Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low voltage low power current comparator circuit

This paper presents a high speed, low voltage, low power current comparator. A modification to an existing current comparator proposed by Traff has been introduced. The circuit presents a two flipped voltage follower current mirrors (FVF) connected in parallel which replaces the input stage of the existing current comparator of Tang and Pun. This modification allows us to reach the higher speed, lower voltage and lower power dissipation. ELDO simulators using 0.18 μm, CMOS and TSMC parameters are performed to confirm the workability of this circuit. The proposed current comparator circuit is powered with a 1 V supply voltage. It is characterized by wide conversion frequency 2 GHz and a low power consumption that is about 0.208 mW.
Handwritten Music Object Detection: Open Issues and Baseline Results

Optical Music Recognition (OMR) is the challenge of understanding the content of musical scores. Accurate detection of individual music objects is a critical step in processing musical documents because a failure at this stage corrupts any further processing. So far, all proposed methods were either limited to typeset music scores or were built to detect only a subset of the available classes of music symbols. In this work, we propose an end-to-end trainable object detector for music symbols that is capable of detecting almost the full vocabulary of modern music notation in handwritten music scores. By training deep convolutional neural networks on the recently released MUSCIMA++ dataset which has symbol-level annotations, we show that a machine learning approach can be used to accurately detect music objects with a mean average precision of over 80%.
Spatial Distribution and Interspecific Associations of Tree Species in a Tropical Seasonal Rain Forest of China

Studying the spatial pattern and interspecific associations of plant species may provide valuable insights into processes and mechanisms that maintain species coexistence. Point pattern analysis was used to analyze the spatial distribution patterns of twenty dominant tree species, their interspecific spatial associations and changes across life stages in a 20-ha permanent plot of seasonal tropical rainforest in Xishuangbanna, China, to test mechanisms maintaining species coexistence. Torus-translation tests were used to quantify positive or negative associations of the species to topographic habitats. The results showed: (1) fourteen of the twenty tree species were negatively (or positively) associated with one or two of the topographic variables, which evidences that the niche contributes to the spatial pattern of these species. (2) Most saplings of the study species showed a significantly clumped distribution at small scales (0–10 m) which was lost at larger scales (10–30 m). (3) The degree of spatial clumping deceases from saplings, to poles, to adults indicates that density-dependent mortality of the offspring is ubiquitous in species. (4) It is notable that a high number of positive small-scale interactions were found among the twenty species. For saplings, 42.6% of all combinations of species pairs showed positive associations at neighborhood scales up to five meters, but only 38.4% were negative. For poles and adults, positive associations at these distances still made up 45.5% and 29.5%, respectively. In conclusion, there is considerable evidence for the presence of positive interactions among the tree species, which suggests that species herd protection may occur in our plot. In addition, niche assembly and limited dispersal (likely) contribute to the spatial patterns of tree species in the tropical seasonal rain forest in Xishuangbanna, China.
TRF1 and TRF2 use different mechanisms to find telomeric DNA but share a novel mechanism to search for protein partners at telomeres

Human telomeres are maintained by the shelterin protein complex in which TRF1 and TRF2 bind directly to duplex telomeric DNA. How these proteins find telomeric sequences among a genome of billions of base pairs and how they find protein partners to form the shelterin complex remains uncertain. Using single-molecule fluorescence imaging of quantum dot-labeled TRF1 and TRF2, we study how these proteins locate TTAGGG repeats on DNA tightropes. By virtue of its basic domain TRF2 performs an extensive 1D search on nontelomeric DNA, whereas TRF1’s 1D search is limited. Unlike the stable and static associations observed for other proteins at specific binding sites, TRF proteins possess reduced binding stability marked by transient binding (∼9–17 s) and slow 1D diffusion on specific telomeric regions. These slow diffusion constants yield activation energy barriers to sliding ∼2.8–3.6 κBT greater than those for nontelomeric DNA. We propose that the TRF proteins use 1D sliding to find protein partners and assemble the shelterin complex, which in turn stabilizes the interaction with specific telomeric DNA. This ‘tag-team proofreading’ represents a more general mechanism to ensure a specific set of proteins interact with each other on long repetitive specific DNA sequences without requiring external energy sources.
Polyvictimization in childhood and its adverse impacts across the lifespan: Introduction to the special issue

ABSTRACT Although much empirical work has focused on the adverse impact of specific types of childhood victimization (e.g., sexual, physical, or emotional abuse), researchers and clinicians increasingly are recognizing the prevalence of polyvictimization, or exposure to multiple types of victimization. Polyvictimization during formative developmental periods may have detrimental and potentially lifelong biopsychosocial impacts over and above the effects of exposure to specific types of adversity. In this guest editorial, we summarize the key questions and findings for six empirical studies on polyvictimization included in this Special Issue of the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation. These empirical studies further our understanding of the nature, consequences, and assessment of polyvictimization. We conclude with recommendations for continued scientific research and clinical inquiry on polyvictimization.
State-space formulae for the factorization of all-pass matrix functions

Abstract We consider the factorization of an all-pass matrix function E(s) using proper stable minimum-phase factors. Stale-space formulae for the stable minimum-phase factors of E(s) are derived (when they exist), as well as state-space formulae for the Wiener-Hopf factors. This is achieved using the state-space characterization of all-pass matrix functions given by Glover (1984) in conjunction with the results of Green and Anderson (1987).
NUMERICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF MHD FLOW IN A RECTANGULAR DUCT WITH A NON-CONDUCTING FLOW INSERT

We consider magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows in a conducting rectangular duct with a non-conducting flow channel insert (FCI) in a constant transverse magnetic field. The computations based on the fully developed flow model are performed for three FCI modifications: (i) without pressure equalization openings, (ii) with the pressure equalization slot (PES) in the FCI wall parallel and (iii) perpendicular to the applied magnetic field. The computed flow patterns and the current circuits in the duct with the FCI are analyzed. The experiments are performed with In-Ga-Sn as a work fluid flowing in an outer rectangular duct made of stainless steel with the FCI made of epoxy for two cases: FCI with the PES, and with the pressure equalization holes (PEH), both made in the FCI wall parallel to the magnetic field. The experiments have confirmed significant reduction of the MHD pressure drop due to the flow insert (larger reduction in the case of PEH) compared to the non-insulated duct, but the experimental MHD pressure drop is different (larger) than the computed one. This difference is discussed and further modifications of both the flow model and the experiment are suggested.
Towards Defining Heterotic Gene Pools in Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

Pearl millet is a climate resilient crop and one of the most widely grown millets worldwide. Heterotic hybrid development is one of the principal breeding objectives in pearl millet. In a maiden attempt to identify heterotic groups for grain yield, a total of 343 hybrid parental [maintainer (B-) and restorer (R-)] lines were genotyped with 88 polymorphic SSR markers. The SSRs generated a total of 532 alleles with a mean value of 6.05 alleles per locus, mean gene diversity of 0.55, and an average PIC of 0.50. Out of 532 alleles, 443 (83.27%) alleles were contributed by B-lines with a mean of 5.03 alleles per locus. R-lines contributed 476 alleles (89.47%) with a mean of 5.41, while 441 (82.89%) alleles were shared commonly between B- and R-lines. The gene diversity was higher among R-lines (0.55) compared to B-lines (0.49). The unweighted neighbor-joining tree based on simple matching dissimilarity matrix obtained from SSR data clearly differentiated B- lines into 10 sub-clusters (B1 through B10), and R- lines into 11 sub-clusters (R1 through R11). A total of 99 hybrids (generated by crossing representative 9 B- and 11 R- lines) along with checks were evaluated in the hybrid trial. The 20 parents were evaluated in the line trial. Both the trials were evaluated in three environments. Based on per se performance, high sca effects and standard heterosis, F1s generated from crosses between representatives of groups B10R5, B3R5, B3R6, B4UD, B5R11, B2R4, and B9R9 had high specific combining ability for grain yield compared to rest of the crosses. These groups may represent putative heterotic gene pools in pearl millet.
Exosomes derived from Toxoplasma gondii stimulate an inflammatory response through JNK signaling pathway.

AIM Exosomes are nanoscale membranous vesicles secreted by most cell types able to transfer bioactive molecules among cells, which play crucial roles in intercellular communication. We characterized the exosomes derived from Toxoplasma gondii and detected the immune response in macrophages. METHODS We used transmission electron microscopy, nanotracking analysis and western blotting to identify T. gondii exosomes. Functional experiments were performed in RAW264.7 cells for the induction of cytokines, MAPKs (p38 MAPK, ERK 1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase [JNK]), mRNAs and nuclear translocation of phosphorylated JNK protein. RESULTS JNK pathway was activated by T. gondii exosomes, and the production of IL-12, IFN-γ and TNF-α was significantly increased in macrophages. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated that T. gondii exosomes elicit innate immune through JNK activation, which could provide new insight into the essential regulators of host-pathogen interactions.
Early serum progesterone and prolactin analysis at day 9 of oocyte retrieval as a predictor of success in fresh ICSI cycles

Objective To analyze progesterone and prolactin plasma levels nine days after oocyte retrieval and evaluate their correlation with pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization cycles. To achieve pregnancy, several factors are analyzed before and during the in vitro fertilization cycle. Progesterone supplementation for adequate luteal phase support is indicated despite the presence of multiple corpus luteum in IVF stimulation cycles because of blockage caused by hypothalamic agonists and antagonists. The dosage of progesterone and prolactin on day 09 after follicular retrieval could function as a predictive marker of success in fertility treatments. Methods A retrospective study was performed using data from 238 patients submitted to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) at a private infertility clinic from January 2013 to December 2015. Hormonal measurements were performed on day 09 after follicular uptake. The data was compared to assess the correlation between prolactin and progesterone dosages and pregnancy rates. Results The ICSI pregnancy rate was 40.8% (n=238). No statistically significant difference was observed when correlating the success of the procedure with the prolactin dosage (p=0.71). However, progesterone showed a significant difference (p=0.021). The cutoff point, indicated by the ROC curve fit according to which gestation would be identified, is 25.95ng/ml of progesterone. The sensitivity of this point is 61.9% and the specificity is 57.4%. Conclusion Progesterone dosage may be one of the indicators of gestation on day 09 after follicular uptake. Such data can help physicians to monitoring and provides suitable early gestational care. More studies are needed to corroborate the data found.
Association of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program Implementation With Readmission and Mortality Outcomes in Heart Failure

Importance Public reporting of hospitals’ 30-day risk-standardized readmission rates following heart failure hospitalization and the financial penalization of hospitals with higher rates have been associated with a reduction in 30-day readmissions but have raised concerns regarding the potential for unintended consequences. Objective To examine the association of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) with readmission and mortality outcomes among patients hospitalized with heart failure within a prospective clinical registry that allows for detailed risk adjustment. Design, Setting, and Participants Interrupted time-series and survival analyses of index heart failure hospitalizations were conducted from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2014. This study included 115 245 fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries across 416 US hospital sites participating in the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure registry. Data analysis took place from January 1, 2017, to June 8, 2017. Exposures Time intervals related to the HRRP were before the HRRP implementation (January 1, 2006, to March 31, 2010), during the HRRP implementation (April 1, 2010, to September 30, 2012), and after the HRRP penalties went into effect (October 1, 2012, to December 31, 2014). Main Outcomes and Measures Risk-adjusted 30-day and 1-year all-cause readmission and mortality rates. Results The mean (SD) age of the study population (n = 115 245) was 80.5 (8.4) years, 62 927 (54.6%) were women, and 91 996 (81.3%) were white and 11 037 (9.7%) were black. The 30-day risk-adjusted readmission rate declined from 20.0% before the HRRP implementation to 18.4% in the HRRP penalties phase (hazard ratio (HR) after vs before the HRRP implementation, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.87-0.95; P < . 001). In contrast, the 30-day risk-adjusted mortality rate increased from 7.2% before the HRRP implementation to 8.6% in the HRRP penalties phase (HR after vs before the HRRP implementation, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.10-1.27; P < .001). The 1-year risk-adjusted readmission and mortality rates followed a similar pattern as the 30-day outcomes. The 1-year risk-adjusted readmission rate declined from 57.2% to 56.3% (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.89-0.96; P < .001), and the 1-year risk-adjusted mortality rate increased from 31.3% to 36.3% (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.06-1.14; P < .001) after vs before the HRRP implementation. Conclusions and Relevance Among fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries discharged after heart failure hospitalizations, implementation of the HRRP was temporally associated with a reduction in 30-day and 1-year readmissions but an increase in 30-day and 1-year mortality. If confirmed, this finding may require reconsideration of the HRRP in heart failure.
Stabilization of rigid formations with direction-only constraints

Direction-based formation shape control for a collection of autonomous agents involves the design of distributed control laws that ensure the formation moves so that certain relative bearing constraints achieve, and maintain, some desired value. This paper looks at the design of a distributed control scheme to solve the direction-based formation shape control problem. A gradient control law is proposed based on the notion of bearing-only constrained graph rigidity and parallel drawings. This work provides an interesting and novel contrast to much of the existing work in formation control where distance-only constraints are typically maintained. A stability analysis is sketched and a number of illustrative examples are also given.
Towards a skill- and ability-based development process for self-aware automated road vehicles

The development of fully automated vehicles imposes new challenges in the development process and during the operation of such vehicles. As traditional design methods are not sufficient to account for the huge variety of scenarios which will be encountered by (fully) automated vehicles, approaches for designing safe systems must be extended in order to allow for an ISO 26262 compliant development process. During operation of vehicles implementing SAE Levels 3+ safe behavior must always be guaranteed, as the human driver is not or not immediately available as a fall-back. Thus, the vehicle must be aware of its current performance and remaining abilities at all times. In this paper we combine insights from two research projects for showing how a skill- and ability-based approach can provide a basis for the development phase and operation of self-aware automated road vehicles.
Effects of Sargassum latifolium Extract on Growth, Oil Content and Enzymatic Activities of Rosemary Plants under Salinity Stress

In the present study, a pot experiment was conducted during 2011-2012 to study the effect of foliar application of seaweed extract (SWE) Sargassum latifolium at (0.00, 0.20, 0.40 and 0.60%), alone or under salinity (S) at 100mM NaCl on rosemary plants. S. latifolium treatment, singly significantly increased growth parameters, oil percentage and yield per plant, microelement content and uptake, photosynthetic pigments and activity as well as activities of peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and ascorbate oxidase (AOD) with maximum promoting effect at 0.20% algal extract, while reduced the activities of catalase (CAT) and indole acetic acid oxidase (IAAO) compared to untreated controls. On the other hand, salinity decreased growth, oil yield, some enzymatic activities, photosynthetic pigments and activity, growth phytohormones and GA 3 /ABA ratio while increased abscisic acid (ABA) relative to control plants. Nevertheless, S. latifolium especially at 0.40% counter balanced the adverse effects of salinity and stimulated almost measured parameters. GC/MS of essential oils from dry aerial parts of R. officinalis revealed that 1,8-cineol (6.67-22.10%), camphor (10.47-14.54%), α-pinene (1.06-13.96%) and borneol (5.64-12.98%) were the main identified oils constituents in rosemary at second cut. Foliar spray with SWE at 0.20%, salinity at 100mM and combination of SWE at 0.40% + salinity decreased α-pinene and 1,8-cineole, while enhanced linalool, α-terpineol, β-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide and aromatic compounds. (Fatma Abd El Lateef Gharib; Ibrahim Mohamed Zeid; Olfat Motamed AbdEl-Hameed Salem and Eman Zakaria Ahmed. Effects of Sargassum latifolium Extract on Growth, Oil Content and Enzymatic Activities of Rosemary Plants under Salinity Stress. Life Sci J 2014;11(10):933-945). (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com . 146
How are people with dementia involved in care-planning and decision-making? An Irish social work perspective

In recent years, there have been national and international policy advances around capacity and decision-making and an apparent burgeoning rights-based approach to the issue, all of which have the potential to impact on the experience for people with dementia in Ireland. There is little evidence however on whether these policies and principles are being translated into practice and whether traditional paternalistic approaches to decision-making are being challenged. To gain insight into current practice, research was undertaken with social workers working with older people in Ireland; reporting on the involvement of people living with dementia in care-planning processes. Data collection included a mixed method approach; an on-line survey of social workers from across the country who reported on their open caseload during the month of June 2015 (N = 38 social workers reporting on the experiences of 788 older people, of which 39% of older people had a formal diagnosis of dementia). In addition, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with social workers working in the nine Community Health Organisation areas (N = 21). Findings show that people with dementia were high users of social work services, accounting for 44.5% of the client group. Social workers reported that there were no standardised approaches to how Health and Social Care Professionals involved people with dementia in care planning and decision-making. Overall, people with dementia were more likely to be excluded from decision-making processes due to (i) assumptions that they lacked capacity, (ii) family members preferences that the person was not involved, (iii) communication difficulties, (iv) time constraints, (v) little or no opportunity given or (vi) the person delegated decision-making to others. Good practices were identified through multidisciplinary team approaches and formal care planning meetings. This research highlights variability in how people with dementia participate in decision-making around their care. It sheds light on existing barriers which challenge the full implementation of the Irish Assisted Decision-Making legislation; highlighting the need for appropriate guidance and education for Health and Social Care Professionals. The findings also show that family dynamics and existing relationships can play a role in how people with dementia participate and are involved. To ensure consistent opportunities for participation, effective practices and approaches to supporting the participation of people living with dementia in care planning needs to be developed and rolled out in all care settings through increased training and adoption of standardised approaches.
Effects of Eutrophication, Seasonality and Macrofouling on the Diversity of Bacterial Biofilms in Equatorial Coral Reefs

Biofilms play an important role as a settlement cue for invertebrate larvae and significantly contribute to the nutrient turnover in aquatic ecosystems. Nevertheless, little is known about how biofilm community structure generally responds to environmental changes. This study aimed to identify patterns of bacterial dynamics in coral reef biofilms in response to associated macrofouling community structure, microhabitat (exposed vs. sheltered), seasonality, and eutrophication. Settlement tiles were deployed at four reefs along a cross-shelf eutrophication gradient and were exchanged every 4 months over 20 months. The fouling community composition on the tiles was recorded and the bacterial community structure was assessed with the community fingerprinting technique Automated Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Analysis (ARISA). Bacterial operational taxonomic unit (OTU) number was higher on exposed tiles, where the fouling community was homogenous and algae-dominated, than in sheltered habitats, which were occupied by a variety of filter feeders. Furthermore, OTU number was also highest in eutrophied near-shore reefs, while seasonal variations in community structure were most pronounced in the oligotrophic mid-shelf reef. In contrast, the macrofouling community structure did not change significantly with seasons. Changes in bacterial community patterns were mostly affected by microhabitat, seasonal and anthropogenically derived changes in nutrient availability, and to a lesser extent by changes in the macrofouling community structure. Path analysis revealed a complex interplay of various environmental and biological factors explaining the spatial and temporal variations in bacterial biofilm communities under natural conditions.