new technology emerges, these guidelines will need revision. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) measures impedance and can be incorporated into a belt to approximate airflow and respiratory effort. We compared respiratory event detection using PVDF impedance belts (PVDFb), respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP), and nasal-oral pneumotachography (PNT). METHODS First, in a clinical setting, 50 subjects (median AHI 26) undergoing polysomnography were fitted with PVDFb and standard sensors. Studies were scored in 4 independent passes using 4 respiratory montages (M); M1: nasal pressure transduction (NPT), thermistry, and RIP; M2: NPT, thermistry, and PVDFb; M3: thermistry and PVDFb; M4: PVDFb alone. Each experimental montage (M2-M4) was compared to the reference standard (M1) for total apneas and hypopneas. In a second experimental study, respiratory event detection was compared across a series of breathing trials for PVDFb, RIP, and PNT in normal subjects. Agreement was evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), κ statistics, and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS ICCs comparing event numbers by M1 to M 2, 3, and 4 were: 0.99, 0.93, and 0.91, respectively. Almost identical numbers of events were identified for M 1 and M2 (177.5 ± 122.7 vs 177.6 ± 123.2). Event subtypes also were comparable. PVDFb was less sensitive than PNT but no different than RIP in detecting decreased breathing amplitude. CONCLUSIONS PVDFb was comparable to standard RIP in determining respiratory events during polysomnography and in detecting decreased breathing amplitude, suggesting that PVDFb can be used as an alternative to RIP for apnea/hypopnea evaluation.
Cine Phase-Contrast MR Images Failed to Predict Clinical Outcome Following ETV

Background: To predict success of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus, we evaluated pre- and post- operative phase-contrast cine magnetic resonance images (PC MRI) on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), cine flow in basal cisterns around the brain stem, and cervical medullar junction (CMJ) retrospectively. Methods: The study involved 102 patients with mean age of 36.74±23.25, and F/M = 1.55. All patients had PC MRI taken both pre- and post-operatively. A dynamic MRI video of PC MRI was reviewed at sagittal, axial, and coronal sections to determine cistern flows around the brain stem and CMJ. For quantitative analysis, quadrants were divided around midbrain axially to evaluate interpeduncular, quadrageminal, and ambient cisterns of both sides using scores of 0 to 60. Pre- and post- pontine and CMJ flows were shown in sagittal view and scored 0 to 20, and lateral cerebellopontine cisterns of both sides were measured on coronal image and scored 0 to 20. Results: No significant difference in CSF flow was seen from three individual views and total cine score, or between ETV success and failure groups by multivariate analysis of variance. Kaplan-Meier Analysis and Spearman's Correlation Test produced no relationship between MRI cine flow scores and interval period after surgery to ETV failure. Conclusion: PC MRI cine flow failed to demonstrate significant differences between successful and failed ETV groups. This indicates in addition to achieving an adequate fenestration, CSF pathways beyond the basal cisterns around the brain stem and CMJ may play an essential role in achieving ETV success.
Diaphragm contraction as a limiting factor to maximum expiration.

Electrical activity of the diaphragm has been studied by means of a bipolar esophageal lead to investigate the high abdominal thoracic pressure difference found at the end of maximum expiration. An esophageal balloon, placed alongside the electrodes and moderately inflated, overcomes the difficulty previously found in using an esophageal lead to study diaphragm activity at small lung volume. At the end of maximum expiration, intense activity of the diaphragm has been recorded. Contraction of the diaphragm at the end of maximum expiration balances the muscle action of the abdominal wall, preventing further reduction of lung volume. Analysis of factors that may set the lower volume limit suggests that contraction of antagonist muscles is the main factor, at least on the abdominal boundary of the thorax. The possible afferent impulses leading to a reflex contraction of the diaphragm at full expiration are discussed. Submitted on December 18, 1961
A review of economic considerations for cover crops as a conservation practice

Abstract Over the past few decades, farmers have increasingly integrated cover crops into their cropping systems. Cover-crop benefits can help a farmer to achieve sustainability or reduce negative environmental externalities, such as soil erosion or chemical runoff. However, the impact on farm economics will likely be the strongest incentive to adopt cover crops. These impacts can include farm profits, cash crop yields or both. This paper provides a review of cover-crop adoption, production, risk and policy considerations from an economic perspective. These dimensions are examined through a review of cover-crop literature. This review was written to provide an overview of cover crops and their impacts on the farm business and the environment, especially with regard to economic considerations. Through increasing knowledge about cover crops, the intent here is to inform producers contemplating adoption and policy makers seeking to encourage adoption.
Myocardial Doppler at rest for the identification of myocardial viability.

BACKGROUND Echocardiography may permit the detection of a nonviable myocardium. The aim of this study was to test if resting pulsed wave-tissue Doppler imaging (PW-TDI) might yield additional markers. METHODS Fifty patients (38 males, 12 females, mean age 63 +/- 6 years) with left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction 35 +/- 10%) underwent echocardiography. The posterior septum, anterior septum, lateral, inferior, anterior and posterior walls were sampled on the basal segments in the apical views at PW-TDI. The following variables and cardiac phases were tested: 1) the isovolumic contraction phase velocity, polarity or detectability, 2) the ejection phase velocity, a detectable interval between the ejection phase and aortic valve closure, or ejection phase shape, and 3) the isovolumic relaxation phase velocity or ejection velocity/post-systolic shortening ratio. From the tested PW-TDI variables, viable and nonviable patterns were assembled, taking rest-redistribution 201thallium single-photon emission computed tomography as the independent reference for myocardial viability. Patients with significant loading alterations, mitral or aortic valve disease, and arrhythmias were excluded. RESULTS Out of 219 dyssynergic segments, viability as identified according to conventional rest echocardiographic criteria appeared in 94 (47%), as identified at PW-TDI in 116 (53%), and as identified at nuclear imaging in 105 (48%). The resting PW-TDI variables consistent with absent myocardial viability were as follows: 1) an isovolumic contraction phase velocity equal to the ejection phase velocity +/- 1 cm/s, or absent, 2) an ejection phase velocity < or = 4 cm/s, usually with a gap between the ejection phase and aortic valve closure, or any shape of ejection but the typical single phase, and 3) an isovolumic relaxation phase velocity < 5 cm/s with an ejection phase velocity/isovolumic relaxation phase velocity ratio < 0.8. The accuracy for the identification of myocardial viability was: agreement 73%, kappa 0.44 for echocardiography, and agreement 75%, kappa 0.47 for PW-TDI. CONCLUSIONS PW-TDI nonviable patterns may be a helpful additional tool for the identification of patients without residual myocardial viability.
Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) isozymes as targets of the intracellular signalling network: benefits of PDE inhibitors in various diseases and perspectives for future therapeutic developments

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) that specifically inactivate the intracellular messengers cAMP and cGMP in a compartmentalized manner represent an important enzyme class constituted by 11 gene‐related families of isozymes (PDE1 to PDE11). Downstream receptors, PDEs play a major role in controlling the signalosome at various levels of phosphorylations and protein/protein interactions. Due to the multiplicity of isozymes, their various intracellular regulations and their different cellular and subcellular distributions, PDEs represent interesting targets in intracellular pathways. Therefore, the investigation of PDE isozyme alterations related to various pathologies and the design of specific PDE inhibitors might lead to the development of new specific therapeutic strategies in numerous pathologies.