Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of computerized sounding out on spelling performance for children who do and do not rely on AAC

Abstract Purpose: Spelling is an important skill for individuals who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The purpose of this study was to investigate how computerized sounding out influenced spelling accuracy of pseudo-words. Computerized sounding out was defined as a word elongated, thus providing an opportunity for a child to hear all the sounds in the word at a slower rate. Methods: Seven children with cerebral palsy, four who use AAC and three who do not, participated in a single subject AB design. Results: The results of the study indicated that the use of computerized sounding out increased the phonologic accuracy of the pseudo-words produced by participants. Conclusion: The study provides preliminary evidence for the use of computerized sounding out during spelling tasks for children with cerebral palsy who do and do not use AAC. Future directions and clinical implications are discussed. Implications for Rehabilitation We investigated how computerized sounding out influenced spelling accuracy of pseudowords for children with complex communication needs who did and did not use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Results indicated that the use of computerized sounding out increased the phonologic accuracy of the pseudo-words by participants, suggesting that computerized sounding out might assist in more accurate spelling for children who use AAC. Future research is needed to determine how language and reading abilities influence the use of computerized sounding out with children who have a range of speech intelligibilityabilities and do and do not use AAC.
Survey on hospital‐acquired urinary tract infection in neurological intensive care unit

This study aimed to explore the causes, incidence, and risk factors of urinary tract infection patients in neurological intensive care unit (ICU). Patients (n = 916) admitted to the neurological ICU from January 2005 to December 2010 were retrospectively surveyed for urinary tract infections. There were 246 patients in neurological ICU who were diagnosed with hospital‐acquired urinary tract infection during that period of time (26.9%). Forty‐three cases were upper urinary tract infection, and 203 cases were lower urinary tract infection. The top three strains were Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Older age (UTI rate, 22.6%), female patients (21.7%), hospital stay for more than 7 days (16.7%), diabetes (11.7%), and catheterization (21.1%) were the risk factors for hospital‐acquired urinary tract infection. There is a high incidence of nosocomial urinary tract infection in the neurological intensive care unit. Active prevention program and surveillance need to be carried out in neurological ICU, especially in those with risk factors.
Selective Enrichment of Two Different Types of Nitrospira-like Nitrite-oxidizing Bacteria from a Wastewater Treatment Plant

Nitrification is an important step in nitrogen removal in biological wastewater treatment processes. Recently, Nitrospira have been recognized as the numerically dominant nitrite-oxidizing bacterial genus primarily responsible for the second step of aerobic nitrification; however, Nitrospira usually resist cultivation under laboratory conditions and only one species enriched from activated sludge has been described. In this study, a novel enrichment method for Nitrospira was successfully developed using continuous feeding bioreactors. By controlling nitrite concentrations strictly in the bioreactor at low levels below 10 mg-N L−1, coexisting members of sublineages I and II of the genus Nitrospira were enriched selectively. The maximum ratios of sublineages I and II to total microbial cells achieved 88.3% and 53.8%, respectively. This enrichment method is potentially applicable to other uncultured Nitrospira.
Apocalypse now: information systems in Australian universities

Purpose – The paper's aim is to present a personal viewpoint of the state of the information systems discipline in Australian universities and hence provoke useful discussion in academia and industry.Design/methodology/approach – Informal interviews with Australian information systems academics, were carried out, along with inspection of university web sites and conference mailing lists, using biology as a reference discipline.Findings – It would seem that the information systems discipline in Australian universities is close to collapse unless action is taken.Research limitations/implications – The paper represents a personal viewpoint, the methods employed are such that the paper is indicative rather than definitive.Practical implications – The paper is relevant to information systems academics, university managers, government and employers in Australia. It provides a useful referent for the consideration of education and immigration policies.Originality/value – It has been some time since a paper consi.
Grid Block Energy Based Data Gathering Algorithms for Wireless Sensor Networks

We propose Grid Block Energy based hierarchical Data Gathering (GBE-DG) algorithms for wireless sensor networks. We divide the whole sensor network into grid blocks of equal size. The energy level of a grid block is the sum of the energy levels of the sensor nodes located in it. The grid block that has the maximum energy level is called the leader grid block (LGB) and the sensor node that has the maximum energy level in the LGB is called the global cluster leader (GCL). Each grid block has a local cluster leader (LCL), which is the sensor node with the highest energy level within the grid block. The leaf nodes of the data gathering tree are the non-LCL nodes in each grid block, which either directly forward their data to the LCL (GBE-Cluster-DG tree) like in a LEACH cluster or by forming a chain of nodes involving the LCL (GBEChain-DG tree) as in PEGASIS. After receiving the aggregated data from the nodes in its grid block, an LCL node i forwards the data to the LCL node j (could be the GCL node) that is closer to i as well as to the GCL node. Simulation results show the GBE-Chain-DG trees to be relatively better than GBE-Cluster-DG trees and both these algorithms perform considerably better than the well-known LEACH and PEGASIS data gathering algorithms.
THE ECONOMICS OF COMPUTER HACKING

This paper considers various classes of computer hackers, with a special emphasis on fame-driven versus profit-driven hackers. We use simple economic analysis to examine how each of these hacking markets work. The resulting framework is employed to evaluate current U.S. policy aimed at reducing the threat of computer hacking and shows that this policy is largely effective. We consider policy adjustments consistent with the insights of the framework provided as a means of strengthening cyber security.
Smoothed l 0 Norm Regularization for Sparse-View X-Ray CT Reconstruction

Low-dose computed tomography (CT) reconstruction is a challenging problem in medical imaging. To complement the standard filtered back-projection (FBP) reconstruction, sparse regularization reconstruction gains more and more research attention, as it promises to reduce radiation dose, suppress artifacts, and improve noise properties. In this work, we present an iterative reconstruction approach using improved smoothed l 0 (SL0) norm regularization which is used to approximate l 0 norm by a family of continuous functions to fully exploit the sparseness of the image gradient. Due to the excellent sparse representation of the reconstruction signal, the desired tissue details are preserved in the resulting images. To evaluate the performance of the proposed SL0 regularization method, we reconstruct the simulated dataset acquired from the Shepp-Logan phantom and clinical head slice image. Additional experimental verification is also performed with two real datasets from scanned animal experiment. Compared to the referenced FBP reconstruction and the total variation (TV) regularization reconstruction, the results clearly reveal that the presented method has characteristic strengths. In particular, it improves reconstruction quality via reducing noise while preserving anatomical features.
Systematic Screening of Promoter Regions Pinpoints Functional Cis-Regulatory Mutations in a Cutaneous Melanoma Genome

With the recent discovery of recurrent mutations in the TERT promoter in melanoma, identification of other somatic causal promoter mutations is of considerable interest. Yet, the impact of sequence variation on the regulatory potential of gene promoters has not been systematically evaluated. This study assesses the impact of promoter mutations on promoter activity in the whole-genome sequenced malignant melanoma cell line COLO-829. Combining somatic mutation calls from COLO-829 with genome-wide chromatin accessibility and histone modification data revealed mutations within promoter elements. Interestingly, a high number of potential promoter mutations (n = 23) were found, a result mirrored in subsequent analysis of TCGA whole-melanoma genomes. The impact of wild-type and mutant promoter sequences were evaluated by subcloning into luciferase reporter vectors and testing their transcriptional activity in COLO-829 cells. Of the 23 promoter regions tested, four mutations significantly altered reporter activity relative to wild-type sequences. These data were then subjected to multiple computational algorithms that score the cis-regulatory altering potential of mutations. These analyses identified one mutation, located within the promoter region of NDUFB9, which encodes the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 1 beta subcomplex 9, to be recurrent in 4.4% (19 of 432) of TCGA whole-melanoma exomes. The mutation is predicted to disrupt a highly conserved SP1/KLF transcription factor binding motif and its frequent co-occurrence with mutations in the coding sequence of NF1 supports a pathologic role for this mutation in melanoma. Taken together, these data show the relatively high prevalence of promoter mutations in the COLO-829 melanoma genome, and indicate that a proportion of these significantly alter the regulatory potential of gene promoters. Implications: Genomic-based screening within gene promoter regions suggests that functional cis-regulatory mutations may be common in melanoma genomes, highlighting the need to examine their role in tumorigenesis. Mol Cancer Res; 13(8); 1218–26. ©2015 AACR.
Truth Finding on the Deep Web: Is the Problem Solved?

The amount of useful information available on the Web has been growing at a dramatic pace in recent years and people rely more and more on the Web to fulfill their information needs. In this paper, we study truthfulness of Deep Web data in two domains where we believed data are fairly clean and data quality is important to people's lives: Stock and Flight. To our surprise, we observed a large amount of inconsistency on data from different sources and also some sources with quite low accuracy. We further applied on these two data sets state-of-the-art data fusion methods that aim at resolving conflicts and finding the truth, analyzed their strengths and limitations, and suggested promising research directions. We wish our study can increase awareness of the seriousness of conflicting data on the Web and in turn inspire more research in our community to tackle this problem.
Emergence and dissemination of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in the community: lessons from the study of a remote and controlled population.

BACKGROUND Intestinal carriage is a key factor in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) infection epidemiology but is difficult to study in open communities. To overcome this problem, we studied a highly stable group of Amerindians for whom we reported an ESBL carriage prevalence of 3.2% in 2001. METHODS In 2006, ESBL carriage was assessed among 163 healthy volunteer adults. ESBL isolates were identified, and their molecular resistance mechanisms were characterized. Antibiotic use in the year before sampling and the epidemiological characteristics of the population were analyzed. Results were compared to those obtained in 2001. RESULTS In 2006, the ESBL carriage prevalence, exclusively comprising Escherichia coli, was 8.0%. It mainly consisted of CTX-M-type ESBL. The strains and plasmids carrying ESBL were heterogeneous, but 1 CTX-M-2-producing strain was found in 4.3% of the subjects analyzed. No individual risk factor was identified. However, overall antibiotic use had almost doubled since 2001. A 3-fold increase was noted for beta-lactams. CONCLUSIONS In this population, the frequency of ESBL increased with time because of the appearance of CTX-M ESBL, mimicking what occurs in the developed world. This resulted from the probable repeated introduction of new strains and plasmids and from interindividual dissemination. During the same period, antibiotic use substantially increased.
Tele-impedance control of a variable stiffness prosthetic hand

We propose a variable stiffness prosthetic hand and present its surface electromyography (sEMG) interface for tele-impedance control. Such an interface, together with variable stiffness actuation (VSA), enables the amputee to modulate the impedance of the prosthetic limb to properly match the requirements of the task at hand, while performing activities of daily living. Both the desired position and stiffness of the hand are estimated through sEMG signals and these estimates are employed to control the VSA hand prosthesis. In particular, regulation of finger impedance is managed through the impedance measurements of the intact forearm; this control takes place naturally and automatically as the amputee interacts with the environment, while position of the hand prosthesis is regulated intentionally by the amputee through the estimated position of the thumb, extracted from sEMG signals of the dysfunctional agonistic and antagonistic thumb muscles that are embedded in the forearm. The proposed approach is advantageous, since the impedance regulation takes place naturally from task to task or during execution of a single task without requiring amputees' attention and diminishing their functional capability. Consequently, the proposed interface does not require long training periods or interfere with control of intact body segments, and provides amputee with easiness in use. The performance of the tele-impedance control of the VSA hand prosthesis is experimentally evaluated. Experimental results indicate that both position and stiffness can be adequately estimated using sEMG signals and regulated through VSA.
Reference values for young normal Sprague-Dawley rats: weight gain, hematology and clinical chemistry

1 Arterial blood from 63 male (315 - 500 g) and 60 female (210 - 290 g) healthy Sprague-Dawley rats was ana lyzed for 16 hematological and 22 clinical chemistry parameters. 2 Nine of these parameters were associated with growth and developmental changes in males between 38 - 78 days and females 49 - 89 days of age. 3 Weight gain in both sexes followed patterns consistent with other studies using this strain, but interexperi mental variation was as much as ± 22%. 4 Rectal temperatures of females averaged 37.28°C, being statistically greater (P < 0.05) than the average male at 36.99°C. 5 The data provide reference values for use in toxicolo gical and other investigations.
A Literature Review on the Impact of Enterprise Systems on Management Accounting

This paper provides a comprehensive review of previous research at the interface of enterprise systems (i.e. enterprise resource planning (ERP), business intelligence (BI) systems) and management accounting. To date, research has focused mainly on ERP systems with the exception of one study which also investigated BI systems. Studies are reviewed under three categories: those that have employed a positivist approach, an interpretivist approach, and a combination of both approaches. The findings of the literature review suggest that the majority of previous empirical studies has tended to focus on describing changes in management accounting practice and in the role of the management accountant resulting from ERP implementations rather than focusing on analyzing and understanding these changes. The paper presents a research agenda which aims to help academics and practitioners achieve a better understanding of the impact that enterprise systems may have on management accounting.
Improved Comfort Polyester

Thermal transport properties of a series of polyester, cotton, and polyester/cotton blend fabrics were determined in an effort to understand physical basis of clothing comfort. The results indicate that both the fabric construction and the constituent fiber properties affect thermal transport. In general, thermal insulation, air permeability, and water vapor transmission rate are dependent mainly on the fabric geometrical parameters, namely, thickness and porosity. Conversely, liquid water transport is strongly dependent on the constituent fibers, with cotton generally showing advantages over polyester. Geometrical factors do, however, play a major role in this mechanism, and a 50/50 polyester/cotton blend was nearly identical to cotton in liquid water transport behavior. Further, the perceived superior comfort performance of cotton seems largely due to the packing behavior in the yam.
Automated Extraction and Quantification of Human Cytomegalovirus DNA in Whole Blood by Real-Time PCR Assay

ABSTRACT The measurement of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) DNA in blood is becoming the standard method for monitoring HCMV infection in immune-suppressed and unsuppressed patients. As various blood compartments can be used, we have compared the HCMV DNA measured in whole blood (WB), peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL), and plasma by real-time PCR. We tested 286 samples: HCMV DNA was extracted automatically from WB and PBL with the MagNA Pure instrument (Roche Molecular Biochemicals) and manually from plasma samples. The HCMV DNA from WB, PBL, and plasma was measured by real-time Light Cycler PCR. Primers and probe were located in the UL 83 region. HCMV DNA was detected more frequently in WB (88.5%) than in the PBL (65.7%) (P < 0.0001) or the plasma (55.2%) (P < 0.0001). There was a good correlation between the positive results in WB and in PBL (r = 0.68; P < 0.0001), and 3.15 log10 genome copies in 200,000 PBL, equivalent to the threshold value of 50 pp65-positive polymorphonuclear cells per 200,000 leukocytes, was equivalent to 3.4 log10 genome copies in 200 μl of WB. WB was shown to be suitable for automated extraction and the quantitation of HCMV DNA by real-time Light Cycler PCR by analysis of serial samples from representative patients of various populations. This system may be very useful for monitoring of immune-suppressed and unsuppressed patients.
Admissions to an East Pakistan Mental Hospital

The purpose of this paper is to give hospital statistics which, in the absence of previously published work or more detailed information, may give some indication of the types of illnesses most frequently found in the province of East Pakistan. Although selection of cases was unavoidable and more refined statistical testing would have been misleading, the figures show interesting comparisons with findings from other countries.
Estimation of lower bounds in scheduling algorithms for high-level synthesis

To produce efficient design, a high-level synthesis system should be able to analyze a variety of cost-performance tradeoffs. The system can use lower-bound performance estimated methods to identify and puune inferior designs without producint complete designs. We present a lower-bound performance estimate method that is not only faster than existing methods, but also produces better lower bounds. In most cases, the lower bound produced by our algorithm is tight. Scheduling algorithms such as branch-and-bound need fast and effective lower-bound estimate methods, often for a large number of partially scheduled dataflow graphs, to reduce the search space. We extend our method to efficiently estimate completion time of partial schedules. This problem is not addressed by existing methods in the literature. Our lower-bound estimate is shown to by very effective in reducing the size of the search space when used in a branch-and-bound scheduling algorithm. Our methods can handle multicycle operations, pipelined functional units, and chaining of operations. We also present an extension to handle conditional branches. A salient feature of the extended method is its applicability to speculative execution as well as C-select implementation of conditional branches.
Multiband Smith-Apollonian Gasket fractal antenna for ITS, WiMAX, STM and satellite communication

A novel Smith-Apollonian Gasket (SAG) fractal design for microstrip patch antenna is proposed in this paper. The proposed antenna design is a combination of Apollonian Gasket with Smith Chart. The SAG antenna has a multiband behavior in the frequency range from 3 GHz. to 10 GHz. The different frequencies generated from the different iterations can be used for different applications. Frequencies from 4th iteration are 4.5 GHz. , 5.5 GHz. , 7.5 Ghz. and 9.0 Ghz. The application of 4.5 GHz. is in Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and Military Applications. The Application of 5.5 GHz is in WiMax and 7.5 GHz, 9.0 GHz. for satellite communication. The antenna has been designed on a substrate Roggers RO4003 lossy with εr=3.55 (dielectric constant) and loss tangent tanδ=0.0027.
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 and Relations to Fatty Acid Composition in the Diet and in Serum Cholesterol Esters

High plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 levels and poor dietary fat quality are potential risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The aim was to investigate the cross-sectional associations between PAI-1 activity and dietary nutrient intake, focusing on fat quality, in a population-based study of 871 men aged 70 years. The relationship between PAI-1 and the fatty acid composition in serum cholesterol esters (n=381 men) was also studied. The estimated total fat intake was positively associated with PAI-1 activity. The intake of both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids was positively associated with PAI-1 activity, whereas the intake of saturated fatty acids was not. In serum cholesterol esters, higher proportions of palmitoleic and dihomo-&ggr;-linolenic acid, a lower proportion of linoleic acid, and reduced estimated &Dgr;5-desaturase activity were associated with higher PAI-1 levels. These associations were confounded by factors representing the insulin resistance syndrome. PAI-1 activity was positively associated with &ggr;-linolenic and arachidonic acid, independent of potential confounders. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that dietary intake of unsaturated fatty acids is positively associated with PAI-1 activity, whereas intake of saturated fatty acids is not. The associations present between PAI-1 activity and the fatty acid proportions in serum cholesterol esters are partly influenced by metabolic syndrome-related factors.