Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A spatio-temporal clustering method using real-time motion analysis on event-based 3D vision

This paper proposes a method for clustering asynchronous events generated upon scene activities by a dynamic 3D vision system. The inherent detection of moving objects offered by the dynamic stereo vision system comprising a pair of dynamic vision sensors allows event-based stereo vision in real-time and a 3D representation of moving objects. The clustering method exploits the sparse spatio-temporal representation of sensor's events for real-time detection and separation between moving objects. The method makes use of density and distance metrics for clustering asynchronous events generated by scene dynamics (changes in the scene). It has been evaluated on clustering the events of moving persons across the sensor field of view. Tests on real scenarios with more than 100 persons show that the resulting asynchronous events can be successfully clustered and the persons can be detected.
Local-Group tests of dark-matter concordance cosmology - Towards a new paradigm for structure formation

Predictions of the concordance cosmological model (CCM) of the structures in the environment of large spiral galaxies are compared with observed properties of Local Group galaxies. Five new, most probably irreconcilable problems are uncovered: 1) A wide variety of published CCM models consistently predict some form of relation between dark-matter-mass and luminosity for the Milky Way (MW) satellite galaxies, but none is observed. 2) The mass function of luminous sub-haloes predicted by the CCM contains too few satellites with dark matter (DM) mass ≈10 7 Mwithin their innermost 300 pc than in the case of the MW satellites. 3) The Local Group galaxies and data from extragalactic surveys indicate there is a correlation between bulge-mass and the number of luminous satellites that is not predicted by the CCM. 4) The 13 new ultra-faint MW satellites define a disc-of-satellites (DoS) that is virtually identical to the DoS previously found for the 11 classical MW satellites, implying that most of the 24 MW satellites are correlated in phase-space. 5) The occurrence of two MW-type DM halo masses hosting MW-like galaxies is unlikely in the CCM. However, the properties of the Local Group galaxies provide information leading to a solution of the above problems. The DoS and bulge-satellite correlation suggest that dissipational events forming bulges are related to the processes forming phase-space correlated satellite populations. These events are well known to occur since in galaxy encounters energy and angular momentum are expelled in the form of tidal tails, which can fragment to form populations of tidal-dwarf galaxies (TDGs) and associated star clusters. If Local Group satellite galaxies are to be interpreted as TDGs then the substructure predictions of the CCM are internally in conflict. All findings thus suggest that the CCM does not account for the Local Group observations and that therefore existing as well as new viable alternatives have to be further explored. These are discussed and natural solutions for the above problems emerge.
25-Vitamin D levels in chronic hepatitis C infection: association with cirrhosis and sustained virologic response

Background Low serum 25-Vitamin D levels are associated with advanced fibrosis in hepatitis C infection. Vitamin D supplementation has been hypothesized to augment response rates to interferon-based therapy. To date, no investigation has evaluated vitamin D levels during direct-acting antiviral therapy. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic cohorts, the predictive value of pretreatment levels for a sustained virologic response, and the changes in 25-OH vitamin D levels during direct-acting antiviral therapy. Methods Two hundred eighteen patients with chronic hepatitis C who completed direct-acting antiviral therapy were consecutively enrolled. Vitamin D levels were measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay, prior to initiation and at completion of therapy. Advanced liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) was determined by biopsy, FibroSURE blood test, or imaging. Results A sustained virologic response was achieved in 79% (n=172) of patients, with 19% (n=44) relapsing. A total of 123 (56.4%) patients were cirrhotic. The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency (10-20 ng/mL) and severe deficiency (<10 ng/mL) was significantly higher in cirrhotic patients (P=0.04). Pre-treatment vitamin D levels in cirrhotic patients were negatively correlated with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, total bilirubin and INR (P<0.05). Neither pretreatment vitamin D level nor the change during therapy was associated with an increased rate of sustained virologic response. Conclusions The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is higher in hepatitis-C–related cirrhotic cohorts compared to non-cirrhotic patients and correlates with components of hepatic function. Neither pretreatment vitamin D level nor the change during therapy was associated with an increased rate of sustained virologic response.
Investigation of the Mediator Variable Effect Using BK, Sobel and Bootstrap Methods (Mathematical Literacy Case)

This study aimed to compare different mediation analysis methods (BK, Sobel, and bootstrapping) based on single mediation models for groups of different sizes. For this purpose, the PISA 2012 data for Turkey were used. In order to compare the mediation analysis methods, 4,848 students from Turkey that participated in PISA 2012 were divided into sample groups of 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 individuals. Among the mediation analysis methods discussed within the scope of the research, the BK method was implemented assisted by a regression analysis while for the remaining two methods, SPSS macros were utilized. For the analysis, syntax files were created to be run on SPSS. The results of the analysis of single mediation models revealed that the mathematics anxiety variable mediated the relationship between classroom climate and mathematical literacy. According to the analyses based on all three methods, it was observed that the standard error value increased as the sample group became smaller. Although the standard errors of the Sobel test and bootstrap method were close to each other in large study groups, the former produced less erroneous results in large samples whereas the latter yielded more reliable results in smaller samples.
Cost and Reliability Considerations in Designing the Next-Generation IP over WDM Backbone Networks

To accommodate the increasing demands for bandwidth, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have deployed higher-speed links and reconfigurable optical add drop multiplexers (ROADMs) in their backbone networks. To address the reliability challenges due to failures and planned outages, ISPs typically use two backbone routers at each central office in a dual-home configuration. Thus at the IP layer, redundant backbone routers as well as redundant transport equipment to interconnect them are deployed to provide reliability through node and path diversity. However, adding such redundant resources increases the overall cost of the network. Hence, a fundamental redesign of the backbone network which avoids such redundant resources by leveraging the capabilities of an intelligent optical transport network is a highly desirable objective. It is clear that such a redesign must lower costs without compromising on the reliability achieved by today's backbone networks. Modeling the costs and reliability of the network at all layers is an important step in achieving this objective. In this paper, we undertake an in-depth investigation of the cost and reliability considerations involved in designing the next-generation backbone network. Our work includes a detailed analysis of the operation, cost and reliability of the network at the IP layer and the multiple layers below it. We discuss alternative backbone network designs which use only a single router at each central office but use the optical transport layer to carry traffic to routers at other offices in order to survive failures or outages of the single local router. We discuss trade-offs involved in using these designs.
Laboratory experience with a radiometric method for detecting bacteremia

Two bacteriologic systems for detecting bacteria in blood were compared; the automated radiometric BACTEC and the conventional method used in our laboratory for many years. BACTEC consisted of two bottles with 30 ml and the conventional method with 50 ml of media for aerobes and anaerobes. The BACTEC bottles were inoculated with 2 to 3 ml and the conventional with 4 to 5 ml of blood at the patient's bedside. Out of the 3,045 blood specimens cultured (804 patients), 262 (117 patients) were positive by one or both methods. The conventional system detected 5more cultures. The explanation of the differences is discussed. Positive blood cultures were detected by the BACTEC procedure as early as 6 h after the blood collection. In the first 24 h, on the average, 77% of aerobic organisms were detected by the BACTEC as compared to 48% by the conventional system. All anaerobic BACTEC cultures were positive within 4 days, whereas the conventional system detected at that time 74%. At day 4, 67% of fungi were detected by the BACTEC and only 27% by the conventional system. Of the 3,045 blood cultures examined by the BACTEC, 208 were recorded as false positive with growth index readings ranging from 30 to 59.
Immune responses in rats supplemented with selenium.

It is generally accepted that Selenium (Se) is necessary for optimum performance of the immune system. Selenium deficiency results in immune suppression but little is known concerning the effect of excess Se on immune function. Recent evidence suggests that oral Se supplementation may impede oncogenesis, but the mechanism of this action is currently unknown. Conversely, under certain conditions, Se is suspected of promoting neoplasia. The studies described herein delineate the effects of excess Se (0.5, 2.0 or 5.0 p.p.m.) on specific immune functions of Se-adequate rats, namely, antibody synthesis, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), natural killer (NK) cell activity, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis, and interleukin 1 (IL-1) activity. Selenium administered to female Sprague-Dawley rats for 10 weeks at 0.5 and 2.0 p.p.m. resulted in significant (P less than or equal to 0.01) enhancement of splenic NK activity while the NK response in the 5.0 p.p.m. Se-treated rats was equivalent to the non-Se-treated controls. Conversely, the DTH response was significantly (P less than or equal to 0.01) suppressed at all three dosages while antibody synthesis and prostaglandin E2 activity were significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) reduced compared to the controls at the highest dosage of Se. IL-1 activity was unaffected by Se exposure. These data could partially explain the contradictory oncogenic characteristics of Se. For instance, tumours that are NK sensitive could be prevented and/or responsive to Se therapy, while NK insensitive neoplasms could be enhanced by Se supplementation due to the impaired function of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity.
Reduced D trapping by plasma-implanted He nanobubbles in radiation damaged tungsten

The presence of a plasma-implanted helium nanobubble layer significantly reduces deuterium (D) retention in undamaged commercial ITER grade tungsten (W). In this paper, we show evidence that this phenomenon can survive displacement damage. A He plasma exposure (sample temperature 643 K, ion flux 1022 m−2 s−1 at 100 eV, fluence 1025 m−2) pre-treatment was performed to create a thin He nanobubble layer in the first ~15 nm of ITER grade W samples. Samples were then irradiated by 5 MeV Cu ions at room temperature to create 0.001 to 0.1 dpa with peak damage rates occurring about 860 nm below the sample surface. Samples without He plasma exposure pre-treatment were also irradiated by 5 MeV Cu ions to provide a controlled baseline. All samples were subsequently exposed to D plasma at 373 K to a fluence of 1024 m−2. Nuclear reaction analysis results show that across a range of peak dpa ranging from 0.001 to 0.1 dpa, D retention inventory in the samples with He plasma exposure pre-treatment is reduced by a factor of two compared to samples without He plasma exposure pre-treatment. Transmission electron microscopy directly showed a surviving nanobubble layer after 0.1 dpa damage. However, the thickness of the bubble layer appears to have been reduced. The results suggest that the plasma-implanted He nanobubble layer can survive radiation damage and still function to reduce D diffusion and retention in tungsten-based plasma facing components.
Hierarchical Relative Entropy Policy Search

Many reinforcement learning (RL) tasks, especially in robotics, consist of multiple sub-tasks that are strongly structured. Such task structures can be exploited by incorporating hierarchical policies that consist of gating networks and sub-policies. However, this concept has only been partially explored for real world settings and complete methods, derived from first principles, are needed. Real world settings are challenging due to large and continuous state-action spaces that are prohibitive for exhaustive sampling methods. We define the problem of learning sub-policies in continuous state action spaces as finding a hierarchical policy that is composed of a high-level gating policy to select the low-level sub-policies for execution by the agent. In order to efficiently share experience with all sub-policies, also called inter-policy learning, we treat these sub-policies as latent variables which allows for distribution of the update information between the sub-policies. We present three different variants of our algorithm, designed to be suitable for a wide variety of real world robot learning tasks and evaluate our algorithms in two real robot learning scenarios as well as several simulations and comparisons.
Hepatopulmonary syndrome--a liver-induced lung vascular disorder.

The hepatopulmonary syndrome is characterized by defects in oxygenation due to pulmonary abnormalities associated with chronic liver disease. Dyspnea and hypoxemia can be severe and often worsen in the upright position. Gross dilatation of the precapillary and capillary vessels occurs with ventilation–perfusion mismatch. The syndrome usually improves after liver transplantation.
Effect of Intravenous Dexamethasone on Postoperative Nausea-Vomiting (PONV) after Intrathecal Morphine during Caesarean Section

Background: Post-operative pain relief after Caesarean section is important; it improves mobility and reduces the risk of thromboembolic complications. Neuraxial opioids are effective in postoperative pain relief but untoward effects like postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) prevent their regular use. Recent studies have shown that IV Dexamethasone reduces the incidence of PONV associated with intrathecal opioids when used for post Caesarean analgesia. We evaluated the efficacy of 8mg IV dexamethasone in reducing PONV in mothers receiving intrathecal morphine for post Caesarean analgesia. Methods: Hundred mothers scheduled for LSCS under spinal anaesthesia were randomly assigned to receive either 2ml saline (Group A, n=50) or 8mg IV dexamethasone (Group B, n=50) in this prospective double-blinded study. All mothers received a standard spinal anaesthetic with 2.5 ml 0.5% heavy bupivacaine and 0.2 mg intrathecal morphine for post Caesarean analgesia. APGAR scores of the babies were noted at 1min and 5min. All the mothers were assessed postoperatively for nausea/vomiting, pain, pruritus and urinary retention in the post anaesthesia care unit (time 0 hours) and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 hours. 4mg IV ondansetron was given to patients who complained of nausea or vomiting and 75mg IM diclofenac was given to any mother who complained of pain postoperatively Results: The incidence of nausea and vomiting scores were found to be lower in the study group when compared to the control group with 27 out of 50 subjects requiring antiemetic in the control group while only 15 out of 50 subjects requiring antiemetic in the study group (P=0.015). Time to request to first analgesic dose was 15 hours in the study group when compared to 13 hours in the control group (P=0.024). However, no difference in APGAR scores, pruritus and urinary retention was noted in both the groups (P > 0.005). Conclusion: Dexamethasone reduces the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting associated with intrathecal morphine. Additionally, it can prolong the duration of analgesia postoperatively.
Mathematical modelling of infectious diseases.

INTRODUCTION Mathematical models allow us to extrapolate from current information about the state and progress of an outbreak, to predict the future and, most importantly, to quantify the uncertainty in these predictions. Here, we illustrate these principles in relation to the current H1N1 epidemic. SOURCES OF DATA Many sources of data are used in mathematical modelling, with some forms of model requiring vastly more data than others. However, a good estimation of the number of cases is vitally important. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Mathematical models, and the statistical tools that underpin them, are now a fundamental element in planning control and mitigation measures against any future epidemic of an infectious disease. Well-parameterized mathematical models allow us to test a variety of possible control strategies in computer simulations before applying them in reality. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY The interaction between modellers and public-health practitioners and the level of detail needed for models to be of use. GROWING POINTS The need for stronger statistical links between models and data. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Greater appreciation by the medical community of the uses and limitations of models and a greater appreciation by modellers of the constraints on public-health resources.
A Navajo Health Consumer Survey

The findings of a health consumer survey of 309 Navajo families in three areas of the Navajo Reservation are reported. The survey shows that access to facilities and lack of safe water and sanitary supplies are continuing problems for these families. The families show consistent use of Indian Health Service providers, particularly nurses, pharmacists and physicians, as well as traditional Navajo medicine practitioners. Only incidental utilization of private medical services is reported. Extended waiting times and translation from English to Navajo are major concerns in their contacts with providers. A surprisingly high availability of third-party insurance is noted. Comparisons are made between this data base and selected national and regional surveys, and with family surveys from other groups assumed to be disadvantaged in obtaining health care. The comparisons indicate somewhat lower utilization rates and more problems in access to care for this Navajo sample. The discussion suggests that attitudes regarding free health care eventually may be a factor for Navajo people and other groups, that cultural considerations are often ignored or accepted as truisms in delivering care, and that the Navajo Reservation may serve as a unique microcosm of health care in the U.S.
SGD with Variance Reduction beyond Empirical Risk Minimization

We introduce a doubly stochastic proximal gradient algorithm for optimizing a finite average of smooth convex functions, whose gradients depend on numerically expensive expectations. Our main motivation is the acceleration of the optimization of the regularized Cox partial-likelihood (the core model used in survival analysis), but our algorithm can be used in different settings as well. The proposed algorithm is doubly stochastic in the sense that gradient steps are done using stochastic gradient descent (SGD) with variance reduction, where the inner expectations are approximated by a Monte-Carlo Markov-Chain (MCMC) algorithm. We derive conditions on the MCMC number of iterations guaranteeing convergence, and obtain a linear rate of convergence under strong convexity and a sublinear rate without this assumption. We illustrate the fact that our algorithm improves the state-of-the-art solver for regularized Cox partial-likelihood on several datasets from survival analysis.
Uncommon yeast infections in hematological patients: from diagnosis to treatment

Invasive fungal diseases have been recognized with increasing frequency as major pathogens in patients with cancer over the past few decades, as a result of new and more aggressive anticancer treatments and supportive care, and this has been especially reported for patients suffering from hematological malignancies. In these settings, typically uncommon yeasts and filamentous fungi have recently emerged as significant human pathogens, frequently as breakthrough infections in patients receiving empirical antifungal therapy or antifungal prophylaxis and with reported high crude mortality rates. The aim of this article is to discuss certain aspects of the approach to invasive fungal diseases due to uncommon yeasts (e.g., Trichosporon spp., Blastomyces spp. and Cryptococcus spp.) in patients with hematological malignancies, focusing on epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment outcomes and the role of novel antifungal drugs (i.e., new triazoles and echinocandins).
Neutralising Antibodies against Ricin Toxin

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have listed the potential bioweapon ricin as a Category B Agent. Ricin is a so-called A/B toxin produced by plants and is one of the deadliest molecules known. It is easy to prepare and no curative treatment is available. An immunotherapeutic approach could be of interest to attenuate or neutralise the effects of the toxin. We sought to characterise neutralising monoclonal antibodies against ricin and to develop an effective therapy. For this purpose, mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced against the two chains of ricin toxin (RTA and RTB). Seven mAbs were selected for their capacity to neutralise the cytotoxic effects of ricin in vitro. Three of these, two anti-RTB (RB34 and RB37) and one anti-RTA (RA36), when used in combination improved neutralising capacity in vitro with an IC50 of 31 ng/ml. Passive administration of association of these three mixed mAbs (4.7 µg) protected mice from intranasal challenges with ricin (5 LD50). Among those three antibodies, anti-RTB antibodies protected mice more efficiently than the anti-RTA antibody. The combination of the three antibodies protected mice up to 7.5 hours after ricin challenge. The strong in vivo neutralising capacity of this three mAbs combination makes it potentially useful for immunotherapeutic purposes in the case of ricin poisoning or possibly for prevention.
Assessing the sustainability of timber harvests from natural forests: Limitations of indices based on successive harvests

The concepts of sustainable original harvest (SOH) and sustainable disturbance harvest (SDH), and simple indices such as the ratio of successive harvests do not provide a reliable indication of the sustainability of a harvest. Some limitations of these concepts are illustrated in the context of selection harvesting of timber from natural forests. Four models are used to demonstrate that maintaining an SOH or SDH indicates little about the long-term sustainability of a timber harvest. The concepts may offer greater utility in evenaged systems harvested by clear-felling, but still suffer the limitation that many factors may mask any change in site productivity. Any measure of sustainability should include an appraisal of the condition and vitality of the residual resource. Simple indices based on successive harvests do not consider the residual stand, and can be misleading.