Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rotation invariant feature extraction from 3-D acceleration signals

In this paper, we propose a method to extract features from three-dimensional acceleration signals. The proposed method is based on the (auto-)correlation matrix of Fourier transform features, naturally containing the correlations between the frequencies as well as the ordinary power spectrum for each frequency. The proposed features are inherently invariant to both rotational variations and temporal shift (delay), whereas the other methods employ ad hoc preprocessing to increase robustness to those variations. Thereby, we can favorably apply the proposed method to analyze 3-D acceleration signals regardless of the orientations of the accelerometer. In the experiment on gait identification using an accelerometer embedded in a cellular phone, the proposed method outperformed the other methods.
Optimizing magnetite nanoparticles for mass sensitivity in magnetic particle imaging.

PURPOSE Magnetic particle imaging (MPI), using magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) as tracer material, shows great promise as a platform for fast tomographic imaging. To date, the magnetic properties of MNPs used in imaging have not been optimized. As nanoparticle magnetism shows strong size dependence, the authors explore how varying MNP size impacts imaging performance in order to determine optimal MNP characteristics for MPI at any driving field frequency f0. METHODS Monodisperse MNPs of varying size were synthesized and their magnetic properties characterized. Their MPI response was measured experimentally using a custom-built MPI transceiver designed to detect the third harmonic of MNP magnetization. The driving field amplitude H0 = 6 mT micro0(-1) and frequency f0 = 250 kHz were chosen to be suitable for imaging small animals. Experimental results were interpreted using a model of dynamic MNP magnetization that is based on the Langevin theory of superparamagnetism and accounts for sample size distribution and size-dependent magnetic relaxation. RESULTS The experimental results show a clear variation in the MPI signal intensity as a function of MNP diameter that is in agreement with simulated results. A maximum in the plot of MPI signal vs MNP size indicates there is a particular size that is optimal for the chosen f0. CONCLUSIONS The authors observed that MNPs 15 nm in diameter generate maximum signal amplitude in MPI experiments at 250 kHz. The authors expect the physical basis for this result, the change in magnetic relaxation with MNP size, will impact MPI under other experimental conditions.
Skin Cancer

the margins of the lesions. These changes were found in patients with nondermatomal vitiligo. Hashimoto^^-^^ suggested that the peripheral nerves play a role in halo nevus vitiligo since a number of nerve endings were demonstrated in the basal layer of the epidermis where melanocytes had disappeared. Morohashi, et al^^ worked out the nerve-melanocyte relationship in the process of depigmentation in vitiligo, the Vogt-Koyanagi syndrome and incontinentia pigmenti achromians. They found a connection between melanocytes and nerve endings in the depigmented, adjacent hypopigmented and also in the adjacent normal skin. This finding is different from most of the literature which denies any such connection. Taking into consideration the most widely accepted hypothesis, that the melanocytes arise from the neural crest, they deduced that the changes which occur in the melanocytes as regards their diminished number and degenerative state in the depigmenting areas, could be related to the nerves attached. They added that these nerves connected to the normal areas, initiate a degenerative process in the melanocytes, which undergo degeneration and are replaced by invading nerves. These findings lend support to the important role played by the nerves in the vitiliginous process in both segmental and progressive autoimmune vitiligo.
The relationship between executive functioning, central coherence, and repetitive behaviors in the high-functioning autism spectrum

This study examined the relationship between everyday repetitive behavior (primary symptoms of autism) and performance on neuropsychological tests of executive function and central coherence (secondary symptoms). It was hypothesized that the frequency and intensity of repetitive behavior would be positively correlated with laboratory measures of cognitive rigidity and weak central coherence. Participants included 19 individuals (ages 10—19) with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASD group) and 18 age- and IQ-matched typically developing controls (TD group). There was partial support in the ASD group for the link between repetitive behavior and executive performance (the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task). There was no support for a link between repetitive behavior and measures of central coherence (a Gestalt Closure test and the Embedded Figures Test). Further research on repetitive behaviors in autism may benefit from a focus on narrow behavioral and cognitive constructs rather than general categories.
Penrose limit and NCYM theories in diverse dimensions

We obtain the Penrose limit of NCYM theories in dimensions 3 ≤ d ≤ 6 which originate from (D(p−2), Dp) supergravity bound state configurations for 2 ≤ p ≤ 5 in the so-called NCYM limit. In most cases the Penrose limit does not lead to solvable string theories except for six-dimensional NCYM theory. We obtain the masses of various bosonic coordinates and observe that they are light-cone time dependent and their squares can be negative as has also been observed in other cases in the literature. When the non-commutative effect is turned off we recover the results of Penrose limit of ordinary Dp-branes in the usual YM limit. We point out that for d = 6 NCYM theory, there exists another null geodesic in the neighborhood of which the Penrose limit leads to a solvable string theory. We briefly discuss the quantization of this theory and show that this pp-wave background is half supersymmetric.
Expression of integrin β1 by fibroblasts is required for tissue repair in vivo

In tissue repair, fibroblasts migrate into the wound to produce and remodel extracellular matrix (ECM). Integrins are believed to be crucial for tissue repair, but their tissue-specific role in this process is poorly understood. Here, we show that mice containing a fibroblast-specific deletion of integrin β1 exhibit delayed cutaneous wound closure and less granulation tissue formation, including reduced production of new ECM and reduced expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Integrin-β1-deficient fibroblasts showed reduced expression of type I collagen and connective tissue growth factor, and failed to differentiate into myofibroblasts as a result of reduced α-SMA stress fiber formation. Loss of integrin β1 in adult fibroblasts reduced their ability to adhere to, to spread on and to contract ECM. Within stressed collagen matrices, integrin-β1-deficient fibroblasts showed reduced activation of latent TGFβ. Addition of active TGFβ alleviated the phenotype of integrin-β1-deficient mice. Thus integrin β1 is essential for normal wound healing, where it acts, at least in part, through a TGFβ-dependent mechanism in vivo.
How gamification of an enterprise collaboration system increases knowledge contribution: an affordance approach

Purpose This study aims to examine how gamification increases employees’ knowledge contribution to the place of work. It develops and tests the conjecture that gamification adds hedonic value to the use of an enterprise collaboration system (ECS), which, in turn, increases in both the quality and quantity of knowledge contribution. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the framework of successful gamification against a backdrop of affordance theory, this study develops and tests a theoretical model that explains the effects of gamification affordances on knowledge contribution via the use of an ECS. Empirical data were gathered from 166 employees at a global company that used a gamified ECS designed to aid knowledge sharing. Findings Results using structural equation modeling showed that three gamification affordances – rewardability, competition and visibility of achievement – jointly influenced employees’ perceived hedonic value of the ECS, which, in turn, increased knowledge contribution. Practical implications The results indicate that designing affordances that can increase hedonic value is central to facilitating employees’ knowledge contribution. However, simply incorporating game artifacts does not guarantee increased hedonic value of an ECS. Instead, assessing, monitoring and diagnosing what affordances users perceive from the use of a gamified system are important. Originality/value By conceptualizing gamification affordances rather than specifying the design features of enterprise applications, this study provides meaningful insights into how the benefits of gamification can be harnessed for knowledge management in organizations.
Fragility of Asymptotic Agreement Under Bayesian Learning

Under the assumption that individuals know the conditional distributions of signals given the payoff-relevant parameters, existing results conclude that as individuals observe infinitely many signals, their beliefs about the parameters will eventually merge. We first show that these results are fragile when individuals are uncertain about the signal distributions: given any such model, vanishingly small individual uncertainty about the signal distributions can lead to substantial (non-vanishing) differences in asymptotic beliefs. Under a uniform convergence assumption, we then characterize the conditions under which a small amount of uncertainty leads to significant asymptotic disagreement.
A study of low-dose S-ketamine infusion as "preventive" pain treatment for cesarean section with spinal anesthesia: benefits and side effects.

BACKGROUND Attenuation of central sensitization with NMDA-active drugs such as S-Ketamine may play a role in postoperative analgesia and prevention of neuropathic pain. However, during cesarean section with neuraxial block, S-Ketamine might have adverse effects on the interaction between mothers and infants, including breastfeeding. METHODS Women undergoing elective repeat cesarean section with subarachnoid anesthesia (0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 8-10 mg and sufentanil 5 μg) were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized study. Patients in the S-Ketamine group (N.=28) received i.v. midazolam 0.02 mg/kg and S-Ketamine 0.5 mg/kg i.m. bolus 10 minutes after birth followed by a 2 μg/kg/min i.v. continuous infusion for 12 h. The control group (N.=28) received placebo. Paracetamol and patient controlled analgesia with intravenous morphine were given postoperatively. Von Frey filaments were used to assess pain threshold on the inner forearm and T10-T11 dermatomes (supposed hyperalgesic area). RESULTS S-Ketamine reduced morphine consumption at 4-8, 8-12, and 12-24 hours after surgery (total 31%), even after its effect has ceased, suggesting an anti-hyperalgesic action. Mild side effects were observed in the S-Ketamine group one hour after delivery. All side effects were rated as light and there were no serious adverse events. Pain threshold was not significantly different between groups. S-Ketamine patients showed a trend towards reduced pain sensitivity at the T10 dermatome, which is involved by surgical damage. After three years, patients reported no differences in residual pain, dysesthetic symptoms, or duration of breast-feeding. CONCLUSION Preventive administration of S-Ketamine via 12-hour infusion was safe and may have anti-hyperalgesic action after cesarean section.
A Hybrid SS-ToA Wireless NLoS Geolocation Based on Path Attenuation: Cramer-Rao Bound

Non-line-of-sight propagation in wireless localization systems leads to a challenging problem for the estimation of a mobile position. A hybrid idea has been considered as a promising approach to increase estimation accuracy. Existing methods, however, are formulated using separate measurements, neces- sitating different observation quantities, e.g. received signal and received signal strength, thus making the parameter estimation cumbersome. In this paper, we propose a new hybrid wireless ge- olocation model requiring only one observation quantity, namely the received signal. The attenuation model for transmit power from base stations is explored herein to capture propagation features in the received signal model. Fortunately, it also provides a more realistic approach to wireless geolocation. To investigate geolocation accuracy, the Cram´ er-Rao bound (CRB) is derived for the estimation error of the mobile position. For any value of path loss exponent, the obtained result provides a generalized form of the CRB for the usual time delay case. In small cells, e.g. office building picocells, numerical examples illustrate that the accuracy of mobile position estimation exploring path loss is improved comparing with that provided by the usual time delay method. Index Terms—Parameter estimation, non-line-of-sight propa- gation, path loss.
Determinants of western food adoption among hindu nepalese women living in the Kathmandu valley

The purpose of this study was to characterize western food adopters among Nepalese women and to investigate whether caste and class play an important role as a barrier to food adoption, thus limiting access to the globalizing market. It was hypothesized that women who consumed and prepared above average amounts of western foods would be taller and heavier.
Beyond Psychometrics: The Difference between Difficult Problem Solving and Complex Problem Solving

In this paper we argue that a synthesis of findings across the various sub-areas of research in complex problem solving and consequently progress in theory building is hampered by an insufficient differentiation of complexity and difficulty. In the proposed framework of person, task, and situation (PTS), complexity is conceptualized as a quality that is determined by the cognitive demands that the characteristics of the task and the situation impose. Difficulty represents the quantifiable level of a person’s success in dealing with such demands. We use the well-documented “semantic effect” as an exemplar for testing some of the conceptual assumptions derived from the PTS framework. We demonstrate how a differentiation between complexity and difficulty can help take beyond a potentially too narrowly defined psychometric perspective and subsequently gain a better understanding of the cognitive mechanisms behind this effect. In an empirical study a total of 240 university students were randomly allocated to one of four conditions. The four conditions resulted from contrasting the semanticity level of the variable labels used in the CPS system (high vs. low) and two instruction conditions for how to explore the CPS system’s causal structure (starting with the assumption that all relationships between variables existed vs. starting with the assumption that none of the relationships existed). The variation in the instruction aimed at inducing knowledge acquisition processes of either (1) systematic elimination of presumptions, or (2) systematic compilation of a mental representation of the causal structure underpinning the system. Results indicate that (a) it is more complex to adopt a “blank slate” perspective under high semanticity as it requires processes of inhibiting prior assumptions, and (b) it seems more difficult to employ a systematic heuristic when testing against presumptions. In combination, situational characteristics, such as the semanticity of variable labels, have the potential to trigger qualitatively different tasks. Failing to differentiate between ‘task’ and ‘situation’ as independent sources of complexity and treating complexity and difficulty synonymously threaten the validity of performance scores obtained in CPS research.
Some Customers Would Rather Leave Without Saying Goodbye

We investigate the increasingly common business setting in which companies face the possibility of both observed and unobserved customer attrition (i.e., “overt” and “silent” churn) in the same pool of customers. This is the case for many online-based services where customers have the choice to stop interacting with the firm either by formally terminating the relationship (e.g., canceling their account) or by simply ignoring all communications coming from the firm. The standard contractual versus noncontractual categorization of customer–firm relationships does not apply in such hybrid settings, which means the standard models for analyzing customer attrition do not apply. We propose a hidden Markov model (HMM)-based framework to capture silent and overt churn. We apply our modeling framework to two different contexts—a daily deal website and a performing arts organization. In contrast to previous studies that have not separated the two types of churn, we find that overt churners in these hybrid settings .
Role of the postnatal radial glial scaffold for the development of the dentate gyrus as revealed by reelin signaling mutant mice

During dentate gyrus development, the early embryonic radial glial scaffold is replaced by a secondary glial scaffold around birth. In contrast to neocortical and early dentate gyrus radial glial cells, these postnatal glial cells are severely altered with regard to position and morphology in reeler mice lacking the secreted protein Reelin. In this study, we focus on the functional impact of these defects. Most radial glial cells throughout the nervous system serve as scaffolds for migrating neurons and precursor cells for both neurogenesis and gliogenesis. Precursor cell function has been demonstrated for secondary radial glial cells but the exact function of these late glial cells in granule cell migration and positioning is not clear. No data exist concerning the interplay between granule neurons and late radial glial cells during dentate gyrus development. Herein, we show that despite the severe morphological defects in the reeler dentate gyrus, the precursor function of secondary radial glial cells is not impaired during development in reeler mice. In addition, selective ablation of Disabled‐1, an intracellular adaptor protein essential for Reelin signaling, in neurons but not in glial cells allowed us to distinguish effects of Reelin signaling on radial glial cells from possible secondary effects based on defective granule cells positioning. GLIA 2013;61:1347–1363
Family-based behavioural intervention programme for obese children: a feasibility study

Objectives To assess a 2-year family-based behavioural intervention programme against child obesity. Design Single-group pre- and post-intervention feasibility study. Setting Swedish paediatric outpatient care. Participants 26 obese children aged 8.3–12.0 years and their parents who had consented to actively participate in a 2-year intervention. Interventions 25 paediatric outpatient group sessions over a 2-year period with parallel groups for children and parents. The basis for the programme was a manual containing instructions for tutor-supervised group sessions with obese children and their parents. Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary outcome measure was change in standardised body mass index between baseline and after 36 months. The secondary outcome measures were change in the waist:height ratio, metabolic parameters and programme adherence. The participants were examined at baseline and after 3, 12 and 24 months of therapy and at follow-up 12 months after completion of the programme. Results The primary outcome measure, standardised body mass index, declined from a mean of 3.3 (0.7 SD) at baseline to 2.9 (0.7 SD) (p<0.001) at follow-up 12 months after completion of the programme. There was no change in the waist:height ratio. Biomedical markers of blood glucose metabolism and lipid status remained in the normal range. 96% of the families completed the programme. Conclusions This feasibility study of a 2-year family-based behavioural intervention programme in paediatric outpatient care showed promising results with regard to further weight gain and programme adherence. These findings must be confirmed in a randomised controlled trial with longer follow-up before the intervention programme can be implemented on a larger scale.
Vestibular Response to Electrical Stimulation of the Otolith Organs. Implications in the Development of A Vestibular Implant for the Improvement of the Sensation of Gravitoinertial Accelerations.

OBJECTIVE: Electrical stimulation of the utricular and saccular portions of the vestibular nerve improves stability in patients suffering from vestibular dysfunction. The main objective of this study was to evaluate a new technique, vestibular response telemetry (VRT), for measuring the electrically evoked vestibular compound action potential (saccular and utricular) after stimulating the otolith organ (saccular and utricular) in adults. This study used evidence that the otolith organ can be electrically stimulated in order to develop a new vestibular implant design to improve the sensation of gravitoinertial acceleration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four adult patients were evaluated by using a variety of measurement procedures with novel VRT software. VRT values were obtained by stimulating with three full-band Nucleus CI24RE (ST) electrodes. Specific stimuli were used. Simultaneously, electrical ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (eoVEMPs) were recorded in the contralateral side. RESULTS: Electrically evoked compound action potentials were obtained in 10 of the 12 electrodes tested, and eoVEMPs were recorded when VRT was present. In addition to the validation of this technique, a set of default clinical test parameters was established. The VRT response morphology consisted of a biphasic waveform with an initial negative peak (N1) followed by a positive peak (P1), and latencies were typically 400 μs for N1 and 800 μs for P1. The consequences for the development of a vestibular implant for the improvement of gravitoinertial acceleration sensation are also presented. CONCLUSION: The VRT measurement technique has been shown to be a useful tool to record neural response on the otolith organ, and thus it is a convenient tool to evaluate whether the implanted electrodes provide a neural response or not. This can be used for the early development of vestibular implants to improve gravitoinertial acceleration sensation.