Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A low-power wideband multi-frequency synthesizer for mobile TV tuner ICs

A low-power wideband frequency synthesizer that generates multiple LO frequencies for mobile TV tuner ICs is presented. The synthesizer utilizes a single on-chip LC VCO and an odd-order frequency division technique to achieve both low power and small silicon area. The integrated LC VCO has a tuning range of 2.3 to 3.85GHz. With a division ratio of 2, 4, 6, 12, 16, 24, and 32, the LO generation block supports FM, VHF III, UHF, Europe-L, and USA-L bands. The measured LO phase noise for the L-band is under -79dBc/Hz at an offset of 10kHz. The synthesizer implemented in 0.18-µ m CMOS technology occupies an area of about 1.2mm2and dissipates up to 33.5mW from a 1.8-V supply.
Chronic central serous chorioretinopathy: long-term follow-up and vision-related quality of life

Purpose To describe the clinical findings and long-term outcome of patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC). Materials and methods This was a retrospective case series in 52 eyes of 36 patients with a follow-up period of at least 1 year. Extensive ophthalmic examination and a validated questionnaire concerning vision-related quality of life (National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire [NEI-VFQ]-39) were analyzed. Results Mean visual acuity showed a significant decline over time of 0.16 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution ([logMAR] range: −0.22 to 1.3; P=0.009) after a mean follow-up period of 10.6 years. Also, patients reported lower vision-related quality of life based on the NEI-VFQ-39 for almost all categories compared to healthy controls. Macular atrophy was diagnosed more often on optical coherence tomography compared to other diagnostic entities. Retinal pigment epithelium detachments in the macula were documented on optical coherence tomography in 56% of the patients. A significant thinning of foveal thickness was measured over time compared to unaffected fellow eyes (P=0.002). On long-term follow-up, 13 eyes (37%) showed an increase in number of hot spots on fluorescein angiography. Conclusion This study indicates that cCSC is a progressive disease in many patients, causing a progressive decline in visual acuity, accompanied by lower reported vision-related quality of life. In deciding whether or not to treat, the progressive nature of cCSC should be taken into account in this relatively young and often still professionally active patient group.
Person re-identification via adaboost ranking ensemble

Matching specific persons across scenes, known as person re-identification, is an important yet unsolved computer vision problem. Feature representation and metric learning are two fundamental factors in person re-identification. However, current person re-identification methods, which use single handcrafted feature with corresponding metric, could be not powerful enough when facing illumination, viewpoint and pose variations. Thus it inevitably produces suboptimal ranking lists. In this paper, we propose incorporating multiple features with metrics to build weak learners, and aggregate the base ranking lists by AdaBoost Ranking. Experiments on two commonly used datasets, VIPeR and CUHK01, show that our proposed approach greatly improves recognition rates over the state-of-the-art methods.
Locally Regularized Spatiotemporal Modeling and Model Comparison for Functional MRI

In this work we treat fMRI data analysis as a spatiotemporal system identification problem and address issues of model formulation, estimation, and model comparison. We present a new model that includes a physiologically based hemodynamic response and an empirically derived low-frequency noise model. We introduce an estimation method employing spatial regularization that improves the precision of spatially varying noise estimates. We call the algorithm locally regularized spatiotemporal (LRST) modeling. We develop a new model selection criterion and compare our model to the SPM-GLM method. Our findings suggest that our method offers a better approach to identifying appropriate statistical models for fMRI studies.
LIM Genes Parcellate the Embryonic Amygdala and Regulate Its Development

The mechanisms that regulate the development of the amygdaloid complex are as yet poorly understood. Here, we show that in the absence of the LIM-homeodomain (LIM-HD) gene Lhx2, a particular amygdaloid nucleus, the nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract (nLOT), is selectively disrupted. LIM family members are well suited for multiple roles in the development of complex structures because they participate in regulatory interactions that permit a diversity of function. To investigate the possible role for other LIM-HD genes as well as LIM-only (Lmo) genes in the developing amygdala, we examined their expression in the embryo. We show that amygdaloid nuclei upregulate distinct patterns of LIM gene expression from embryonic stages. This supports the hypothesis that LIM genes may participate in the mechanisms that control the development of the amygdala. The disruption of the nLOT in the Lhx2 mutant is the first evidence of a role for LIM-HD genes in the development of the amygdaloid complex. The combinatorial expression patterns of LIM genes suggest a comprehensive mechanism for patterning this structure.
The role of surgery in non-small-cell lung cancers.

About 40% of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) present with stage IV disease, while resectable early stages I–II and marginally resectable locally advanced stage III each represent one-third of the patients, respectively. The anatomical surgical landmark has been paradigmatically established by the international staging system between stages IIIA and IIIB [1]. Clearly, this frontier does not reflect reality, since patients with stage IIIA disease are daily excluded from surgery by surgeons, while in some situations, stage IIIB disease is considered for resection [2].
DETERMINANTS OF BIRTH SPACING AMONG SAUDI WOMEN

Background: High fertility levels are of major concern to planners and policy makers in most countries in the developing world. In Saudi Arabia, the rate of population growth is the third highest of the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Objectives: This study aimed at identifying determinants of birth spacing and attitudes toward family planning among Saudi women. Methods: A cross sectional survey of all women who have been married before, aged 15-49 years attending Al Hada armed forces hospital (primary health care and antenatal care clinics), was conducted between 1st February 2005 and 31st January 2006. Data was collected on socio-demographic, biological characteristics, beliefs, attitudes, and utilization of family planning services, pregnancy intervals and medical history Results: For the 786 women included in the study, the mean duration of interbirth interval was 2.38±1.24 years. The multivariate Cox regression revealed that a woman's education, work status, husband's work status, a woman's history of chronic diseases, and husband's encouragement of interbirth spacing were the only significant predictors of longer interbirth intervals. Shorter interbirth intervals were independently predicted by lower family income, and presence of female offspring only or equal number of male and female offspring as opposed to presence of more males. The great majority of participating women (98%) had a positive opinion of the effect of birth spacing on the family. Conclusion: This study showed that certain factors were significant predictors of interbirth spacing for the Saudi women. This should lead to the encouragement of longer intervals between births. However, further studies are needed to ascertain a cause-effect association.
Anxiety and depression in children and adults: influence of serotonergic and neurotrophic genes?

There are two major hypotheses regarding the etiology of anxiety and depression: the mono‐amine hypothesis and the hypothesis of an abnormal stress response acting partly via reduced neurogenesis. Association studies have focused on genes involved in these processes, but with inconclusive results. This study investigated the effect of 45 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding for serotonin receptors 1A, 1D, 2A, catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT), tryptophane hydroxylase type 2 (TPH2), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), PlexinA2 and regulators of G‐protein‐coupled signaling (RGS) 2, 4, 16. Anxious depression (A/D) symptoms were assessed five times in 11 years in over 11 000 adults with 1504 subjects genotyped and at age 7, 10, 12 and during adolescence in over 20 000 twins with 1078 subjects genotyped. In both cohorts, a longitudinal model with one latent factor loading on all A/D measures over time was analysed. The genetic association effect modeled at the level of this latent factor was 60% and 70% heritable in the children and adults, respectively, and explained around 50% of the total phenotypic variance. Power analyses showed that the samples contained 80% power to detect an effect explaining between 1.4% and 3.6% of the variance. However, no SNP showed a consistent effect on A/D. To conclude, this longitudinal study in children and adults found no association of SNPs in the serotonergic system or core regulators of neurogenesis with A/D. Overall, there has been no convincing evidence, so far, for a role of genetic variation in these pathways in the development of anxiety and depression.
Effects of riparian canopy opening and salmon carcass addition on the abundance and growth of resident salmonids

We studied the concurrent effects of riparian canopy opening and salmon carcass addition on salmonid bio- mass, density and growth rates in small streams over 2 years. In each of six streams in the Smith and Klamath River basins in northern California, red alder (Alnus rubra) and other hardwoods were removed along both banks of a 100-m reach to increase incident radiation. A second 100-m reach, with an intact canopy, was established in each stream as a light control. Salmon carcasses were added each year to both cut and uncut riparian sections in three of the six streams. Differences in total density and biomass of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from pretreatment levels responded positively to canopy removal but were not detectably af- fected by carcass addition. Differences in specific growth rates of the fish between open and closed canopy reaches were greater in sites without carcasses than in sites with carcasses. In light-limited settings where temperature gains as- sociated with canopy opening are not problematic for aquatic resources, gains in salmonid production might be achieved by selective trimming of riparian hardwoods.
Thermally stimulated currents depolarization study of gamma ray irradiated PMMA

ABSTRACT We will investigate the effect of γ-irradiation on the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) properties. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique in attenuated total reflexion mode (FTIR-ATR) results allowed us to show that the irradiated PMMA undergoes a scission in its lateral chain combined to an oxidation phenomenon. In fact, a decrease in the carbonyl index, versus the radiation dose, is observed. The differential scanning calorimetry and the thermostimulated depolarization currents revealed that the scission in the lateral chain provides a better flexibility to the PMMA chain and an increase in the free volume of the material. The consequences of these phenomena appear in the decrease of the activation energy of PMMA and the appearance of a local order in the material at a temperature Tc which decreases versus the radiation dose.
The role of chemotherapy and latest emerging target therapies in anaplastic thyroid cancer

Anaplastic thyroid cancer represents 1%–2% of thyroid cancers. For its aggressiveness, it is considered a systemic disease at the time of diagnosis. Surgery remains the cornerstone of therapy in resectable tumor. Traditional chemotherapy has little effect on metastatic disease. A multimodality approach, incorporating cytoreductive surgical resection, chemoradiation, either concurrently or sequentially, and new promising target therapies is advisable. Doxorubicin is the most commonly used agent, with a response rate of 22%. Recently, other chemotherapy agents have been used, such as paclitaxel and gemcitabine, with superimposable activity and response rates of 10%–20%. However, survival of patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer has changed little in the past 50 years, despite more aggressive systemic and radiotherapies. Several new agents are currently under investigation. Some of them, such as sorafenib, imatinib, and axitinib have been tested in small clinical trials, showing promising disease control rates ranging from 35%–75%. Referral of patients for participation in clinical trials is needed.
Social Determinants of Dementia and Caregivers’ Perspectives in the Field Practice Villages of Rural Health Training Centre, Thiruvennainallur

Objectives:(1) To find out the prevalence of dementia in the study population and its social determinants. (2) To explore the family caregivers' perceptions and their support needs. Materials and Methods - Study Setting: This study was undertaken in the field practice area of 55 villages of three Primary Health Centres in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu. Study Design: An exploratory mixed-methods study design, where a qualitative method (key informant interview) was followed by a quantitative method (survey). Sample Size: A representative sample of 1300 respondents was selected by two-stage sampling. Analysis: Manual content analysis was done for qualitative data. Multiple logistic regression was performed on quantitative data. Results: The prevalence of dementia among study sample was found to be 3.1%. The determinants for dementia were age, sex, socioeconomic status, and previous involvement in family decision making and cardiovascular risk factors. The family caregivers strongly felt that caregiving interferes with their personal and professional life; they also felt that caregiving is an integral part of Indian culture, and the elderly prefer home-based care. Caregivers preferred government owned public health facility for medical care. All the responding caregivers strongly felt that they are not adequately trained in caregiving. Conclusions and Recommendations: Routine screening of elderly for early identification of dementia and its medical and social risk factors should be initiated in primary health care facility. Care of caregivers should be seen as an integral part of dementia care program.
Monte Mario: platforming with MCTS

Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) is applied to control the player character in a clone of the popular platform game Super Mario Bros. Standard MCTS is applied through search in state space with the goal of moving the furthest to the right as quickly as possible. Despite parameter tuning, only moderate success is reached. Several modifications to the algorithm are then introduced specifically to deal with the behavioural pathologies that were observed. Two of the modifications are to our best knowledge novel. A combination of these modifications is found to lead to almost perfect play on linear levels. Furthermore, when adding noise to the benchmark, MCTS outperforms the best known algorithm for these levels. The analysis and algorithmic innovations in this paper are likely to be useful when applying MCTS to other video games.
Family and Socio-Demographic Background of Violence Among Adolescent Population in Dubai , UAE

Backgrounds: Adolescent violence is a broader public health problem. Adolescent violence is the intentional use of physical force or power by a young person, between the ages of 10 and 24, against another person, group, or community, with the youth’s behavior likely to cause physical or psychological harm. Objectives: To study the family and socio-demographic background of violence among adolescent population in Dubai. Methodology: This is a cross sectional study. The study was conducted among students in preparatory and secondary schools “Governmental and Private” in Dubai city in U.A. E. Computer program EPI-Info version "6.04” was used for calculation of the minimum sample size required. It was 1046. A sample of 1,046 students was randomly selected from preparatory and secondary schools in Dubai. A stratified random sampling was used. The strata were based upon geographical districts (Bur Dubai and Diera). Results: The violence was significantly highest among students less than 13 years (OR = 1.94) which decreased gradually as age gets older. Males have significantly 1.64 times the likelihood of committing violence and students from Bur Dubai had also about 3 times the risk of committing violence compared to those from Deira. Also local students had double the likelihood of committing violence in contrast to non locals. Last ranked students among siblings had significantly. living with one parent due to separation affects significantly the risk of committing violence (OR = 2.33). Those who reported fear of father or older brother/sister had significantly higher risk of committing violence compared to those who said that they love them (2.51 and 2.60 times risk respectively). Conclusions: Family circumstances and school environment as another possible contributing factors elaborated important relations with violence among schoolchildren in this study. Violence prevention and intervention program to be targeting adolescents at higher risk of involvement in violence as those with family problems, and low school performance. Close supervision of the students at the school, is essential for prevention and early management of violence incidents.
Occurrence and enumeration of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus in soil capable of parasitizing Escherichia coli and indigenous soil bacteria.

A plating technique was developed for the enumeration of soil Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus parasitic on Escherichia coli. With this technique, the parasite was detected in all of 23 soils examined, and counted in 21 of them. Soil-derived Bd. bacteriovorus parasitic on E. coli serogroup OX9 and strain 167 were found to parasitize all of 25 other E. coli serogroups tested, as well as the smooth and rough forms of E. coli strain MGH6. Examination of the sensitivity to Bd. bacteriovorus of stock cultures of various soil-derived bacteria, and of the sensitivity of bacteria randomly isolated from soil by the Lochhead and Chase "non-biased" isolation procedure, revealed that indigenous hosts for this organism occur in the soil.
A Tutorial on Principal Component Analysis

Principal component analysis (PCA) is a mainstay of modern data analysis - a black box that is widely used but (sometimes) poorly understood. The goal of this paper is to dispel the magic behind this black box. This manuscript focuses on building a solid intuition for how and why principal component analysis works. This manuscript crystallizes this knowledge by deriving from simple intuitions, the mathematics behind PCA. This tutorial does not shy away from explaining the ideas informally, nor does it shy away from the mathematics. The hope is that by addressing both aspects, readers of all levels will be able to gain a better understanding of PCA as well as the when, the how and the why of applying this technique.
Community Based Forest Management Systems in Developing Countries and Eligibility for the CDM

Concerns have been raised among the scientific communities about the increased atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon sequestration rates can be maintained or increased by afforestation, reforestation, avoided deforestation, forest preservation and particular tending and cultural operations on existing forests. Of these, afforestation and reforestation are the only eligible project activities under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Of the three market-based mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol (KP), CDM is the only one designed for developing countries where, coincidently, community based forest management systems (CBFMS) are becoming the main form of forest management. Under these systems, enhanced natural regeneration, forest preservation and wise utilization through different sets of cultural and tending operations are widely practiced in Africa, Asia and Latin America. These systems are often more compatible with the essence of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) than are alternative management systems. Using Nepal as a case study, this paper highlights the importance of community forests in developing countries and then explains why many of them may not be eligible for CDM project activities. After that, some reasons why enhanced natural regeneration and forest preservation activities should be considered under the CDM project activities will be discussed. If community forests contribute to achieving the main objectives of CDM program as well as providing biodiversity benefits, and if they are the only socially acceptable and economically viable option, then they should be eligible under the CDM project activities. In particular, the CDM forest definition (>10% crown cover) should not be a barrier to their eligibility.
Tracking millions of humans in crowded space in crowded spaces

As Aristotle noted, “man is by nature a social animal”. We do not live in isolation. On a daily basis, thousands of individuals walk in terminals, malls or city centers. They consciously or unconsciously interact with each other. They make decisions on where to go, and how to get to their destination. Their mobility is often influenced by their surrounding. Understanding human social dynamics plays a central role in the design of safer and smarter spaces. It enables the development of ambient intelligence, i.e., spaces that are sensitive and responsive to human behavior. For instance, many sites such as train terminals were constructed several years ago to serve an estimated tra c demand. However, this estimated demand is greatly exceeded by forecasted tra c within a span of one decade. Sensing how individuals move through these large spaces provides insights needed to modify the space or design new ones to accommodate increased tra c. This enables reduced congestion and smooth flow of people. In this chapter, we present the computer vision techniques behind understanding the behavior of more than hundred million individuals in crowded urban spaces. We cover the full spectrum of an intelligent system that detects and tracks humans in high density crowds using a camera network. To the best of our knowledge, we have deployed one of the largest networks of cameras (more than hundred cameras per site) to capture the trajectories of pedestrians in crowded train terminals over the course of two years. At any given time, up to a thousand pedestrians need to be tracked simultaneously (see Fig. 1). The captured dataset is publicly available to enable various research communities, from psychology to computer vision, to dive into a large-scale analysis of human mobility in crowded environments. In the remaining of the chapter, we will share all the technical details that lead to successfully analyze millions of individuals. While computer vision has made great progress in detecting humans in isolation [1, 2, 3, 4], tracking people in high density crowds is very challenging. Individuals highly occlude each other and their motion behavior is not independent. We present detailed insights on how to address these challenges with sparsity promoting priors, and discrete combinatorial optimization that models social interactions. Understanding the behavior of pedestrians using a network of cameras is comprised of the following three steps: (i) Human detection in 3D space, (ii) Tracklet generation, and