Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FPGA Implementation of a Real-Time Pedestrian Detection Processor Aided by E-HOG IP

This paper describes a real-time pedestrian detection processor of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) using a novel structure aided by E-HOG IP. This structure proposes a three stages detection to reduce the amount of calculation and improve the processing speed. Compared to the traditional methods, in the first stage, the Sobel-step can select windows of interest before feature extraction and classification. In the second stage, the uniform-LBP (Local Binary Pattern), which is implemented cell by cell, has approximately half-dimension of HOG and simultaneous SVM (Support Vector Machine) to decrease total computation. In the third stage, improved HOG (Histogram of Oriented Gradient), called E-HOG (Efficient-HOG), is suitable to be realized in hardware. E-HOG and SVM are adopted to improve the detection rate. To evaluate the performance, the proposed structure is implemented into an FPGA while the E-HOG is manufactured as one common IP. The results indicate that this processor can detect pedestrians with 48 fps for VGA resolution under 25Mhz in low FPGA series and satisfy the demand of real-time.
Cytochromes P450 and MDR1 mRNA expression along the human gastrointestinal tract.

AIM The aim of this study was to quantify the mRNA expression of three cytochromes P450 (CYP) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. METHOD Biopsies were obtained from gastric, duodenal, colonic and rectal mucosa during routine gastro-colonoscopy in 27 patients. The biopsies were snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen. Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for the quantitative analyses of mRNA expressed by the CYP2E1, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 genes, and the MDR1 gene coding for P-gp protein. The mRNA expression of b-actin was used as an internal standard for comparisons between samples. RESULTS All CYP genes were expressed at all locations throughout the GI tract, although all showed substantial interindividual variation. CYP2E1 had the highest expression at all locations (P < 0.05 to P < 0.0001), except in the right colon. CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 had their highest mRNA expression in the duodenum (P < 0.001 and P < 0.000 001, respectively) and CYP2E1 in the stomach (P < 0.01). MDR1 mRNA concentrations increased along the GI tract with the highest expression being in the left colon (P < 0.000001). CONCLUSION Multiple sampling within the same individual enabled us to study the intraindividual variation in expression of CYP and MDR1 genes along the GI tract. We find that CYP2E1 mRNA expression is higher than that of the other CYPs. CYP3A expression is highest in the duodenum and that of MDR1 increases from stomach and duodenum to colon.
Skiing- and snowboarding-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments, 2002.

BACKGROUND This study aims to describe the characteristics of skiing- and snowboarding-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments (EDs). METHODS Skiing- and snowboarding-related injuries collected by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System in 2002 were analyzed. Data regarding skiing and snowboarding participation were used to calculate injury rates by age group and activity (skiing versus snowboarding). RESULTS An estimated 77,300 (95% CI = 11,600-143,000) skiing- and 62,000 (95% CI = 32,800-91,200) snowboarding-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital EDs in 2002. Wrist injuries (17.9%) and arm injuries (16.6%) among snowboarders and knee injuries (22.7%) among skiers were the most common injuries. The age groups that have the highest skiing-related injury rates were the 55-64 years (29.0 per 1,000 participants), the 65+ years (21.7 per 1,000 participants), and the 45-54 years (15.5 per 1,000 participants). The age groups that have the highest snowboarding-related injuries were the 10-13 years (15.9 per 1,000 participants), the 14-17 years (15.0 per 1,000 participants), and the 18-24 years (13.5 per 1,000 participants). Traumatic brain injury (TBI) rates were higher among older skiers, 55-64 years (2.15 per 1,000 participants), and younger skiers, 10-13 years (1.69 per 1,000 participants). CONCLUSIONS Our study is the first to demonstrate that older skiers are at highest risk for injury. Adolescents are at highest risk for snowboarding-related injury. Prevention of TBI should be a top injury control priority among skiers and snowboarders.
Efficacy of stratum corneum lipid supplementation on human skin

Recent studies suggest that supplementing intercellular lipids of the stratum corneum in ageing populations or in people with dry skin can stimulate the functioning of the skin. This work lends support to the reinforcement capacity of two different stratum corneum lipid mixtures (synthetic stratum corneum lipid mixtures, SSCL, and internal wool lipid extracts, IWL) formulated as liposomes on healthy skin of two differently aged groups of individuals. Protection of healthy skin against detergent‐induced dermatitis was evaluated. Transepidermal water loss and capacitance were used to evaluate the effect of these formulations in in vivo long‐term studies. Increase in water‐holding capacity is obtained only when the formulations applied are structured as liposomes. This is slightly more pronounced for aged skin. Subsequent SLS exposure reflected the protection of healthy human skin against detergent‐induced dermatitis. Slightly better results were obtained with IWL containing a mixture of natural ceramides than with SSCL with only one ceramide present in the formulation. All these results support the beneficial effects of skin lipid supplementation given their resemblance to the lipids in the stratum corneum both in composition and in the structuring of the formulation.
Glomerular filtration rate in dogs as estimated via plasma clearance of inulin and iohexol and use of limited-sample methods.

OBJECTIVE To compare plasma clearance of inulin and iohexol determined by use of 9 plasma samples for evaluation of glomerular filtration rate in dogs and to evaluate limited-sample approaches for evaluation of plasma clearance of these markers. ANIMALS 43 dogs of various breeds that weighed between 5.5 and 63 kg and that had various degrees of renal function. PROCEDURES 9 plasma samples were obtained from each dog at 5 minutes to 6 hours after IV bolus injection of iohexol and inulin. Clearance was calculated by use of results for all 9 samples (ie, reference method). Results for 3 limited-sample strategies for determination of plasma clearance of iohexol and inulin were compared with results for the reference method. RESULTS Mean clearance of inulin and iohexol for the reference method was 2.72 and 2.48 mL/min/kg, respectively. The mean difference between clearance of these 2 markers for the reference method was 0.24 mL/min/kg. In general, use of the limited-sample strategies yielded clearance values similar to those for the reference method. More accurate estimates of clearance were obtained for iohexol than for inulin by use of the limited-sample methods. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Use of iohexol and inulin yielded similar but not identical results for plasma clearance. Accuracy for limited-sample methods would be acceptable for many clinical and research situations.
Improvement in central monoamine metabolism in adult coeliac patients starting a gluten-free diet

SYNOPSIS Adult coeliac patients taking a gluten-free diet for one year showed an increase of 33% in the concentrations in CSF of major monoamine metabolites (5-HIAA, HVA and MOPEG). Tryptophan in CSF rose by 10%. There was concomitant morphological improvement in the jejunal mucosa, and the results would seem to indicate that the reduced central monoamine metabolism in untreated adult coeliacs is not primarily genetically determined but is probably related to the poor intestinal absorption.
A Description of Mixed Group Validation

Mixed group validation (MGV) is a statistical model for estimating the diagnostic accuracy of tests. Unlike the more common approach to estimating criterion-related validity, known group validation (KGV), MGV does not require a perfect external validity criterion. The present article describes MGV by (a) specifying both the standard error associated with MGV validity estimates and the effect of assumption violation, (b) recommending required sample sizes under various study conditions, (c) evaluating whether assumption violation can be identified, and (d) providing a simulated example of an MGV with imperfect base rate estimates. It is concluded that MGV will always have a wider margin of error than KGV, MGV performs best when the research design approximates a KGV design, the effect of assumption violation depends on the severity of the assumption violation and also the value of the base rates, and that assumption violation may only be detected in severe cases.
The Groningen Longitudinal Glaucoma Study. I. Baseline sensitivity and specificity of the frequency doubling perimeter and the GDx nerve fibre analyser.

PURPOSE To describe the baseline data of a large cohort of patients included for follow-up with perimetry using the frequency doubling technique (FDT) and with quantification of the retinal nerve fibre layer as assessed by GDx, and to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of both devices from these baseline data. METHODS Regular visitors to our glaucoma service were included. All subjects were followed for at least 4 years with FDT in full-threshold mode, GDx and conventional perimetry. Patients were classified as having either glaucoma or suspect glaucoma, according to baseline perimetry results. In addition, a group of healthy subjects was recruited outside the hospital. RESULTS A total of 452 glaucoma patients, 423 glaucoma suspects and 237 healthy subjects were incorporated into the analyses. Sensitivities for both FDT and GDx were fixed at 0.90. For the group as a whole, the specificity was 0.81 for FDT, using number of depressed test-points p < 0.01 in the total deviation probability plot with a cut-off point > 1, and 0.78 for GDx, using the Number, with a cut-off point > 29. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.92 for FDT and 0.94 for GDx. Of the subjects with suspect glaucoma, 75% showed normal FDT test results and 52% showed normal GDx results. Unlike FDT, GDx failed to detect some moderate/severe glaucoma cases. CONCLUSIONS The performances of FDT and GDx are approximately equivalent in terms of sensitivity, specificity and area under the ROC curve. In glaucoma suspects, GDx in particular yielded a rather high percentage of positive test results. The majority of these positive test results are presumably false-positive results rather than results indicating preperimetric glaucoma.
Parenteral Plant Sterols Accumulate in the Liver Reflecting Their Increased Serum Levels and Portal Inflammation in Children With Intestinal Failure

Background: Parenteral plant sterols (PSs) are considered hepatotoxic; however, liver PSs and their associations with liver injury in patients with intestinal failure (IF) have not been reported. Materials and Methods: We analyzed liver and serum PS (avenasterol, campesterol, sitosterol, and stigmasterol) concentrations and ratios to cholesterol and their associations with biochemical and histologic liver damage in children with IF during (n = 7) parenteral nutrition (PN) and after weaning off it (n = 9), including vegetable oil–based lipid emulsions. Results: Liver avenasterol, sitosterol, and total PS concentrations and cholesterol ratios were 2.4-fold to 5.6-fold higher in PN-dependent patients (P < .05). Parenteral PS delivery reflected liver avenasterol and sitosterol ratios to cholesterol (r = 0.83–0.89, P = .02–.04), while serum and liver total PS levels were positively interrelated (r = 0.98, P < .01). Any liver histopathology was equally common while portal inflammation more frequent (57 vs 0%, P = .02) in PN-dependent patients. All liver PS fractions correlated positively with histologic portal inflammation (r = 0.53–0.66, P < .05), and their total concentration was significantly (P = .01) higher among patients with versus without portal inflammation. In PN-dependent patients, liver fibrosis and any histopathology correlated with liver campesterol and stigmasterol levels (r = 0.79–0.87, P ⩽ .03). Conclusion: Among children with IF, parenteral PSs accumulate in the liver, reflect their increased serum levels, and relate with biochemical liver injury, portal inflammation, and liver fibrosis, thus supporting their role in promoting liver damage.
PISCIVOROUS GASTROPODS OF THE GENUS CONUS.

Many marine snails are known to feed saprophytically on dead fishes.1' 2 The observations reported here are believed to represent the first known instances of the attacking, killing, and eating of live fishes by gastropod mollusks. It will also be shown that live fishes are the dominant and apparently exclusive food of one, and probably both, species of Conus to be discussed. This paper thus reports on an ecological niche not previously known to be occupied by gastropods. Feeding Mechanism. -Members of the family Conidae (Prosobranchiata: Stenoglossa) are predacious and feed by injecting a venom into the prey organism with a detachable, dartlike radula tooth (Fig. 1). There are but few reports of the observation of this process in the living animal. Most of our knowledge has been gained from anatomical studies of fixed specimens3 and from accounts of human injuries inflicted-by these snails.4 A more complete account of the feeding process, based on current studies of the ecology of the group, will be published elsewhere. Food in Nature. -Fish remains were first discovered in the alimentary tract of a specimen of Conus striatus L. from Hawaii dissected by Kondo.4 Additional fish remains were found in several specimens of this species from Hawaii and Guam dissected by the present author. ' In each case, however, remains were insufficient to permit identification of the fishes, even to family. No other types of prey organism were found in alimentary tracts of C. striatus. No previous reports are known of fish remains in C. catus Bruguiere. Examination of alimentary tracts of twenty specimens of this species collected by the author in Hawaii revealed bones, otoliths, scales, and other remains of fishes in nine. The alimentary tract of one contained a discharged radula tooth, and those of the remaining ten specimens were empty. Three of the fishes were identified as the blenny Istiblennius gibbifrons Quoy and Gaimard. Two others are probably Bathygobius fuscus RUppell. The remains of four were insufficient to permit identification. Feeding of C. striatus in the Laboratory. -Specimens of C. striatus have been fed Kuhlia sandvicensis Steindachner, I. gibbifrons Quoy and Gaimard, and Entomacrodus mzarmoratus Bennett in the laboratory.
A Spatial Analysis of Atmospheric Ammonia and Ammonium in the U.K.

As measures are implemented internationally to reduce SO2 and NOx emissions, attention is falling on the contribution of NH3 emissions to acidification, nitrogen eutrophication, and aerosol formation. In the U.K., a monitoring network has been established to measure the spatial distribution and long-term trends in atmospheric gaseous NH3 and aerosol NH4. At the same time, an atmospheric chemistry and transport model, FRAME, has been developed with a focus on reduced nitrogen (NHx). The monitoring data are important to evaluate the model, while the model is essential for a more detailed spatial assessment. The national network is established with over 80 sampling locations. Measurements of NH3 and NH4 (at up to 50 sites) have been made using a new low-cost denuder-filterpack system. Additionally, improved passive sampling methods for NH3 have been applied to explore local variability. The measurements confirm the high spatial variability of NH3 (annual means 0.06 to 11 mg NH3 m), consistent with its nature as a primary pollutant emitted from ground-level sources, while NH4, being a slowly formed secondary product, shows much less spatial variability (0.14 to 2.4 mg NH4 m). These features are reproduced in the FRAME model, which provides estimates at a 5-km level. Analysis of the underlying NH3 emission inventory shows that sheep emissions may have been underestimated and nonagricultural sources overestimated relative to emissions from cattle. The combination of model and measurements is applied to estimate spatial patterns of dry deposition to different vegetation types. The combined approach provides the basis to assess NHx responses across the U.K. to international emission controls.
A VHDL-AMS Case Study: The Incremental Design of an Efficient 3rd Generation MOS Model of a Deep Sub Micron Transistor

The paper presents an application of the VHDL-AMS formalism to state-ofthe-art MOST simulation models. We present the principles, techniques and tools used to achieve the incremental implementation of an analytical third generation Spice transistor MOST model named EKV in VHDL-AMS, with relevant parameters set to match a deep submicron technology (gate length = O.15IJm). The model includes the capacitances and resistors induced by the LDD structures as a function of gate voltage, and also considers thermo-electrical interactions between the transistor and its direct environment. Along with some considerations on the power of VHDL-AMS for modeling deep submicron devices, we give some examples of application of this innovative EKV MOS model.
Effect of reduced endocytosis induced by hypotonic shock and potassium depletion on the infection of Hep 2 cells by picornaviruses

Potassium depletion after a brief exposure of the cells to hypotonic medium was used to inhibit endocytosis from coated pits in Hep 2 cells. After such treatment the endocytic uptake of transferrin was arrested, and electron microscopy revealed that virtually no coated pits were present at the cell surface, while smooth (uncoated) pits were abundant. Under the same conditions the cells were strongly protected against poliovirus, while the cytopathogenic effect of human rhinovirus type 2, HRV 2, was increased. The cytopathogenic effect of encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus was only slightly affected.
A Fuzzy Optimization Neural Network Model Using Second Order Information

A new fuzzy optimization neural network model is proposed based on the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm on account of the disadvantages of slow convergence of traditional fuzzy optimization neural network model. In this new model, the gradient descent algorithm is replaced by the LM algorithm to obtain the minimum of output errors during network training, which changes the weights adjusting equations of the network and increases the training speed. A case study is utilized to validate this new model, and the results reveal that the new model can make the training speed faster and the forecasting capability better.
Offshoring and Relative Labor Demand in Swedish Firms

The objective of this paper is to analyze relative employment effects in Sweden due to offshoring. In contrast to most previous studies in this field, our analysis is based on firm level data. More specifically the dataset contains Swedish manufacturing firms, 1997-2002. In addition we have access to actual firm level import data on intermediate goods and services, respectively. The results show that the relative demand for high skilled labor is positively affected by service offshoring and offshoring of goods to Asia, but negatively affected by offshoring to high income countries. The relative demand for medium skilled labor is negatively affected by offshoring of goods to Eastern Europe, but positively affected by offshoring to high income countries. In contrast to expectations, the results show that the relative demand for low skilled labor is positively affected by offshoring of goods to Eastern Europe. However, these results are related to very small elasticities, which in turn translates into a small number of jobs affected.
Cellular and Morphological Alterations in the Vastus Lateralis Muscle as the Result of ACL Injury and Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND Individuals who have had an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear and reconstruction continue to experience substantial knee extensor strength loss despite months of physical therapy. Identification of the alterations in muscle morphology and cellular composition are needed to understand potential mechanisms of muscle strength loss, initially as the result of the injury and subsequently from surgery and rehabilitation. METHODS We performed diffusion tensor imaging-magnetic resonance imaging and analyzed muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis of both the affected and unaffected limbs before surgery and again from the reconstructed limb following the completion of rehabilitation. Immunohistochemistry was done to determine fiber type and size, Pax-7-positive (satellite) cells, and extracellular matrix (via wheat germ agglutinin straining). Using the diffusion tensor imaging data, the fiber tract length, pennation angle, and muscle volume were determined, yielding the physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA). Paired t tests were used to compare the effects of the injury between injured and uninjured limbs and the effects of surgery and rehabilitation within the injured limb. RESULTS We found significant reductions before surgery in type-IIA muscle cross-sectional area (CSA; p = 0.03), extracellular matrix (p < 0.01), satellite cells per fiber (p < 0.01), pennation angle (p = 0.03), muscle volume (p = 0.02), and PCSA (p = 0.03) in the injured limb compared with the uninjured limb. Following surgery, these alterations in the injured limb persisted and the frequency of the IIA fiber type decreased significantly (p < 0.01) and that of the IIA/X hybrid fiber type increased significantly (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Significant and prolonged differences in muscle quality and morphology occurred after ACL injury and persisted despite reconstruction and extensive physical therapy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE These results suggest the need to develop more effective early interventions following an ACL tear to prevent deleterious alterations within the quadriceps.
Synergistic Mercury Removal by Conventional Pollutant Control Strategies for Coal-Fired Power Plants in China

Abstract China’s 11th 5-yr plan has regulated total sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions by installing flue gas desulfurization (FGD) devices and shutting down small thermal power units. These control measures will not only significantly reduce the emission of conventional pollutants but also benefit the reduction of mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. This paper uses the emission factor method to estimate the efficiencies of these measures on mercury emission abatement. From 2005 to 2010, coal consumption in power plants will increase by 59%; however, the mercury emission will only rise from 141 to 155 t, with an increase of 10%. The average emission rate of mercury from coal burning will decrease from 126 mg Hg/t of coal to 87 mg Hg/t of coal. The effects of the three desulfurization measures were assessed and show that wet FGD will play an important role in mercury removal. Mercury emissions in 2015 and 2020 are also projected under different policy scenarios. Under the most probable scenario, the total mercury emission in coal-fired power plants in China will decrease to 130 t by 2020, which will benefit from the rapid installation of fabric filters and selective catalytic reduction.
Effect of Birth Order on the Differential Parental Treatment of Children

This study investigated the effect of birth order on the differential parental treatment of children. Respondents of the study include 122 adolescents (33 males and 89 females) from the Klang Valley, Malaysia aged 13-17years (M=16years, SD = 1.05). The Sibling Inventory of Differential Experience (SIDE) was used to measure differential parental treatment. Findings of the study revealed significant differential parental control between first and last born children. Future studies may examine the number of siblings in a family as a factor in differential parental treatment.