Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of different ventilator modes in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis according to certain clinical situations

Rationale: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease that involves limb, axial, bulbar, and respiratory muscles. Fatigue and weakness of the respiratory muscles eventually induce respiratory insufficiency, which is one of the main causes of death in patients with ALS. In ALS patients with respiratory insufficiency, application of a ventilator is indispensable. Although there are various modes of ventilation, these modes are classified roughly into volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) and pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV). There have been several reports that VCV is preferable to PCV in neuromuscular disorder patients, such as ALS patients, but there is still debate on which ventilator mode is better. Patient concerns: Respiratory difficulty despite ventilator application. Diagnosis: Three ALS patients with respiratory difficulty. Intervention: Changing ventilator mode to improve symptoms of respiratory difficulty. Outcomes: Considering case 1 shows that the VCV mode may have an advantage in managing respiratory insufficiency of patients in situations where the inner diameter of the airway decreases because of increased sputum. In contrast, cases 2 and 3, it is shown that changing to the PCV mode may be one of the treatment options if not enough tidal volume can be supplied to resolve respiratory insufficiency because of an increase in leakage volume. Lessons: Therefore, in this study, through considering several cases of ALS patients whose clinical symptoms were improved by changing ventilation mode, we tried to investigate the adequacy of each ventilation mode under certain clinical situations.
Image Watermarking Algorithm Based on Quantization and Integer Wavelet Transform

Geometric attacks are difficult to resist for watermarking algorithms. Although most existing geometricresisted algorithms can resist some kinds of geometric attacks, however, their robustness to common image processing is weak. A watermarking algorithm which is both strongly robust to geometric attacks and common image processing was proposed in this paper. Watermarking messages combined a Gaussiannoise template were embedded to vertical high frequency coefficients which were produced by one-level integer wavelet transform of the host image. Then the same messages were embedded to each sub-image by quantization repeatedly. Two watermarking images were extracted by correlation calculation and majority rule. Finally, the ultimate watermarking was decided by a judge rule. Experiment results show the algorithm is both robust to geometric attacks and common image processing, meanwhile, the imperceptibility of the algorithm can meet the request.
Differential Impact of West Nile Virus on California Birds

Abstract. The strain of West Nile virus (WNV) currently epidemic in North America contains a genetic mutation elevating its virulence in birds, especially species in the family Corvidae. Although dead American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) have been the hallmark of the epidemic, the overall impact of WNV on North America’s avifauna remains poorly understood and has not been addressed thoroughly in California. Here, we evaluate variation by species in the effect of WNV on California birds from 2004 to 2007 by using (1) seroprevalence in free-ranging birds, (2) percentage of carcasses of each species reported by the public that tested positive for WNV, (3) mortality determined from experimental infections, and (4) population declines detected by trend analysis of Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data. Using Bayesian linear models, we extrapolate trends in BBS data from 1980–2003 (pre-WNV) to 2004–2007 (post-WNV). We attribute signifcant declines from expected abundance trends in areas supporting epiornitics to WNV transmission. We combine risk assessed from each of the four data sets to generate an overall score describing WNV risk by species. The susceptibility of California avifauna to WNV varies widely, with overall risk scores ranging from low for the refractory Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) through high for the susceptible American Crow. Other species at high risk include, in descending order, the House finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) , Black- crowned N i g h t - Heron ( Nycticorax nycticorax) , Western Scrub - Jay ( Aphelocoma californica), and Yellow-billed magpie (Pica nuttalli). Our analyses emphasize the importance of multiple data sources in assessing the effect of an invading pathogen.
A method of pedestrian detection based on rhythm of walking

It is important for mobile robots and security purposes to discriminate a pedestrian among moving objects in a video. This paper proposes a method which discriminates a pedestrian from other objects by using periodic motions of the feet, and the characteristics of the rhythm of pace and stride. This method uses brightness changes in sequential images of a moving object contacting with the ground, and extracts the main component of the frequency using a power spectrum estimation. Therefore, the method is independent of pedestrian's appearance such as clothes, build, and hair style. The system realizing this method consists of three processes: moving object detection which uses the difference between successive image frames; tracking of the moving object using a moving model with an extended Kahman filter and an observation model; and detection of the pedestrian based on rhythm of walking using the difference of brightness between images on successive frames. The whole process is performed in real time. Experiments using real scenes confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method: 446 pedestrians out of 470 were successfully detected (detection rate 94.9%), and 101 persons out of 106 were successfully detected as non-pedestrians (96.2%).
Transferring Localization Models across Space

Machine learning approaches to indoor WiFi localization involve an offline phase and an online phase. In the offline phase, data are collected from an environment to build a localization model, which will be applied to new data collected in the online phase for location estimation. However, collecting the labeled data across an entire building would be too time consuming. In this paper, we present a novel approach to transferring the learning model trained on data from one area of a building to another. We learn a mapping function between the signal space and the location space by solving an optimization problem based on manifold learning techniques. A low-dimensional manifold is shared between data collected in different areas in an environment as a bridge to propagate the knowledge across the whole environment. With the help of the transferred knowledge, we can significantly reduce the amount of labeled data which are required for building the localization model. We test the effectiveness of our proposed solution in a real indoor WiFi environment.
Graphical framework for action recognition using temporally dense STIPs

Graphical models have been shown to provide a natural framework for modelling high level action transition constraints, and to simultaneously segment and recognize a sequence of actions. More recently, Spatio-temporal Interest Points (STIPs) have been proposed as suitable features for action detection. These interest points are typically mapped to a set of codewords, and actions are detected by accumulating the codeword weights or by learning suitable classifiers. Existing methods for interest point detection provide a sparse representation of actions and require a costly exhaustive search over the entire spatio-temporal volume for action classification. Our contribution here is two-fold -first, we combine the interest point models of actions with pedestrian detection and tracking using a Conditional Random Field (CRF); second, we extend existing interest point detectors to provide a dense action representation while minimizing spurious detections. The larger number of interest points and the high-level reasoning provided by the CRF allows us to automatically recognize action sequences from an unsegmented stream, at real time speed. We demonstrate our approach by showing results comparable to state-of-the-art for action classification on the standard KTH-action set, and also on more challenging cluttered videos.
Fundamental localization accuracy in narrowband array-based systems

Location-awareness is essential for many wireless network applications in both civil and military sectors. In this paper, we determine the localization accuracy of narrowband localization systems in which each mobile agent is equipped with an antenna array. Due to non-coherent estimators, the phases of the received signals can only be exploited for angle-of-arrival (AOA) estimation but not time-of-arrival (TOA). Based on such estimators, we derive the fundamental localization accuracy in terms of the squared position error bound (SPEB) in far-field harsh multipath environments. Moreover, we characterize the effects of the geometry of anchors and array antennas on the localization accuracy, yielding the criteria for optimal array design and network deployment. Our analysis exploits all the TOA and AOA information in the received waveform for localization using narrowband array-based systems, and the resulting SPEB serves as a fundamental limit for such systems.
Phylogeography and spatial structure of the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris, Perissodactyla: Tapiridae) in South America

Abstract We sequenced the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene of 141 lowland tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) – representing the largest geographical distribution sample of this species studied across of South America to date. We compare our new data regard to two previous works on population structure and molecular systematics of T. terrestris. Our data agree with the Thoisy et al.’s work in (1) the Northern Western Amazon basin was the area with the highest gene diversity levels in T. terrestris, being probably the area of initial diversification; (2) there was no clear association between haplogroups and specific geographical areas; (3) there were clear population decreases during the last glacial maximum for the different haplogroups detected, followed by population expansions during the Holocene; and (4) our temporal splits among different T. terrestris haplogroups coincided with the first molecular clock approach carried out by these authors (fossil calibration). Nevertheless, our study disagreed regard to other aspects of the Thoisy et al.’s claims: (1) meanwhile, they detected four relevant clades in their data, we put forward six different relevant clades; (2) the Amazon River was not a strong barrier for haplotype dispersion in T. terrestris; and (3) we found reciprocal monophyly between T. terrestris and T. pinchaque. Additionally, we sequenced 42 individuals (T. terrestris, T. pinchaque, T. bairdii, and the alleged “new species”, T. kabomani) for three concatenated mitochondrial genes (Cyt-b, COI, and COII) agreeing quite well with the view of Voss et al., and against of the claims of Cozzuol et al. Tapirus kabomani should be not considered as a full species with the results obtained throughout the mitochondrial sequences.
A novel moving parameter estimation approach offast moving targets based on phase extraction

A novel approach for imaging fast ground moving targets with fast cross and along track velocities is presented in this paper, in which their moving parameters are estimated by using single-antenna synthetic aperture radar (SAR). First, the way of phase extraction is proposed. Next, fractional Fourier transform is applied to estimate the Doppler parameters for the extracted phase. According to the parameters, a matched filter is generated to correct simultaneously range walk and curvature. Finally, after azimuth compression, a focused image is obtained. By considering the general definition of the Doppler modulation rate and obtaining the shortest distance from the focused image, the estimation of fast along track velocity is precise. Simulation results validate the performance of the proposed approach.
ModOnto: A Tool for Modularizing Ontologies

During the last three years there has been growing interest and consequently active research on ontology modularization. This paper presents a concrete tool that incorporates an approach to ontology modularization that inherits some of the main principles from object-oriented software engineering, which are encapsulation and information hiding. What motivated us to track that direction is the fact that most ontology approaches to the problem focus on linking ontologies (or modules) rather than building modules that can encapsulate foreign parts of ontologies (or other modules) that can be managed more easily.
Time-dependent increase in ribosome processivity

We created a novel tripartite reporter RNA to separately and simultaneously examine ribosome translation rates at the 5′- and 3′-ends of a large open reading frame (ORF) in vitro in HeLa cell lysates. The construct contained Renilla luciferase (RLuc), β-galactosidase and firefly luciferase (FLuc) ORFs linked in frame and separated by a viral peptide sequence that causes cotranslational scission of emerging peptide chains. The length of the ORF contributed to low ribosome processivity, a low number of initiating ribosomes completing translation of the entire ORF. We observed a time-dependent increase in FLuc production rate that was dependent on a poly(A) tail and poly(A)-binding protein, but was independent of eIF4F function. Stimulation of FLuc production occurred earlier on shorter RNA templates. Cleavage of eIF4G at times after ribosome loading on templates occurred did not cause immediate cessation of 5′-RLuc translation; rather, a delay was observed that shortened when shorter templates were translated. Electron microscopic analysis of polysome structures in translation lysates revealed a time-dependent increase in ribosome packing and contact that correlated with increased processivity on the FLuc ORF. The results suggest that ORF transit combined with PABP function contribute to interactions between ribosomes that increase or sustain processivity on long ORFs.
Edema Extension Distance: Outcome Measure for Phase II Clinical Trials Targeting Edema After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Perihematomal edema (PHE) complicates acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and can increase mass effect, contributing to early neurological deterioration and poor outcome.1,2 The innate immune response within the brain is a key driver of PHE and is characterized by the activation of resident microglia by damage-associated molecular patterns, infiltration of peripheral immune cells, and the production of inflammatory mediators, all of which increase tissue damage and promote blood–brain barrier breakdown.3 Following the well-documented failure to translate treatments for ischemic stroke from experimental studies to clinical use, early-phase clinical trials to demonstrate proof-of-concept in clinical stroke have been recommended before definitive phase III trials.4 Edema has been widely used as the main outcome to test interventions in preclinical ICH,5 so has considerable appeal as an outcome measure for such early-phase clinical trials. PHE can be reliably and objectively measured using noncontrast computed tomography,6,7 so can be collected easily and cheaply from almost all patients with ICH. However, ICH and PHE volumes are closely correlated,2,6,8 so variation in hematoma volume introduces variation in PHE volume. Unlike experimental ICH (where hematoma volume is tightly controlled by the investigator), hematoma volumes in clinical ICH are highly variable, introducing variability in PHE volumes and increasing the sample size required to demonstrate a given treatment effect. The use of relative PHE volume (PHE volume÷ICH volume) has been suggested as a solution to this, but tends to be disproportionately high for smaller hematomas and has thus been advised against.6 Here, we present a solution to this problem that will allow researchers to demonstrate a reduction in PHE with a much smaller sample size, thus potentially accelerating translational ICH research with reduced costs. As the factors driving edema (eg, damage-associated molecular patterns) are …
Understanding Hiroshima: An Assignment Sequence for Freshman English.

with their intentions, however absent these intentions seem to us at first. In order to respond to these intentions we may ask our students to be responsible for their development, to monitor and record this development. We may lead them into an internal struggle, in support of which our advice is only marginally significant. Our soundtrack is defined by a constant deferral to their powers of production. And victory over the ape will be won with the sound of many voices, and the strength of one's will to hear the silence.
IRA code design for MIMO systems with iterative receivers

We consider the design optimization of the irregular repeat accumulate (IRA) codes for multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems employing iterative receivers. We present the density evolution-based procedure for optimizing IRA code ensemble with the extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) chart matched with that of the soft MIMO demodulator. With a code ensemble mapping relationship between an IRA code and an LDPC code, an optimal IRA code can also be obtained by transforming an optimal LDPC code designed for MIMO systems. Two types of soft MIMO detectors are treated, namely, the MAP detector and the soft interference canceller with linear MMSE filtering (SIC-MMSE).
In Vivo Imaging and Spectroscopy of Dynamic Metabolism Using Simultaneous $^{13}$C and  $^1$H MRI

Hyperpolarized (HP) 13C-labeled pyruvate studies with magnetic resonance (MR) have been used to observe the kinetics of metabolism in vivo. Kinetic modeling to measure metabolic rates in vivo is currently limited because of nonspecific hyperpolarized signals mixing between vascular, extravascular, and intracellular compartments. In this study, simultaneous acquisition of both 1H and 13 C signals after contrast agent injection is used to resolve specific compartments to improve the accuracy of the modeling. We demonstrate a novel technique to provide contrast to the intracellular compartments by sequential injection of HP [1-13C] pyruvate followed by gadolinium-chelate to provide T1-shortening to extra-cellular compartments. A kinetic model that distinguishes the intracellular space and includes the T1-shortening effect of the gadolinium chelate can then be used to directly measure the intracellular 13C kinetics.
Multicell uplink spectral efficiency of coded DS-CDMA with random signatures

A simple multicell uplink communication model is suggested and analyzed for optimally coded randomly spread direct sequence code-division multiple access (DS-CDMA). The model adheres to Wyner's (1994) infinite linear cell-array model, according to which only adjacent-cell interference is present, and characterized by a single parameter 0/spl les//spl alpha//spl les/1. The discussion is confined to asymptotic analysis where both the number of users and the processing gain go to infinity, while their ratio goes to some finite constant. Single cell-site processing is assumed and four multiuser detection strategies are considered: the matched-filter detector, "optimum" detection with adjacent-cell interference treated as Gaussian noise, the linear minimum mean square error (MMSE) detector and a detector that performs MMSE-based successive interference cancellation for intracell users with linear MMSE processing of adjacent-cell interference. Spectral efficiency is evaluated under three power allocation policies: equal received powers (for all users), equal rates, and a maximal spectral efficiency policy. Comparative results demonstrate how performance is affected by the introduction of intercell interference, and what is the penalty associated with the randomly spread coded DS-CDMA strategy. Finally, the effect of intercell time-sharing protocols as suggested by Shamai and Wyner (1997) is also examined, and a significant system performance enhancement is observed.
The Bmw Model: A New Framework for Teaching Monetary Macroeconomics in Closed and Open Economies

While the IS/LM-AS/AD model is still the central tool of macroeconomic teaching it has been criticised by several economists. The model is unable to deal with a monetary policy that uses the interest rate as its operating target ( Romer [2000]). Walsh [2002] has criticised that it is not suited for an analysis of inflation targeting. We present the BMW model as an alternative framework, which develops the Romer approach into a simple macroeconomic model. It can deal with issues like inflation targeting, monetary policy rules, and central bank credibility. Our open-economy version is a powerful alternative to the IS/LM-based Mundell-Fleming (MF) model. The main advantage of the open-economy BMW model is its ability to discuss the role of inflation and the determination of flexible exchange rates while the MF model is based on fixed prices and constant exchange rates.
Design of the Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Australasia Network Registry: Creating Opportunities for Greater International Collaboration

Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most common and serious monogenic disorder of lipoprotein metabolism that leads to premature coronary heart disease. There are over 65,000 people estimated to have FH in Australia, but many remain undiagnosed. Patients with FH are often undertreated, but with early detection, cascade family testing and adequate treatment, patient outcomes can improve. Patient registries are key tools for providing new information on FH and enhancing care worldwide. The development and design of the FH Australasia Network Registry is a crucial component in the comprehensive model of care for FH, which aims to provide a standardized, high-quality and cost-effective system of care that is likely to have the highest impact on patient outcomes. Informed by stakeholder engagement, the FH Australasia Network Registry was collaboratively developed by government, patient and clinical networks and research groups. The open-source, webbased Rare Disease Registry Framework was the architecture chosen for this registry owing to its open-source standards, modular design, interoperability, scalability and security features; all these are key components required to meet the ever changing clinical demands across regions. This paper provides a high level blueprint for other countries and jurisdictions to help inform and map out the critical features of an FH registry to meet their particular health system needs.
Phonation types: a cross-linguistic overview

Abstract Differences in phonation type signal important linguistic information in many languages, including contrasts between otherwise identical lexical items and boundaries of prosodic constituents. Phonation differences can be classified along a continuum ranging from voiceless, through breathy voiced, to regular, modal voicing, and then on through creaky voice to glottal closure. Cross-linguistic investigation suggests that this phonation continuum can be defined in terms of a recurring set of articulatory, acoustic, and timing properties. Nevertheless, there exist several languages whose phonation contrasts do not neatly fall within the phonation categories defined by other languages.