Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast Mode Decision in H.264/AVC

The latest video coding standard (Wiegand, 2003), H.264/AVC, uses variable block sizes ranging from 16x16 to 4x4 to perform motion estimation in inter-frame coding and a rich set of prediction patterns for intra-frame coding. Then a robust RDO (Rate Distortion Optimization) technique is employed to select the best coding mode and reference frame for each macroblock. As a result, H.264/AVC exhibits high coding efficiency compared to older video coding standards [2, 3] and shows significant future promise in the fields of video broadcasting and communication. However, high coding efficiency also carries high computational complexity. Fast mode decision is one of the key techniques to significantly reducing computational complexity for a similar RD (Rate Distortion) performance. This chapter provides an up-to-date critical survey of fast mode decision techniques for the H.264/AVC standard. The motivation for this chapter is twofold: Firstly to provide an up-to-data review of the existing techniques and secondly to offer some insights into the studies of fast mode decision techniques.
Spectral Energy Distributions and Multiwavelength Selection of Type 1 Quasars

We present an analysis of the mid-infrared (MIR) and optical properties of type 1 (broad-line) quasars detected by the Spitzer Space Telescope. The MIR color-redshift relation is characterized to z ~ 3, with predictions to z = 7. We demonstrate how combining MIR and optical colors can yield even more efficient selection of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) than MIR or optical colors alone. Composite spectral energy distributions (SEDs) are constructed for 259 quasars with both Sloan Digital Sky Survey and Spitzer photometry, supplemented by near-IR, GALEX, VLA, and ROSAT data, where available. We discuss how the spectral diversity of quasars influences the determination of bolometric luminosities and accretion rates; assuming the mean SED can lead to errors as large as 50% for individual quasars when inferring a bolometric luminosity from an optical luminosity. Finally, we show that careful consideration of the shape of the mean quasar SED and its redshift dependence leads to a lower estimate of the fraction of reddened/obscured AGNs missed by optical surveys as compared to estimates derived from a single mean MIR to optical flux ratio.
Linking knowledge management orientation to balanced scorecard outcomes

Purpose – This study aims to develops the decomposed model to examine the influence of knowledge management orientation (KMO) dimensions (organizational memory, knowledge sharing, knowledge absorption and knowledge receptivity) on balanced scorecard outcomes (learning and growth, internal process, customer satisfaction and financial performance). Design/methodology/approach – Survey data from 244 managers (in charge of KM projects in their companies) in large Taiwanese firms were collected and used to test the decomposed model using the structural equation modeling approach. Findings – This study finds that knowledge sharing is the strongest predictor of internal process performance, while knowledge absorption is pivotal in improving customer satisfaction. The results also show that non-financial performance measures (i.e. learning and growth, internal process and customer satisfaction) directly and indirectly affect financial performance through cause-and-effect relationships. Practical implications – In.
A Novel Specific Role for IκB Kinase Complex-associated Protein in Cytosolic Stress Signaling*

We demonstrate here a novel role for the IκB kinase complex-associated protein (IKAP) in the regulation of activation of the mammalian stress response via the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-signaling pathway. We cloned IKAP as a JNK-associating protein using the Ras recruitment yeast two-hybrid system. IKAP efficiently and specifically enhanced JNK activation induced by ectopic expression of MEKK1 and ASK1, upstream activators of JNK. Importantly, IKAP also enhanced JNK activation induced by ultraviolet light irradiation as well as treatments with tumor necrosis factor or epidermal growth factor. The JNK association site in IKAP was mapped to the C-terminal part of IKAP. Interestingly, this region is deleted from IKAP expressed in the autonomous nervous system of the patients affected by familial dysautonomia. Ectopic expression of this C-terminal fragment of IKAP was sufficient to support JNK activation. Taken together, our data demonstrate a novel role for IKAP in the regulation of the JNK-mediated stress signaling. Additionally, our results point to a role of JNK signaling in familial dysautonomia and, thus, further support the involvement of JNK signaling in the development, survival, and degeneration of the sensory and autonomic nervous system.
Vascular growth factor expression in a rat model of severe limb ischemia.

BACKGROUND In ischemic tissue hypoxia induces production of vascular growth factors, especially VEGF, which initiate local angiogenesis. Collateralization-or arteriogenesis-occurs at a distance from the ischemic tissue and depends on different growth factors such as FGF-2. A spatial discrepancy in endogenous growth factor production in limb ischemia may have implications for therapeutic angiogenesis. The present study elucidates if such spatial and temporal variation occurs. MATERIALS AND METHODS A two-staged procedure was performed to generate severe long-lasting limb ischemia in 60 rats. At 1, 7, 28, and 56 days, subgroups were subjected to perfusion assessment with laser Doppler imaging and angiography. Muscle samples and foot skin were gathered to measure growth factor expression and signs of angiogenesis using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS There was an early twofold increase (P < 0.05) in both VEGF and FGF-2 levels in distal muscle from the ischemic leg, but no significant rise in the thigh. The concentrations decreased over time with an exception for VEGF in soleus and FGF-2 in anterior tibial muscle, which remained high. An increased capillarity was noted (P < 0.05) in soleus after 28 days, and the number of BrdU-positive ECs was elevated in all ischemic samples at 56 days. Collateral arteries were observed on the angiograms after 7 days. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that in limb ischemia any major increase in vascular growth factor production is limited to ischemic tissue. The spatial and temporal distribution patterns of growth factor production are complex and to a great extent influenced by inflammation.
Creating a culture of competence.

creating a culture of competence What to say and what to do when mostly your friends love reading? Are you the one that don't have such hobby? So, it's important for you to start having that hobby. You know, reading is not the force. We're sure that reading will lead you to join in better concept of life. Reading will be a positive activity to do every time. And do you know our friends become fans of creating a culture of competence as the best book to read? Yeah, it's neither an obligation nor order. It is the referred book that will not make you feel disappointed.
Nutritional evaluation of sunflower seed and products derived from them. Effect of oil extraction

1. Apparent ME n and oil digestibility of hulled sunflower seed (SFS) and the products derived from the oil extraction process: press extracted SFS (PESFS), sunflower seed meal (SFSM), and press and solvent oils (PO and SO) - were determined with 198 cockerels. Recombined products (mix of meal and oil) were also evaluated to study the effect of the 2 consecutive oil extraction steps. Each foodstuff was included in a basal diet, according to the proportions resulting from processing, at 100, 200, and 300 g SFS/kg. 2. Dietary energy value and digestible fat content were linearly related to rate of inclusion of test ingredients. Extrapolation values for AME n (MJ/kg DM) were: SFS, 16.20; PESFS, 9.46; SFSM, 7.62. A decreasing quadratic trend was also found in the AME n of PESFS, with interpolation values ranging from 11.77 to 9.33 MJ/kg DM between 70 and 210 g/kg DM of inclusion. No differences were observed between PO and SO. The AME n of of sunflower oil, calculated from its digestibility, was 33.70 MJ/kg DM. 3. The oil extraction process affected the nutritional value of sunflower products. Recombined materials showed greater values than original foodstuffs: R-SFS, 17.47; R-PESFS, 11.49 MJ/kg DM. The increase in oil digestibility (from 0.814 to 0.862 g/kg DM in SFS; from 0.778 to 0.892 in PESFS) accounted for most of the increase observed in AME n values. 4. As the form in which oil is incorporated in diets (released or within SFS or PESFS) affects the utilisation of sunflower products, their nutritional value is less than maximal and should not be calculated from their ingredients. Solvent oil seems to be the less available fraction of sunflower oil within SFS as the effect of the 2nd extraction proved to be greater than that of the previous press extraction.
The renotrophic factor, a persistent stimulus that crosses the placenta in mice.

1. Twenty 7‐week female mice underwent right nephrectomy and twenty others were sham operated. A week later all animals were made pregnant. Pregnancy was repeated five more times consecutively and various renal parameters were assessed in the pups. 2. Fractional fresh kidney weight (relative to body weight) was significantly increased in the pups of nephrectomized mothers while percentage renal water and protein content expressed as mg/g kidney weight were not statistically different in the two groups of pups. Thus dry kidney weight and amount of protein per kidney were increased in the experimental group. This was true for the newborns of all six pregnancies. 3. Renal morphometric studies performed in newborns of first pregnancies showed that the mean number of glomeruli per microscopic field, mean fractional cumulative glomerular area (relative to microscopic field area) and the mean number of cells per glomerulus were significantly greater in the experimental group. Mean glomerular radius was not statistically different in the two groups. 4. The results indicate that: (1) the renotrophic factor(s) crosses the placenta in mice; (2) its activity in maternal circulation following uninephrectomy is sustained for a relatively long period; and (3) fetal response to enhanced maternal renotrophin stimulation consists of increased renal dry weight and renal protein, formation of super‐physiological numbers of glomeruli and cellular hyperplasia of the glomeruli.
Mobile phone effects on children's event-related oscillatory EEG during an auditory memory task

Purpose: To assess the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by mobile phones (MP) on the 1 – 20 Hz event-related brain oscillatory EEG (electroencephalogram) responses in children performing an auditory memory task (encoding and recognition). Materials and methods: EEG data were gathered while 15 subjects (age 10 – 14 years) performed an auditory memory task both with and without exposure to a digital 902 MHz MP in counterbalanced order. Results: During memory encoding, the active MP modulated the event-related desynchronization/synchronization (ERD/ERS) responses in the ∼4 – 8 Hz EEG frequencies. During recognition, the active MP transformed these brain oscillatory responses in the ∼4 – 8 Hz and ∼15 Hz frequencies. Conclusions: The current findings suggest that EMF emitted by mobile phones has effects on brain oscillatory responses during cognitive processing in children.
Passive components integration in CMOS technology

The present paper aims at integrating thin films as passive components in the Back End of Line of an industrial Si-based CMOS technology while keeping limited additional technological steps. TiNxOy and TixTayO thin films deposited by magnetron sputtering were respectively investigated as resistive and high-k materials dedicated to highly integrated resistors and capacitors. We report here on electrical characterizations of thin films of both materials regarding the performances criteria of the component versus thin film characteristics.
The Carotid Compression Test for Therapeutic Occlusion of the Internal Carotid Artery

Background: The anterior communicating artery is a key collateral pathway in patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusions. Diagnostic balloon or manual occlusion of the ICA is a qualified test for the collateral function of the circle of Willis. The aim of our study was to test whether transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) with manual carotid compression is able to predict the degree of cross-over flow and tolerance of ICA occlusion. Methods: A prospective study was performed on 88 patients suffering from neck tumors or inoperable ICA aneurysms with planned ligation or permanent balloon occlusion of the ICA. Preceding a balloon occlusion lasting 20 min we performed TCD with manual carotid compression test. Insufficient cross-over flow during transient carotid occlusion was defined angiographically as missing opacification of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) after selective injection of contrast media in the contralateral ICA, and sonographically as a decrease greater than 60% in flow velocity of the MCA ipsilateral to the carotid occlusion. Results: TCD and angiography could be compared in 70 of 88 patients. Angiography showed no or insufficient collateral flow in 26%. All patients (n = 10) with a decrease in MCA velocity greater than 60% on angiography showed missing or poor cross-over flow. A greater than 50% increase in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) predicted moderate or good cross-over flow in 98%. Clinical observation revealed 11 transient neurological deficits. Eight of them showed insufficient cross-over flow angiographically and sonographically. In 2 of 11 only TCD revealed such low collateral supply. Neither technique predicted hemodynamic ischemia in only 1 of the 11. Conclusion: TCD with carotid compression test is a valid method for predicting interhemispheric flow and clinically relevant hemodynamic compromise in cases of occlusion of the ICA.
Rare earth element chemistry of zircon and its use as a provenance indicator

Sedimentary mineral assemblages commonly contain detrital zircon crystals as part of the heavy-mineral fraction. Age spectra determined by U-Pb isotopic analysis of single zircon crystals within a sample may directly image the age composition—but not the chemical composition—of the source region. Rare earth element (REE) abundances have been measured for zircons from a range of common crustal igneous rock types from different tectonic environments, as well as kimberlite, carbonatite, and high-grade metamorphic rocks, to assess the potential of using zircon REE characteristics to infer the rock types present in sediment source regions. Except for zircon with probable mantle affinities, zircon REE abundances and normalized patterns show little intersample and intrasample variation. To evaluate the actual variation in detrital zircon REE composition in a true sediment of known mixed provenance, zircons from a sandstone sample from the Statfjord Formation (North Sea) were analyzed. Despite a provenance including high-grade metasediment and granitoids and a range in zircon age of 2.82 b.y. , the zircon REEs exhibit a narrow abundance range with no systematic differences in pattern shape. These evidences show zircon REE patterns and abundances are generally not useful as indicators of provenance.
Challenges of teaching physiology in a PBL school.

A problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum was introduced at McMaster University more than three decades ago. Not many schools have adopted the system despite its distinct advantages. The present paper examines the challenges of teaching physiology in a PBL curriculum and gleans through the literature supporting PBL. It appears that one of the reasons why PBL is not becoming readily acceptable is the lack of concrete reports evaluating the curricular outcomes. The suggestion (R.E. Thomas. Med Educ. 31:320-329, 1997) to standardize and internationalize all components of validated PBL curricula is quite valid. A database needs to be generated that can be easily accessed by traditional institutions to see the rationality and easy implementation of the PBL curriculum.
CD4+ CD25+ Regulatory T Cell Repertoire Formation in Response to Varying Expression of a neo-Self-Antigen 1

We have examined the development of self-peptide-specific CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in lineages of transgenic mice that express the influenza virus PR8 hemagglutinin (HA) under the control of several different promoters (HA transgenic mice). By mating these lineages with TS1-transgenic mice expressing a TCR that recognizes the major I-Ed-restricted determinant from HA (site 1 (S1)), we show that S1-specific T cells undergo selection to become CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in each of the lineages, although in varying numbers. In some lineages, S1-specific CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells are highly abundant; indeed, TS1xHA-transgenic mice can contain as many S1-specific CD4+ T cells as are present in TS1 mice, which do not express the neo-self HA. In another lineage, however, S1-specific thymocytes are subjected to more extensive deletion and far fewer S1-specific CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells accumulate in the periphery. We show that radioresistant stromal cells can direct both deletion and CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell selection of S1-specific thymocytes. Interestingly, even though their numbers can vary, the S1-specific CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in all cases coexist with clonally related CD4+CD25− T cells that lack regulatory function. These findings show that the formation of the CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell repertoire is sensitive to variations in the expression of self-peptides.
Data Reproducibility From an Inertial Kinetic Exercise Machine

Caruso, JF, Kucera, SC, Hari, PK, Mc Lagan, JR, Olson, NM, Shepherd, CM, and Marshall, MR. Data reproducibility from an inertial kinetic exercise machine. J Strength Cond Res 24(11): 3081-3087, 2010-An inertial kinetic exercise (IKE, Oconomowoc, WI, USA) machine was created that permits high-velocity workouts suited for injury rehabilitation and speed development in athletes. In addition, its design does not entail the movement of resistance against Earth's gravitational pull. Thus, the design and operation associated with the IKE may be incorporated into novel environments such as space flight. Yet before it can be used for such reasons, IKE data reproducibility must first be ascertained, which serves as the present study's purpose. Methods to assess data reproducibility required subjects (n = 42) to perform 2 IKE elbow flexor trials, each comprising two 60-second sets separated by a 90-second rest. Preceded by a familiarization session on the IKE, subjects were instructed to perform high-speed elbow flexor trial repetitions in good form. Instrumentation entailed an accelerometer and a computer interfaced with software. Maximum and average forces (MF, AF), as well as work (W), were examined for reproducibility with several test-retest measures. Results showed high reproducibility, yet intertrial variability was greater due in part to the length of time between exercise sessions. It was concluded that MF reproducibility was inherently less partly due to the nature of the variable, which entailed a single instantaneous expression over each 60-second set. In contrast, AF and W denoted a cumulative, and thus better overall, representation of total exercise performance. Based on our high reproducibility values, present IKE instrumentation methods appear to be appropriate. Practical applications suggest that coaches and therapists may want to employ an IKE as instrumented in the present study to derive reproducible performance data on people who may use the device under their supervision.
Current approaches and controversial issues in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis via duplex Doppler ultrasound

Duplex and color Doppler sonography (DUS) is currently the technique of choice for the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in symptomatic patients, because it has proven safe and cost‐effective, with a very high sensitivity and specificity (96% and 98%, respectively) for the diagnosis of proximal DVT. Several issues regarding its method and clinical indications remain controversial, however. Although isolated calf vein thrombosis does not seem to have a significant adverse outcome in the short term, scanning the calf only in patients with localized symptoms or signs is cost‐effective. Bilateral examination is indicated in high‐risk patients or when screening asymptomatic patients. When negative, a complete DUS examination of the proximal and distal veins, at least down to the level of the popliteal trifurcation, allows withholding anticoagulant therapy without the risk of major complications. This examination may be repeated if signs or symptoms worsen. Some populations of asymptomatic patients at high risk of DVT may benefit from DUS screening. Bilateral DUS examination of lower limb veins should be performed as the initial examination in the workflow of pulmonary embolism only in patients with risk factors for DVT. Recurrent thrombosis is a challenging diagnosis for all imaging modalities. A diagnostic strategy combining clinical probability score and D‐dimer test may refine the selection of patients. The pitfalls and limitations of venous DUS are related to vein anatomy, flow changes, technical issues, and operator expertise. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:289–297, 2006
Maximum Energy Efficiency Tracking for Wireless Power Transfer Systems

A method for automatic “maximum energy efficiency tracking” operation for wireless power transfer (WPT) systems is presented in this paper. Using the switched-mode converter in the receiver module to emulate the optimal load value, the proposed method follows the maximum energy efficiency operating points of a WPT system by searching for the minimum input power operating point for a given output power. Because the searching process is carried out on the transmitter side, the proposal does not require any wireless communication feedback from the receiver side. The control scheme has been successfully demonstrated in a two-coil system under both weak and strong magnetic coupling conditions. Experimental results are included to confirm its feasibility.
Exponential stability for switched delay systems based on average dwell time technique and Lyapunov function method

This paper considers the problem of guaranteed exponential stability of switched delay systems by using Lyapunov function method, Razumikhin technique. The scheme of average dwell time is introduced into the switched delay systems. Based on the scheme of average dwell time, sufficient conditions for exponential stability of switched delay systems are presented. For a certain class of switched delay systems, a lower bound on the average dwell time guaranteeing exponential stability can be explicitly calculated via the solutions of some linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method