Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Architecture for Compressive Imaging

Compressive sensing is an emerging field based on the rev elation that a small group of non-adaptive linear projections of a compressible signal contains enough information for reconstruction and processing. In this paper, we propose algorithms and hardware to support a new theory of compressive imaging. Our approach is based on a new digital image/video camera that directly acquires random projections of the signal without first collecting the pixels/voxels. Our camera architecture employs a digital micromirror array to perform optical calculations of linear projections of an image onto pseudorandom binary patterns. Its hallmarks include the ability to obtain an image with a single detection element while measuring the image/video fewer times than the number of pixels this can significantly reduce the computation required for video acquisition/encoding. Because our system relies on a single photon detector, it can also be adapted to image at wavelengths that are currently impossible with conventional CCD and CMOS imagers. We are currently testing a proto type design for the camera and include experimental results.
Promoting Energy Efficient Behaviors in the Home through Feedback : The Role of Human-Computer Interaction

The consumption of energy is unlike most consumable goods. It is abstract, invisible, and untouchable. Without a tangible manifestation, home energy usage often goes unnoticed. Advances in resource monitoring systems will soon provide real-time data on electricity, gas, and water usage in the home. This will produce a tremendous amount of data that can be analyzed and fed back to the user—creating a rich space of opportunities for HCI research. This paper outlines common misconceptions of energy usage in the home, establishes the potential of feedback to change energy consumption behavior, and introduces ten design dimensions of feedback technology with which to build and evaluate future systems.
Growth, Development, and Technological Change

The theory of endogenous technical change has deeply contributed to our understanding of the fundamental sources of economic growth and development. In this chapter we survey important contributions in the field by focussing on the basic structure of endogenous growth models with horizontal as well as vertical innovation and emphasizing important implications for growth policy. We address issues like the scale effect problem, directed technological change to understand the evolution of wage inequality, long-run divergence between the innovating North and the imitating South due to inappropriate technology in the South, the relationship between trade and growth, competition and R&D, and the role of imperfect capital markets for R&D-based growth.
Synchronous Wearable Wireless Body Sensor Network Composed of Autonomous Textile Nodes

A novel, fully-autonomous, wearable, wireless sensor network is presented, where each flexible textile node performs cooperative synchronous acquisition and distributed event detection. Computationally efficient situational-awareness algorithms are implemented on the low-power microcontroller present on each flexible node. The detected events are wirelessly transmitted to a base station, directly, as well as forwarded by other on-body nodes. For each node, a dual-polarized textile patch antenna serves as a platform for the flexible electronic circuitry. Therefore, the system is particularly suitable for comfortable and unobtrusive integration into garments. In the meantime, polarization diversity can be exploited to improve the reliability and energy-efficiency of the wireless transmission. Extensive experiments in realistic conditions have demonstrated that this new autonomous, body-centric, textile-antenna, wireless sensor network is able to correctly detect different operating conditions of a firefighter during an intervention. By relying on four network nodes integrated into the protective garment, this functionality is implemented locally, on the body, and in real time. In addition, the received sensor data are reliably transferred to a central access point at the command post, for more detailed and more comprehensive real-time visualization. This information provides coordinators and commanders with situational awareness of the entire rescue operation. A statistical analysis of measured on-body node-to-node, as well as off-body person-to-person channels is included, confirming the reliability of the communication system.
Automated mapping of pre-computed module-level test sequences to processor instructions

Executing instructions from the cache has been shown to improve the defect coverage of real chips. However, although the faults detected by such tests can be determined, there has been no technique to target test generation for an undetected fault. This paper presents a novel technique to map pre-computed test sequences at the module level of a processor, to sequences of instructions. The module level pre-computed test sequence is translated into a temporal logic property and the negation of the property is passed to a bounded model checker. The model checker produces a counter-example for the temporal logic property. This counter-example trace contains the instruction sequence that can be applied at the primary inputs to produce the pre-computed test sequence at the module inputs. This technique has no restrictions on the type of test sequences, so it can be used to map test sequences for any kind of fault to processor instructions. It can also be used in the design phase to produce validation tests
Mechanisms of Direct Inhibitory Action of Ketamine on Vascular Smooth Muscle in Mesenteric Resistance Arteries

Background Ketamine was previously suggested to relax vascular smooth muscle by reducing the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). However, no direct evidence is available to indicate that ketamine reduces the [Ca2+]i in vascular smooth muscle of systemic resistance arteries. Methods Endothelium-intact or -denuded smooth muscle strips were prepared from rat small mesenteric arteries. Isometric force and [Ca2+]i were measured simultaneously in the fura-2–loaded, endothelium-denuded strips. In some experiments, only isometric force was measured in either the endothelium-intact or &bgr;-escin–treated, endothelium-denuded strips. Results In the endothelium-intact strips, lower concentrations (≤ 30 &mgr;m) of ketamine slightly enhanced norepine-phrine-induced contraction, whereas higher concentrations (≥ 100 &mgr;m) of ketamine inhibited both norepinephrine- and KCl-induced contractions. In the fura-2–loaded strips, ketamine (≥ 100 &mgr;m) inhibited the increases in both [Ca2+]i and force induced by either norepinephrine or KCl. Ketamine also inhibited the norepinephrine-induced increase in [Ca2+]i after treatment with ryanodine. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, ketamine notably inhibited the norepinephrine-induced increase in [Ca2+]i, whereas it only minimally inhibited caffeine-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. Ketamine had little influence on the [Ca2+]i–force relation during force development to stepwise increment of extracellular Ca2+ concentration during either KCl depolarization or norepinephrine stimulation. Ketamine did not affect Ca2+-activated contractions in the &bgr;-escin membrane–permeabilized strips. Conclusions The action of ketamine on contractile response to norepinephrine consists of endothelium-dependent vasoconstricting and endothelium-independent vasodilating components. The direct vasorelaxation is largely a result of reduction of [Ca2+]i in vascular smooth muscle cells. The [Ca2+]i-reducing effects are caused by inhibitions of both voltage-gated Ca2+ influx and norepinephrine-induced Ca2+ release from the intracellular stores.
Training Social Studies Teachers to Develop Inquiry-Based GIS Lessons

Abstract This article introduces an approach to designing effective geographic information system (GIS) professional development (PD) based on six features: (1) collective participation, (2) practice time, (3) time for lesson development and presentation, (4) state and national standards, (5) district support and direct involvement, and (6) professional support. In this study, participating teachers learned about ArcGIS Online tools, practiced them, and developed their own inquiry-based GIS lessons following the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards. This article reports participating teachers' feedback on GIS PD and their inquiry-based GIS social studies lessons.
Efficient Reprogramming of Naïve-Like Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Porcine Adipose-Derived Stem Cells with a Feeder-Independent and Serum-Free System

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are somatic cells reprogrammed by ectopic expression of transcription factors or small molecule treatment, which resemble embryonic stem cells (ESCs). They hold great promise for improving the generation of genetically modified large animals. However, few porcine iPSCs (piPSCs) lines obtained currently can support development of cloned embryos. Here, we generated iPSCs from porcine adipose-derived stem cells (pADSCs), using drug-inducible expression of defined human factors (Oct4, Sox2, c-Myc and Klf4). Reprogramming of iPSCs from pADSCs was more efficient than from fibroblasts, regardless of using feeder-independent or feeder-dependent manners. By addition of Lif-2i medium containing mouse Lif, CHIR99021 and PD0325901 (Lif-2i), naïve-like piPSCs were obtained under feeder-independent and serum-free conditions. These successfully reprogrammed piPSCs were characterized by short cell cycle intervals, alkaline phosphatase (AP) staining, expression of Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, SSEA3 and SSEA4, and normal karyotypes. The resemblance of piPSCs to naïve ESCs was confirmed by their packed dome morphology, growth after single-cell dissociation, Lif-dependency, up-regulation of Stella and Eras, low expression levels of TRA-1-60, TRA-1-81 and MHC I and activation of both X chromosomes. Full reprogramming of naïve-like piPSCs was evaluated by the significant up-regulation of Lin28, Esrrb, Utf1 and Dppa5, differentiating into cell types of all three germ layers in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, nuclear transfer embryos from naïve-like piPSCs could develop to blastocysts with improved quality. Thus, we provided an efficient protocol for generating naïve-like piPSCs from pADSCs in a feeder-independent and serum-free system with controlled regulation of exogenous genes, which may facilitate optimization of culture media and the production of transgenic pigs.
Timing of First Antenatal Care (ANC) and Inequalities in Early Initiation of ANC in Nepal

Background The provision and uptake of quality and timely antenatal care (ANC) is an essential element of efforts to improve health outcomes for women and newborn babies. Antenatal consultations assist in early identification and treatment of complications during pregnancy. This study aimed to provide an information on distribution and inequalities in early initiation of ANC in Nepal. Methods The distribution and inequalities in the early initiation of ANC were examined using Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys 2011. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess inequalities. Findings Overall, 70% of the women had started their first ANC at 4 month or earlier. Among participants who had never attended school, just more than half (52%) received first ANC at 4 months or earlier, while majority of participants (97%) who had received higher education received first ANC at recommended time. Similarly, 89% of those from richest quintile and 48% of those from poorest quintile received first ANC at recommended time. In adjusted analysis, women from richest wealth quintile were significantly more likely to initiate ANC early (AOR: 3.74, 95% CI: 2.31–6.05) compared to the poorest. Similarly, women with higher level education were significantly more likely (AOR: 11.40, 95% CI: 5.05–25.73) to initiate ANC early compared to women who had never attended school. A significantly lower odds of early ANC take up was observed among madhesi other caste (AOR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.35–0.90) compared to brahmin/chhetri women. Women whose pregnancy was unwanted were significantly less likely to attend first ANC at 4 months or early (AOR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.58–0.93) in comparison to women whose pregnancy was wanted. Conclusion The differences in the recommended timing of initiation of ANC were evident among women with different educational, economic levels, and caste/ethnic groups. Rural women were less likely to have checkups as per guidelines. The findings suggest to a need of interventions to raise female education and improve economic status of households. Targeted interventions suitable to local context and culture are equally important. Increasing access to family planning methods and reduction of unwanted pregnancy can promote early ANC take up.
Caries-Preventive Effect of Chlorhexidine Gel Applications among High-Risk Children

Evidence on the caries-preventive effect of chlorhexidine (CHX) among high-risk children is inconclusive, possibly because obscured by fluoride exposure. We investigated the effect of CHX among initially 3-year-old subjects whose baseline d3ft was = 0 and whose only regular fluoride exposure came from toothpaste. The subjects were assigned to three groups: high-risk test (HRT, n = 70), high-risk control (HRC, n = 71), and low-risk control (LRC, n = 70). Risk classification was based on salivary mutans streptococcal levels (MS, 5 cfu/ml). Basic measures (oral hygiene, dietary counselling every 4 months) were given to all groups. HRT also underwent CHX gel applications for 3 consecutive days at 3-month intervals for 15 months. Eighteen months after baseline d3ft increments and proportions of children with d3ft increment ≧1 (%d3ft increment ≧1) among all groups were assessed. Anti-MS effect on high-risk children and caries-preventive effect on all children were statistically analysed by residual change analysis (MS), non-parametric tests and logistic regression analysis (caries). No differences were found between the groups in basic programme compliance. CHX significantly reduced MS levels. %d3ft increment ≧1 and mean d3ft increments were 34.3%, 0.56 (HRT), 32.4%, 0.54 (HRC) and 11.4%, 0.11 (LRC), with HRT/HRC values statistically significantly higher than LRC values and no significant difference between HRT and HRC. HRT children were not less likely to show new lesions than HRC children (OR = 1.09; 95% confidence interval 0.54–2.19), while high-risk children were 4 times more likely to show new lesions than low-risk children (OR = 3.71; 95% confidence interval 1.53–9.03). CHX gel applications showed moderate anti-MS effect but negligible caries-preventive effect.
Female fibromyalgia patients: lower resting metabolic rates than matched healthy controls.

BACKGROUND Many features of fibromyalgia and hypothyroidism are virtually the same, and thyroid hormone treatment trials have reduced or eliminated fibromyalgia symptoms. These findings led the authors to test the hypothesis that fibromyalgia patients are hypometabolic compared to matched controls. MATERIAL/METHODS Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured by indirect calorimetry and body composition by bioelectrical impedance for 15 fibromyalgia patients and 15 healthy matched controls. Measured resting metabolic rate (mRMR) was compared to percentages of predicted RMR (pRMR) by fat-free weight (FFW) (Sterling-Passmore: SP) and by sex, age, height, and weight (Harris-Benedict: HB). RESULTS Patients had a lower mRMR (4,306.31+/-1077.66 kJ vs 5,411.59+/-695.95 kJ, p=0.0028) and lower percentages of pRMRs (SP: -28.42+/-15.82% vs -6.83+/-12.55%, p<0.0001. HB: -29.20+/-17.43% vs -9.13+/-9.51%, p=0.0008). Whereas FFW, age, weight, and body mass index (BMI) best accounted for variability in controls' RMRs, age and fat weight (FW) did for patients. In the patient group, TSH level accounted for 28% of the variance in pain distribution, and free T3 (FT3) accounted for 30% of the variance in pressure-pain threshold. CONCLUSIONS Patients had lower mRMR and percentages of pRMRs. The lower RMRs were not due to calorie restriction or low FFW. Patients' normal FFW argues against low physical activity as the mechanism. TSH, FT4, and FT3 levels did not correlate with RMRs in either group. This does not rule out inadequate thyroid hormone regulation because studies show these laboratory values do not reliably predict RMR.
Increased Cerebrospinal Fluid Production as a Possible Mechanism Underlying Caffeine's Protective Effect against Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common type of dementia among older people, is characterized by the accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau in the brain. Despite major advances in understanding the molecular etiology of the disease, progress in the clinical treatment of AD patients has been extremely limited. Therefore, new and more effective therapeutic approaches are needed. Accumulating evidence from human and animal studies suggests that the long-term consumption of caffeine, the most commonly used psychoactive drug in the world, may be protective against AD. The mechanisms underlying the suggested beneficial effect of caffeine against AD remain to be elucidated. In recent studies, several potential neuroprotective effects of caffeine have been proposed. Interestingly, a recent study in rats showed that the long-term consumption of caffeine increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production, associated with the increased expression of Na+-K+ ATPase and increased cerebral blood flow. Compromised function of the choroid plexus and defective CSF production and turnover, with diminished clearance of Aβ, may be one mechanism implicated in the pathogenesis of late-onset AD. If reduced CSF turnover is a risk factor for AD, then therapeutic strategies to improve CSF flow are reasonable. In this paper, we hypothesize that long-term caffeine consumption could exert protective effects against AD at least in part by facilitating CSF production, turnover, and clearance. Further, we propose a preclinical experimental design allowing evaluation of this hypothesis.
Effects of rest interval during high-repetition resistance training on strength, aerobic fitness, and repeated-sprint ability

Abstract The effect of altering the rest period on adaptations to high-repetition resistance training is not well known. Eighteen active females were matched according to leg strength and repeated-sprint ability and randomly allocated to one of two groups. One group performed resistance training with 20-s rest intervals between sets, while the other group employed 80-s rest intervals between sets. Both groups performed the same total training volume and load. Each group trained 3 days a week for 5 weeks [15- to 20-repetition maximum (RM), 2 – 5 sets]. Repeated-sprint ability (5×6-s maximal cycle sprints), 3-RM leg press strength, and anthropometry were determined before and after each training programme. There was a greater improvement in repeated-sprint ability after training with 20-s rest intervals (12.5%) than after training with 80-s rest intervals (5.4%) (P = 0.030). In contrast, there were greater improvements in strength after training with 80-s rest intervals (45.9%) than after training with 20-s rest intervals (19.6%) (P = 0.010). There were no changes in anthropometry for either group following training. These results suggest that when training volume and load are matched, despite a smaller increase in strength, 5 weeks of training with short rest periods results in greater improvements in repeated-sprint ability than the same training with long rest periods.
Visual Processing of Contour Patterns under Conditions of Inattentional Blindness

An inattentional blindness paradigm was adapted to measure ERPs elicited by visual contour patterns that were or were not consciously perceived. In the first phase of the experiment, subjects performed an attentionally demanding task while task-irrelevant line segments formed square-shaped patterns or random configurations. After the square patterns had been presented 240 times, subjects' awareness of these patterns was assessed. More than half of all subjects, when queried, failed to notice the square patterns and were thus considered inattentionally blind during this first phase. In the second phase of the experiment, the task and stimuli were the same, but following this phase, all of the subjects reported having seen the patterns. ERPs recorded over the occipital pole differed in amplitude from 220 to 260 msec for the pattern stimuli compared with the random arrays regardless of whether subjects were aware of the patterns. At subsequent latencies (300–340 msec) however, ERPs over bilateral occipital-parietal areas differed between patterns and random arrays only when subjects were aware of the patterns. Finally, in a third phase of the experiment, subjects viewed the same stimuli, but the task was altered so that the patterns became task relevant. Here, the same two difference components were evident but were followed by a series of additional components that were absent in the first two phases of the experiment. We hypothesize that the ERP difference at 220–260 msec reflects neural activity associated with automatic contour integration whereas the difference at 300–340 msec reflects visual awareness, both of which are dissociable from task-related postperceptual processing.
Aortic Stenosis Suspected to Be Severe Despite Low Gradients

The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and European Society of Cardiology/European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery guidelines generally recommend aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) who have symptoms, have left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, or undergo coronary artery bypass graft surgery or other heart surgery.1,2 These guidelines propose a peak aortic jet velocity >4.0 m/s, a mean transvalvular gradient >40 mm Hg, and an aortic valve area (AVA) <1.0 cm2 as the criteria to be used for the identification of severe AS. However, clinicians are often confronted with patients with discordant findings, the most frequent being the combination of a small AVA (<1.0 cm2) consistent with the presence of severe AS with a low mean gradient (<40 mm Hg) rather indicating the presence of moderate AS. This situation raises uncertainty regarding the actual severity of the stenosis as well as the potential indication of AVR if the patient is symptomatic. Such discordance between AVA (small) and gradient (low) is often related to the presence of low LV outflow. Indeed, given that the pressure gradient is directly related to the squared function of transvalvular flow rate, even a modest decrease in flow rate can result in an important reduction in gradient and thus lead to an underestimation of stenosis severity. Hence, a patient with bona fide severe AS may indeed present with a low gradient if cardiac output is reduced. Moreover, this low-flow, low-gradient condition may occur in the context of either a reduced (ie, classical low flow) or preserved (ie, paradoxical low flow) LV ejection fraction (LVEF; Figure 1). 3,4 However, such discordance may also be observed in patients with normal LVEF and cardiac output, in which case it may be attributable to measurement errors, a small …