Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vlsi Architectures of Daubechies Wavelet Transforms Using Algebraic Integers

Two-Dimensional Wavelet Transforms have proven to be highly effective tools for image analysis. In this paper, we present a VLSI implementation of four- and six-coefficient Daubechies Wavelet Transforms using an algebraic integer encoding representation for the coefficients. The Daubechies filters (DAUB4 and DAUB6) provide excellent spatial and spectral locality, properties which make it useful in image compression. In our algorithm, the algebraic integer representation of the wavelet coefficients provides error-free calculations until the final reconstruction step. This also makes the VLSI architecture simple, multiplication-free and inherently parallel. Compared to other DWT algorithms found in the literature, such as embedded zero-tree, recursive or semi-recursive, linear systolic arrays and conventional fixed-point binary architectures, it has reduced hardware cost, lower power dissipation and optimized data-bus utilization. The architecture is also cascadable for computation of one- or multi-dimensional Daubechies Discrete Wavelet Transforms.
Social Isolation Alters Social and Mating Behavior in the R451C Neuroligin Mouse Model of Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder typified by impaired social communication and restrictive and repetitive behaviors. Mice serve as an ideal candidate organism for studying the neural mechanisms that subserve these symptoms. The Neuroligin-3 (NL3) mouse, expressing a R451C mutation discovered in two Swedish brothers with ASD, exhibits impaired social interactions and heightened aggressive behavior towards male mice. Social interactions with female mice have not been characterized and in the present study were assessed in male NL3R451C and WT mice. Mice were housed in social and isolation conditions to test for isolation-induced increases in social interaction. Tests were repeated to investigate potential differences in interaction in naïve and experienced mice. We identified heightened interest in mating and atypical aggressive behavior in NL3R451C mice. NL3R451C mice exhibited normal social interaction with WT females, indicating that abnormal aggressive behavior towards females is not due to altered motivation to engage. Social isolation rearing heightened interest in social behavior in all mice. Isolation housing selectively modulated the response to female pheromones in NL3R451C mice. This study is the first to show altered mating behavior in the NL3R451C mouse and has provided new insights into the aggressive phenotype in this model.
The Effects of General Anesthesia on Human Skin Microcirculation Evaluated by Wavelet Transform

BACKGROUND:Time-frequency analysis of the laser Doppler flowmetry signal, using wavelet transform, shows periodic oscillations at five characteristic frequencies related to the heart (0.6–2 Hz), respiration (0.15–0.6 Hz), myogenic activity in the vessel wall (0.052–0.15 Hz), sympathetic activity (0.021–0.052 Hz), and very slow oscillations (0.0095–0.021), which can be modulated by the endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine. We hypothesized that wavelet transform of laser Doppler flowmetry signals could detect changes in the microcirculation induced by general anesthesia, such as alterations in vasomotion and sympathetic activity. METHODS:Eleven patients undergoing faciomaxillary surgery were included. Skin microcirculation was measured on the lower forearm with laser Doppler flowmetry and iontophoresis with acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside before and during general anesthesia with propofol, fentanyl, and midazolam. The laser Doppler flowmetry signals were analyzed using wavelet transform. RESULTS:There were significant reductions in spectral amplitudes in the 0.0095–0.021 (P < 0.01), the 0.021–0.052 (P < 0.001), and the 0.052–0.15 Hz frequency interval (P < 0.01) and a significant increase in the 0.15–0.6 Hz frequency interval. General anesthesia had no effect on the difference between acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside on relative amplitudes in the 0.0095–0.021 Hz frequency interval (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION:General anesthesia reduces the oscillatory components of the perfusion signal related to sympathetic, myogenic activity and the component modulated by the endothelium. However, the iontophoretic data did not reveal a specific effect on the endothelium. The increase in the 0.15–0.6 Hz interval is related to the effect of mechanical ventilation.
Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Solitary Pulmonary Nodules: Utility of Kinetic Patterns in Differential Diagnosis

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical feasibility of dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with a 3-dimensional (3D) gradient recalled echo (GRE) volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) sequence to differentiate between benign and malignant solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs). Methods: Dynamic 3D GRE VIBE was performed in 45 patients with SPNs. For each lesion, the morphologic parameters, including the edge configuration, presence of peripheral enhancement (PE), and an internal signal on T2-weighted images, and the kinetic enhancement parameters were evaluated. Results: All 29 of the malignant SPNs had internal enhancement, whereas 13 (81%) of the benign SPNs did not exhibit internal enhancement. A washout pattern was only observed in the malignant SPNs. The presence of PE was found in 56% of the benign SPNs and in 50% of the malignant SPNs. The lesion size was significantly different between malignant SPNs with PE and those without PE (P < 0.01). The positive predictive value for malignancy was 91% (29 of 32 malignant SPNs). The negative predictive value was 100% (13 of 13 benign SPNs). Conclusions: A combination of morphologic criteria and kinetic information is useful for differentiating between benign and malignant SPNs. In particular, internal enhancement with PE and positive visual washout is thought be a useful tool.
The role of management and representation in improving performance of disadvantaged students: An application of Bum Phillips's "Don Shula Rule"

Scholars and practitioners within the U.S. education system have focused considerable attention on developing new programs aimed at raising educational achievement for disadvantaged students. New programs are only one way to improve student performance, however; recent work in public administration suggests that public management and implementation practices might also have a large impact on student performance. Existing research shows that managerial networking, managerial quality, and effective personnel management can significantly improve the quality of the education received by disadvantaged students. Additional work highlights the contribution of representative bureaucracy. Because these research agendas have targeted the public administration literature rather than the education policy literature, this article seeks to bring this research back to education policy. Using data from several hundred Texas public school districts, spanning 1995 to 2002, and focusing on disadvantaged student performance (Latinos, blacks, and low-income students), this article illustrates how both management and processes to enhance the representativeness of teaching faculty produce benefits for disadvantaged students. Copyright 2006 by The Policy Studies Organization.
Glimpsing Predictions for Natural and Vocoded Sentence Intelligibility During Modulation Masking: Effect of the Glimpse Cutoff Criterion

This study varied the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) cutoff criterion for acoustically defining usable perceptual glimpses that contribute to speech intelligibility. Criterion-dependent effects were determined by examining the correlation of three different acoustic glimpse metrics with intelligibility. Glimpse properties change depending on the acoustic interactions between the speech and competing noise. Therefore, these measures were investigated with different rates of competing speech that were varied using time compression or expansion. Finally, effects of temporal modulation masking and spectral segregation were examined by comparison between unprocessed (natural) and vocoded speech. Results revealed a range of SNR cutoffs that were associated with correlations between the different acoustic glimpse metrics and intelligibility. Changing the glimpse criterion strongly influenced the associations between intelligibility and two of the acoustic glimpse metrics for the different masker modulation rates. However, the proportion of target speech above the SNR cutoff was less affected by altering the cutoff criterion. These results suggest that intelligibility models should account for the perceptual contribution of different glimpse metrics or limit glimpse cutoff criteria to an SNR region (1-3 dB based on this data) that captures the perceptual utility of multiple glimpse mechanisms.
A joint Nordic model for fertility traits

Anders Fogh, Anki Roth, Ole Maagaard Pedersen, Jan-Ake Eriksson, Jarmo Juga, Minna Toivonen, Ina M. A. Ranberg, Torstein Steine, Ulrik Sander Nielsen, Gert Pedersen Aamand Danish Cattle Federation, Danish Agricultural Advisory Service, Udkaersvej 15, 8200 Aahus N, Denmark Swedish Dairy Association, Box 1146, SE-631 80 Eskilstuna, Sweden Nordic Cattle Genetic Evaluation, P.O. Box 40, Vantaa, Finland ProAgria Finnish Animal Breeding Association, P.O. Box 40, Vantaa, Finland GENO, Breeding and A.I. Association, Agricultural University of Norway, P.O. Box 5025, N-1432, Norway
Evaluation of a measles vaccine efficacy during a measles outbreak in Mbare, City of Harare Zimbabwe.

OBJECTIVE To determine measles vaccine efficacy. DESIGN Between October and November 1996, during a measles outbreak in Mbare, a retrospective study through interviews with care givers was performed. Thirty clusters were randomly selected and seven or more, nine to 35 months old children in each cluster were selected. SETTING Mbare suburb, City of Harare SUBJECTS 294 children aged nine to 35 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cases were classified in a two by two contingency table based on their vaccination status and measles status during the outbreak. Vaccine coverage, attack rates and vaccine efficacy were then calculated. RESULTS Of the 294 children selected, 83% (95% CI 78.7, 87.3) were vaccinated and 9.5% had measles. The attack rate for the vaccinated was 6.9% while that for the unvaccinated was 22%. Vaccine efficacy was 68%. CONCLUSION Vaccine efficacy was found to be low. There is need for serological confirmation of measles cases during outbreaks; for a comprehensive evaluation of the measles vaccination programme in Mbare and for maintenance of high measles vaccine coverage rates to reduce morbidity.
Clonal V alpha 12.1+ T cell expansions in the peripheral blood of rheumatoid arthritis patients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represents a heterogenous disease characterized by chronic polyarthritis. Most patients with adult RA inherit HLA-DR4 or -DR1 major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes. While the molecular basis for this genetic predisposition is unknown, the major function of these MHC-encoded molecules is to present peptides to T lymphocytes. It is hypothesized that an endogenous or environmental antigen initiates a MHC-restricted immune response mediated by T lymphocytes, which is followed by a chronic inflammatory reaction involving many cell types. In chronic RA, previous or ongoing antigenic activation might result in detectable skewing of the peripheral alpha/beta T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. Here we demonstrate a marked expansion of V alpha 12.1-bearing CD8+ T cells in the peripheral blood (mean, 22%; range, 10-43%) of > 15% of RA patients. A major proportion of these patients shared HLA-DQ2 in addition to the expected high frequency DR1 and DR4 alleles. Detailed molecular analysis in three of the RA patients with elevated V alpha 12.1+ T cells identified repeated TCR alpha chain sequences consistent with clonal V alpha 12.1+,CD8+ T cell expansion. In addition to shared TCR V alpha 12.1 germline gene usage among unrelated subjects, a conserved J alpha motif was also detected. Together, these results suggest an antigen-driven mechanism of T cell expansion in these patients and may offer a new approach in examining specific antigen that stimulate T cells in RA.
The wear pattern in metal-on-metal hip prostheses.

The accumulated data suggest that there is a strong correlation between polyethylene wear and osteolysis, which ultimately leads to prosthetic loosening. Second-generation metal-on-metal prostheses have been introduced, with an eye toward resolving this wear-induced osteolysis problem. The metal particles and ions are biologically active and can affect the cell homeostasis. Thus, defining the wear pattern and ratio of a given metal-on-metal prosthesis system is desirable. An early high-wear or run-in phase followed by a low-wear phase or steady state has been suggested for metal-on-metal hip prostheses. The aim of this study was to define the wear pattern of metal-on-metal bearings. The prosthesis systems were tested in a joint simulator. An early accelerated wear phase transformed to a slower wear phase after 700,000 cycles. The run-in and steady-state wear rates for combined head and liner averaged 2.22 mm(3)/Mc and 1.0 mm(3)/ million cycles, respectively. The metal-on-metal prosthesis featured a biphasic wear trend with the wear ratio in run in being more than twofold higher than the steady-state phase.
Microneedle-mediated Transdermal and Intradermal Drug Delivery

Microneedle-mediated Transdermal and Intradermal Drug Delivery covers the major aspects relating to the use of microneedle arrays in enhancing drug delivery applications. It provides an overview of the various methods employed to design and produce microneedles, from the different materials involved to the importance of application methods. It carefully and critically reviews ongoing transdermal and intradermal delivery research using microneedles and includes the outcomes of in vivo animal and human studies. Importantly, it also discusses the safety and patient acceptability studies carried out to date. Finally, the book reviews the recent patents in microneedle research and describes the ongoing developments within industry that will determine the future of microneedle-mediated transdermal and intradermal drug delivery.
Psychotropic drug use in Italy, 1984-99: the impact of a change in reimbursement status

After years of corruption surrounding drug reimbursement, in 1994, a change in drug reimbursement status was implemented in Italy according to cost-effectiveness criteria. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of these changes on the use of psychotropic drugs. National trends in antipsychotic, antidepressant and benzodiazepine prescriptions were analysed from 1984 to 1999. During the study period, prescriptions of antipsychotic drugs were stable from 1984 to 1994 but, in the subsequent 5 years, increased by 54%. Although the use of atypical compounds in 1999 accounted for only 6% of total antipsychotics sold, the cost of these new drugs accounted for almost one-half the total antipsychotic expenditure. The use of benzodiazepines increased by 53%. In 1999, the psychotropic drugs lorazepam and alprazolam were the most sold by value. From 1984 to 1999, the total antidepressants sold increased by 55%. Although the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and newer antidepressants in 1999 accounted for less than 50% of total antidepressants sold, the cost of these drugs accounted for 65% of total antidepressant expenditure. This analysis highlights specific areas of concern which should become the object of public health programs.
Wisteria floribunda Agglutinin-Positive Mac-2 Binding Protein but not α-Fetoprotein as a Long-Term Hepatocellular Carcinoma Predictor

Identification of high-risk patients for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after sustained virological responses (SVR) is necessary to define candidates for long-term surveillance. In this study, we examined whether serum markers after 1 year of SVR could predict subsequent HCC development. Total 734 chronic hepatitis C patients without a history of HCC who achieved SVR with direct-acting antivirals were included. The regular surveillance for HCC started from 24 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR24). Factors at SVR24 and 1 year after SVR24 were analyzed for predicting HCC development. During the mean observation period of 19.7 ± 10 months, 24 patients developed HCC. At SVR24, Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive mac-2 binding protein (WFA±M2BP) ≥ 1.85 and α-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥ 6.0 ng/mL were independent factors of HCC development. However, at 1 year after SVR24, WFA±M2BP ≥ 1.85 was associated with subsequent HCC development (hazard ratio: 23.5, 95% confidence interval: 2.68–205) but not AFP. Among patients with WFA±M2BP ≥ 1.85 at SVR24, 42% had WFA±M2BP < 1.85 at 1 year after SVR24 (WFA±M2BP declined group). Subsequent HCC development was significantly lower in the declined group than in the non-declined group (1 year HCC rate: 0% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.04). In conclusion, WFA±M2BP but not AFP could identify high and no-risk cases of HCC at 1 year after SVR. Therefore, it was useful as a real-time monitoring tool to identify the candidates for continuous surveillance for HCC.
The dynamics of nematode transmission in the red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus) : studies on the recovery of Trichostrongylus tenuis larvae from vegetation

Attempts to recover the infective third-stage larvae of Trichostrongylus tenuis from heather (Calluna vulgaris) vegetation in the field are rarely successful because the larvae may be: (i) concealed within heather leaflets; (ii) concentrated in dew droplets which are lost from the plants upon sampling; or (iii) simply highly aggregated in the field. Heather plants were exposed to T. tenuis larvae in the laboratory and kept under suitable conditions for larval migration. Few larvae were found in dew droplets or concealed within heather leaflets; most larvae were recovered from the plant surface. This suggests that the low larval recovery from vegetation in the field simply reflects a highly aggregated distribution of few larvae. In a second experiment, the efficiency with which infective larvae migrate up the structurally complex heather plants was compared with migration up two control plant species with simpler structures: a monocotyledon, wheat, and a dicotyledon, hebe. After constant exposure, significantly more larvae were recovered from heather than from either of the control plants. This implies that the structural complexity of heather causes no problems for the infective larvae.
Optical characterization of thin female breast biopsies based on the reduced scattering coefficient

One of the main goals in optical characterization of biopsies is to discern between tissue types. Usually, the theory used for deriving the optical properties of such highly scattering media is based on the diffusion approximation. However, biopsies are usually small in size compared to the transport mean free path and thus cannot be treated with standard diffusion theory. To account for this, an improved theory was developed, by the authors, that can correctly describe light propagation in small geometries (Garofalakis et al 2004 J. Opt. A: Pure Appl. Opt. 6 725–35). The theory's limit was validated by both Monte Carlo simulations and experiments performed on tissue-like phantoms, and was found to be two transport mean free paths. With the aid of this theory, we have characterized 59 samples of breast tissue including cancerous samples by retrieving their reduced scattering coefficients from time-resolved transmission data. The mean values for the reduced scattering coefficients of the normal and the tumour tissue were measured to be 9.7 ± 2.2 cm−1 and 10.8 ± 1.8 cm−1, respectively. The correlation with age was also investigated.
Insight into Two ABC Transporter Families Involved in Lantibiotic Resistance

Antimicrobial peptides, which contain (methyl)-lanthionine-rings are called lantibiotics. They are produced by several Gram-positive bacteria and are mainly active against these bacteria. Although these are highly potent antimicrobials, some human pathogenic bacteria express specific ABC transporters that confer resistance and counteract their antimicrobial activity. Two distinct ABC transporter families are known to be involved in this process. These are the Cpr- and Bce-type ABC transporter families, named after their involvement in cationic peptide resistance in Clostridium difficile, and bacitracin efflux in Bacillus subtilis, respectively. Both resistance systems differentiate to each other in terms of the proteins involved. Here, we summarize the current knowledge and describe the divergence as well as the common features present in both the systems to confer lantibiotic resistance.
Inactivation of bacterial spores by hydrostatic pressure.

SUMMARY: Spores of various species of the genera Bacillus and Clostridium were inactivated by hydrostatic pressures up to 8000 atmospheres. Inactivation was a function of holding time at pressure rather than of the compression and decompression stages. Inactivation generally proceeded more rapidly at high than at low temperatures; below about 50° there was a well defined optimum pressure for inactivation, but above about 50° an increase in pressure up to 8000 atmospheres caused progressively more inactivation. Inactivation was decreased at extremes of pH value and by high ionic strength solutions. A proportion of the spores pressurized under certain conditions became heat-sensitive. These observations, and the chemical, phase-contrast, and electron-microscopic changes seen in pressurized spores, suggested that pressure caused inactivation of spores by first initiating germination and then inactivating the germinated forms.
Fossil energy in economic growth : A study of the energy direction of technical change , 1950-2012 ∗

Climate change mitigation challenges national economies to increase productivity while reducing fossil energy consumption. Fossil energy-saving technical change has been assumed to accomplish this, yet empirical evidence is scarce. This paper investigates the long-run relationship between the rate and direction of technical change with respect to fossil energy and labor in the world economy. Growth rates of labor productivity and the fossil energy-labor ratio are examined for more than 95% of world output between 1950 and 2012. The average elasticity of the energy-labor ratio with respect to labor productivity is close to one, implying highly energy-using technical change, but no trade-off between factor productivity growth rates. This stylized fact suggests the importance of a cheap, abundant energy supply for robust global growth, and a more important role for renewable energy. Integrated assessment models do not incorporate this restriction which may result in poorly specified baseline scenarios. JEL: N10, O44, O47, Q43
The Frequency of the H402 Allele of CFH and Its Involvement with Age-Related Maculopathy in an Aged Black African Xhosa Population

The H402 allele of the CFH gene is an established risk factor for age-related maculopathy (ARMD) in Caucasians, accounting for approximately 60% of the genetic risk at the population level.1 In general, the advanced forms of ARMD are rare in Black populations in Africa, as well as Black populations who have lived for generations in the United States or the West Indies, although there are reports that the earlier forms such as drusen may not be all that uncommon.234 The aim of the present study was to estimate the frequency of the C allele of the CFH Y402H variant in an aged South African Black Xhosa population and to describe the evidence of ARMD found.