bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tree Structure Based Data Hiding for Progressive Transmission Images
Authors: Tsai Piyu 
Published: December 2019

Progressive image transmission (PIT) is supported by several encoders such as SPIHT, JPEG2000 and so on. However, few of data hiding scheme for progressive transmission images is designed. In this paper, tree-structure-based data hiding for set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPIHT) images is proposed. The bit stream of SPIHT multi-stage encoded was structured of tree. The secret image can be progressively embedded into SPIHT bit trees. Experimental results showed the progressive image data hiding is achieved. The secret image is progressively embedded/extracted in SPIHT encoded images. Furthermore, a higher hiding capacity was provided in an earlier encoding which helped the secret image to be identified earlier. Also, an adaptive hiding capacity could be developed by using different tree structures. In comparison with Tsai et al.'s scheme, the proposed scheme had a higher hiding capacity and a better secret image quality.
Matrix Graph Grammars with Application Conditions
Authors: Velasco Pedro Pablo Pérez , de Lara Juan 
Published: December 2019

In the Matrix approach to graph transformation we represent simple digraphs and rules with Boolean matrices and vectors, and the rewriting is expressed using Boolean operators only. In previous works, we developed analysis techniques enabling the study of the applicability of rule sequences, their independence, state reachability and the minimal graph able to fire a sequence. In the present paper we improve our framework in two ways. First, we make explicit (in the form of a Boolean matrix) some negative implicit information in rules. This matrix (called nihilation matrix) contains the elements that, if present, forbid the application of the rule (i.e. potential dangling edges, or newly added edges, which cannot be already present in the simple digraph). Second, we introduce a novel notion of application condition, which combines graph diagrams together with monadic second order logic. This allows for more flexibility and expressivity than previous approaches, as well as more concise conditions in certain cases. We demonstrate that these application conditions can be embedded into rules (i.e. in the left hand side and the nihilation matrix), and show that the applicability of a rule with arbitrary application conditions is equivalent to the applicability of a sequence of plain rules without application conditions. Therefore, the analysis of the former is equivalent to the analysis of the latter, showing that in our framework no additional results are needed for the study of application conditions. Moreover, all analysis techniques of [21,22] for the study of sequences can be applied to application conditions.
POODLE-I: Disordered Region Prediction by Integrating POODLE	Series and Structural Information Predictors Based on a Workflow Approach
Authors: Hirose Shuichi , Shimizu Kana , Noguchi Tamotsu 
Published: December 2019

Under physiological conditions, many proteins that include a region lacking well-defined three-dimensional structures have been identified, especially in eukaryotes. These regions often play an important biological cellular role, although they cannot form a stable structure. Therefore, they are biologically remarkable phenomena. From an industrial perspective, they can provide useful information for determining three-dimensional structures or designing drugs. For these reasons, disordered regions have attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. Their accurate prediction is therefore anticipated to provide annotations that are useful for wide range of applications. POODLE-I (where "I" stands for integration) is a web-based disordered region prediction system. POODLE-I integrates prediction results obtained from three kinds of disordered region predictors (POODLEs) developed from the viewpoint that the characteristics of disordered regions change according to their length. Furthermore, POODLE-I combines that information with predicted structural information by application of a workflow approach. When compared with server teams that showed best performance in CASP8, POODLE-I ranked among the top and exhibited the highest performance in predicting unfolded proteins. POODLE-I is an efficient tool for detecting disordered regions in proteins solely from the amino acid sequence. The application is freely available at http://mbs.cbrc.jp/poodle/poodle-i.html.
Design of a Gigabit Host-Network Interface
Authors: Sterbenz James P.G. , Parulkar Gurudatta M. 
Published: December 2019

We have proposed a new architecture called Axon that meets the challenges of delivering high network bandwidth directly to applications. Its novel aspects include: an integrated design of host and network interface hardware, operating systems, and communication protocols; the proper division of hardware and software function; reorganisation of end-to-end protocols to take advantage of the increased functionality of the emerging high speed internetworks; and a pipelined interface between the network and host memory with no packet buffering. The pipelined network interface performs critical per packet processing in hardware as packets flow through the pipeline, without imposing any store-and-forward buffering of packets. This requires the design of error and flow control mechanisms to be simple enough for implementation in the network interface hardware, while providing the functionality required by applications. This paper describes the design of the host-network interface, and, in particular, the hardware design of the critical per packet processing with emphasis on error and flow control. An extensive simulation model of the network interface hardware has been used to determine the feasibility and performance of hardware implementation of these functions.
Analysis of Dynamic Congestion Control Protocols — A Fokker–Planck Approximation
Authors: Mukherjee Amamath , Strikwerda John C. 
Published: December 2019

We present an approximate analysis of a queue with a dynamically changing input rate that is based on implicit or explicit feedback information. This is motivated by proposals for adaptive congestion control algorithms, [6] and [15], where the sender's window size at the transport level is adjusted based on perceived congestion level of a bottleneck node. We develop an analysis methodology for a simplified system; however, it is powerful enough to answer important questions regarding stability, convergence (or oscillations), fairness and the significant effect that delayed feedback plays on performance. This paper quantitatively identifies the cause of the these effects, vis-a-vis the system parameters and properties of the algorithm used. Several conservation laws and balance equations governing this system are given. The model is fairly general and can be applied to evaluate the performance of a wide range of feedback control schemes. It is an extension of the classical Fokker-Planck equation. Because the Fokker-Planck equation models diffusion, it addresses traffic variability, and in a sense, extends earlier fluid approximation analyses.
An information-theoretic bound for the capacity of multihop lightwave networks with non-uniform traffic patterns
Authors: Acampora Anthony S. , Guo Duanyang 
Published: December 2019

Multihop lightwave networks have recently emerged as prominent candidates for high-speed local, metropolitan, and wide-area networks. Of interest is the end-user capacity which may be afforded by a multihop lightwave network. For uniform traffic patterns, and for certain regular connection graphs, it is possible to compute the expected number of hops taken by a representative packet, the total network capacity, and the capacity available to each end-user. When the traffic patterns are non-uniform, simple expressions for network capacity cannot be produced. In this paper, we apply information theoretic concepts to find an upper bound on the capacity which may be produced, by any multihop network, for an arbitrary non-uniform user-to-user traffic pattern. Also produced is a lower bound for the expected number of hops. Such bounds are useful as yardsticks against which the performance of specific architectures and connection graphs may be compared, since the methodology does not produce an multihop connection graph capable of achieving the bound. Although the work was stimulated by an interest in multihop lightwave networks, the bounds are equally applicable when non-uniform traffic is presented to any type of network involving packet switching nodes and directed connectivity graphs. Somewhat surprisingly, results obtained suggest that, for certain types of traffic non-uniformity, the capacity achievable per end user does not diminish as the number of network access stations increases.
A fair slot routing solution for scalability in all-optical packet switched networks
Authors: Chlamtac Imrich , Elek Viktória , Fumagalli Andrea 
Published: December 2019

The concept of Photonic Slot Routing (PSR) was recently proposed by the authors for providing scalability in WDM packet switching networks. PSR circumvents the fundamental problem of complexity of extant optical technologies when trying to use fast, wavelength selective switches to obtain all-optical packet switching. In a PSR network, wavelength sensitive information (i.e., optical packets) is handled by simplified routers which make use of wavelength non-sensitive devices, based on proven technology, to switch a set of packets on distinct wavelengths as a single unit, termed the photonic slot. While leading to a practically simple router architecture, the all-optical PSR based network must also achieve a fair bandwidth allocation and deal with the contention that may arise at the router between photonic slots that arrive in different input fibers. The paper shows how the above objectives can be met by combining a fixed capacity assignment control with the PSR concept, thus achieving a bandwidth transparent, scalable and fair packet switching network with contention-free transmissions.
TCP over ATM: Performance results from a testing site
Authors: Sciuto Agatino 
Published: December 2019

Because Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is widely used to reliably transport data, there is considerable interest in its performance over Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). Much research has been done in this area and results are available, mainly from computer simulations. However, simulation results do not contain the steps required by the user to optimize TCP performance. Nascom needed that information. This paper addresses different tests. It uses each test summary as an example for a specific issue. The summaries include configuration, results, and comments. The hardware and software used also are listed. Based on NASA Communications (Nascom) test results, this paper shows that existing router implementations degrade TCP over ATM performance, that unspecified bit rate (UBR) is preferred over variable bit rate (VBR) for a traffic contract, and that multiple streams fairly share one ATM network.
The Florida Freedom Initiative on employment of people with significant disabilities: Lessons to be learned
Authors: Conley Ron , Conroy James W. 
Published: December 2019

The Florida Freedom Initiative (FFI) was an innovative demonstration project that utilized Waivers from the Medicaid program and the Supplemental Security Income Program, and greatly expanded counseling to increase integrated employment and independence among persons with significant disabilities. Although the FFI Waiver was not renewed at the end of three years, a subsequent assessment provided significant insights as to needed future program directions. It was clear that enrollees were as interested in being able to save for items such as car, home, or starting a business, as they were in improving their earnings. Unfortunately, many obstacles were encountered. There was considerable resistance from families due to: the prospect of low earnings; transportation problems; fear of losing benefits; and a lack of trust in the continuity of the FFI. In addition, some local agencies were not fully conversant with the FFI, some resisted efforts to place certain people in employment because of prior negative assessments of capability to work, and some responded very slowly to requests from FFI participants on such issues as program eligibility or the effect of employment on benefits. Ultimately, for these and other reasons, one must conclude that current programs to assist persons with significant disabilities to achieve vocational and other goals are dysfunctional, and significant changes are needed.
Five-times-sit-to-stand test in children with cerebral palsy: Reliability and concurrent validity
Authors: Kumban Wannisa , Amatachaya Sugalya , Emasithi Alongkot , Siritaratiwat Wantana 
Published: December 2019

Background/Purpose: Five-times-sit-to-stand test (FTSST) is a reliable tool for measuring lower limb functional strength and balance ability. However, reports of the reliability of FTSST in children with cerebral palsy have been scarce. The purposes of this study were (1) to investigate the test-retest and inter-rater reliability of the FTSST and (2) to investigate the correlation between the FTSST and standard functional balance tests in children with cerebral palsy. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three school children aged from 6 to 18 years with Gross motor functional classification system expanded and revised version (GMFCS-E&R) level I to III were recruited. Reliability of the FTSST and concurrent validity between FTSST and Timed up and go test (TUG) and Berg balance scale (BBS) were determined using the Pearson product moment correlation. Results: The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for test-retest and inter-rater reliability of FTSST were 0.91 and 0.88 respectively. FTSST showed moderate correlation with TUG ( r = 0.552, P < 0.01) and with BBS ( r = −0.561, P < 0.01). Conclusion: FTSST is a reliable assessment tool and correlates with functional balance ability tests in children with mild to moderate cerebral palsy.
Comparison of gait training versus cranial osteopathy in patients with Parkinson's disease: A pilot study
Authors: Müller Thomas , Pietsch Angela 
Published: December 2019

Background: A physiotherapy subtype is gait training (GT), which aims on correction of posture and gait re-education in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Osteopathy in the cranial field (OCF) is a gentle manual method to treat dysfunctions of the central nervous system. Therapists may employ GT and OCF to bypass deficient basal ganglia dysfunction, which causes gait disturbances in PD. Objectives: Objectives of this pilot study were to demonstrate the efficacy of both procedures on gait and to compare their effects within a cross over design. Methods: 18 PD patients received on two subsequent days one GT- and one OCF session each. The ten meter walking test (WT) was performed before and after each therapeutic intervention. Results: GT reduced the number of steps but not the interval in the WT. OCF declined the period but not the step frequency in the WT. The computed differences of WT outcomes before and after each intervention did not vary between both methods. Both sessions together shortened the interval but not number of steps in the WT. Conclusion: GT improves walking behaviour with a specific focus on an optimised performance of the necessary movement sequences regarding their accuracy and amplitude. As OCF decreased the interval, it ameliorates speed of motion execution during gait. GT and OCF enhance different aspects of gait in PD.
Predictors of functional outcome in Saudi Arabian patients with stroke after inpatient rehabilitation
Authors: Abdul-sattar Amal B. , Godab Tarek 
Published: December 2019

Purpose: To identify the possible factors influencing functional outcome of stroke patients after inpatient rehabilitation. Methods: One hundred and eighty patients with stroke consecutively admitted for inpatient stroke rehabilitation was studied. Demographic and stroke characteristics, impairment (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), disability level (Functional Independence Measure [FIM]), psycho-emotional state (Geriatric Depression Scale-15 [GDS-15]), cognitive function (Mini Mental State Evaluation [MMSE]), and preexisting medical conditions were recorded at admission. The main measure of functional outcome was the discharge FIM score. The univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Result: The Mean admission total FIM score was 64.8 ± 22.4 and the mean discharge total FIM score was 84.0 ± 23.0, with this gain being highly significant (P < 0.001). Univariate analyses indicated that the significant factors influencing functional outcome of stroke patients at discharge from rehabilitation included age, total FIM score at admission, severity of stroke, recurrent stroke, cognitive impairment, and depression. However, in multiple linear regression analyses, age was not significant predictor. Conclusion: Age predicts the function outcome to lesser extent than other covariate. The admission total FIM score, cognitive condition, depression, and stroke severity are predictors of functional outcome of stroke patients after inpatient rehabilitation.
Tolerance and effectiveness of a new dynamic hand-wrist orthosis in chronic stroke patients
Authors: Andringa Aukje S. , Van de Port Ingrid G.L. , Meijer Jan-Willem G. 
Published: December 2019

Purpose: To evaluate tolerance of a new dynamic hand-wrist orthosis and effectiveness on the prevention of progressive wrist contracture and spasticity after stroke. Method: Chronic stroke patients (N = 6) with upper limb spasticity, who had not been able to endure a static orthosis, were provided with a custom-made dynamic orthosis. Tolerance of the orthosis was evaluated by the daily wearing time, and self-reported pain and spasticity. Effectiveness was measured by contracture of wrist and finger flexor muscles, upper limb spasticity and use of spasticity treatment. Outcome measures were collected at time of fitting of the dynamic orthosis (baseline) and after three and six months. Results: Five patients could endure the dynamic orthosis without discomfort for 6 hours daily during the 6-month period. Self-reported spasticity and pain decreased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to wearing the static orthosis. In comparison to baseline, the maximum passive wrist extension increased significantly from −29° to −12° (p < 0.05). Although, no significant change in spasticity was measured, the use of Botulinum Toxin injections decreased for two patients. Conclusions: The majority of the included chronic stroke patients tolerated the new dynamic orthosis for at least 6 hours daily and the use significantly reduced wrist contractures in a 6-month period.
Biomechanical muscle stimulation and active-assisted cycling improves active range of motion in individuals with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Corbett Duane B. , Peer Kimberly S. , Ridgel Angela L. 
Published: December 2019

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder which often results in joint rigidity, bradykinesia and decreased range of motion (ROM). Segmental biomechanical muscle stimulation (BMS) can increase ROM in healthy young adults. However, acute effects on ROM in PD have not been examined. Objective: To examine whether BMS and active-assisted cycling (AAC) of the legs results in acute changes in ROM in PD. Methods: Seventeen individuals with PD completed four sessions. Subjects first came to the lab ‘on’ PD medications and completed baseline assessments. During session 2, subjects were ‘off’ PD medications and watched a video describing the interventions. In the 3rd and 4th visits, subjects were ‘off’ medications and the order of AAC or BMS was counterbalanced. Shoulder and hip ROM was measured prior to and immediately after each intervention and hip kinematics were examined during over-ground walking. Results: There was a significant improvement in hip and shoulder ROM after BMS and AAC. Hip velocity during over-ground walking improved after BMS but not after AAC. Conclusions: Single bouts of BMS and AAC have a positive effect on ROM and hip velocity during over-ground walking. This suggests that BMS and AAC may be altering central motor control processes.
Validity and responsiveness of the German version of the Motor Activity Log for the assessment of self-perceived arm use in hemiplegia after stroke
Authors: Meier Khan Christine , Oesch Peter 
Published: December 2019

Background: Rehabilitation of patients after stroke requires valid and responsive assessments for arm and hand function to determine the effectiveness of rehabilitative interventions. The Motor Activity Log (MAL) aims to assess self-perceived arm and hand use after stroke. Its clinimetric properties are incomplete and contradictory. Objective: To investigate internal consistency, concurrent validity and responsiveness of the German MAL-30 in patients after stroke with minimal to moderate arm and hand function. Methods: 42 patients were included in this longitudinal prospective cohort study. Internal consistency was determined in a complete-case analysis with Cronbach's α. Concurrent validity was assessed with Spearman' rho by comparing the German MAL-30 with Wolf Motor Function Test, Chedoke McMaster Stroke Assessment, isometric elbow, shoulder and grip strength at baseline, post-treatment and 6 month follow-up. Responsiveness was determined separately for lower and higher arm and hand function by calculating the standardized response mean. Results: Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach's α = 0.94–0.99), concurrent validity good to excellent (Spearman's rho = 0.64–0.99). Responsiveness was high for both functional levels from baseline to discharge (SRM = 0.93–1.43) and to follow-up (SRM = 0.95–1.34). Conclusion: The German MAL-30 is a valid and responsive assessment for self-perceived arm and hand use after stroke even when function is low.
Do motor impairments detected on onset of multiple sclerosis suggest an early second attack? A prospective study
Authors: Kalron Alon , Dvir Zeevi , Gurevich Michael , Achiron Anat 
Published: December 2019

Background: Factors determining the clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) patient's likelihood of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) are important for the clinician who needs to identify patients warranting immunomodulatory treatments. Objective: To determine whether motor abnormalities found during the initial demyelinating event imply an increased risk of a second event within the first year. Methods: Fifty-two early onset CIS patients, volunteered to participate in the prospective study. Motor parameters collected at onset included gait, balance, lower limb peak isometric strength and fatigue index parameters. At the end of one year, patients were subdivided into two groups, those who had experienced a second demyelinating attack suggestive of MS and those who maintained their clinical status. Results: Forty-nine patients were included in the final analysis. Within the first year, 24 patients experienced a second attack, while 25 maintained their neurological status. Patients who suffered a second demyelinating attack, demonstrated reduced overall lower limb peak strength compared with patients who maintained their clinical status (411.9 (S.E. = 32.1) vs. 514.8 (S.E. = 34.1). No differences were observed between groups in gait and balance parameters. Conclusion: An initial demyelinating event characterized by reduced lower limb strength can possibly suggest an increased risk of an early second attack.