Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tuning of High-Speed Telecommunication Filters, via I/O Cross-Correlation Evaluation

Continuous-time (CT) filters are widely used in signal processing but, owing to the large spread in the process parameters which determine their time constants, they require a tuning system to align their frequency characteristics. Several techniques have already been proposed in the literature and are commonly employed, but usually they require either a doubling of the filter circuitry or some complex self-calibration scheme, resulting in sensible area overhead or high computational complexity. Here, we present a novel tuning approach which can be applied to both master-slave and self-calibration arrangements and is based on the evaluation of a few samples of the input-output cross-correlation function of the filter, when the input signal is a finite length sequence of pseudorandom pulses. The key advantages of the proposed technique are basically the ease of generation of the input bit-stream and the simplicity of the circuitry required to sample the filter output and to perform the cross-correlation operation. As a consequence, the area overhead associated to the tuning circuitry is kept very small. Some simulation results of the application to the tuning of a low-Q telecommunication filter are given and an extension to the tuning of high-Q active filters is also explored in order to assess the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed technique
Rapid identification of slow healing wounds

Chronic nonhealing wounds have a prevalence of 2% in the United States, and cost an estimated $50 billion annually. Accurate stratification of wounds for risk of slow healing may help guide treatment and referral decisions. We have applied modern machine learning methods and feature engineering to develop a predictive model for delayed wound healing that uses information collected during routine care in outpatient wound care centers. Patient and wound data was collected at 68 outpatient wound care centers operated by Healogics Inc. in 26 states between 2009 and 2013. The dataset included basic demographic information on 59,953 patients, as well as both quantitative and categorical information on 180,696 wounds. Wounds were split into training and test sets by randomly assigning patients to training and test sets. Wounds were considered delayed with respect to healing time if they took more than 15 weeks to heal after presentation at a wound care center. Eleven percent of wounds in this dataset met this criterion. Prognostic models were developed on training data available in the first week of care to predict delayed healing wounds. A held out subset of the training set was used for model selection, and the final model was evaluated on the test set to evaluate discriminative power and calibration. The model achieved an area under the curve of 0.842 (95% confidence interval 0.834–0.847) for the delayed healing outcome and a Brier reliability score of 0.00018. Early, accurate prediction of delayed healing wounds can improve patient care by allowing clinicians to increase the aggressiveness of intervention in patients most at risk.
In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Propionibacterium acnes isolated from patients with acne vulgaris.

INTRODUCTION Propionibacterium acnes has been implicated in the development of acne vulgaris. Rampant use of topical and systemic antibiotics for acne vulgaris has led to resistance due to selective pressure. This study aimed to determine antibiotic resistance of P. acnes. METHODOLOGY A total of 102 samples were collected from acne lesions and cultured onto sheep's blood agar and brain-heart infusion agar supplemented with 5 g/L glucose and 2 mg/L furazolidone) (BHIg) under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Species identification was done by conventional methods and the VITEK2 Compact system. The isolates were tested for penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, nadifloxacin, and tetracycline by E-test, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of minocycline was determined by agar dilution on BHIg. MIC results were interpreted as per EUCAST (European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing) and CLSI (Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute) guidelines. RESULTS P. acnes was the most common anaerobe (66%) isolated. Resistance rates using EUCAST and CLSI breakpoints were 10.6% and 6.1%, 7.6% and 0%, 7.8% and 0% for erythromycin, clindamycin, and minocycline, respectively. Tetracycline resistance was observed in 9.2% isolates irrespective of the interpretative criteria used. MIC50 and MIC90 values for nadifloxacin (0.25 and 1 µg/mL) were found to be twofold lower than those for ciprofloxacin (0.5 and 1 µg/mL). Similarly, MIC50 and MIC90 values for minocycline (0.125 and 0.5 µg/mL) were also two- to threefold lower than those for tetracycline (0.38 and 1 µg/mL). CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study focusing on P. acnes resistance from India.
Demographic, Seasonal, and Geographic Differences in Emergency Department Visits for Epistaxis

Objective To determine the demographics and seasonal and geographic variation of epistaxis in the United States. Study Design Retrospective cohort analysis based on data from Medicare claims. Setting Emergency department visits. Subjects and Methods We used a 5% sample of Medicare data from January 2012 to December 2012. Our cohort included patients with an incident diagnosis of epistaxis during a visit to the emergency department, excluding those with a diagnosis in the prior 12 months. Demographics included age, sex, race, and ethnicity. We compared the rate of emergency department visits for epistaxis by geographic division and individual states. Results In the 5% sample of Medicare data, 4120 emergency department visits for incident epistaxis were identified in 2012. Our results showed an increase in the emergency department visits for epistaxis with age. Compared with patients <65 years old, patients who were 66 to 76, 76 to 85, and >85 years old were 1.36 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.23-1.50), 2.37 (95% CI, 2.14-2.62), and 3.24 (95% CI, 2.91-3.62) more likely to present with epistaxis, respectively. Men were 1.24 (95% CI, 1.17-1.32) times more likely to present with epistaxis than women. Blacks were 1.23 (95% CI, 1.10-1.36) times more likely to present with epistaxis when compared with non-Hispanic whites. Epistaxis emergency department visits were 40% lower in the summer months versus winter. The seasonal variation was more pronounced in the northern versus southern United States. Conclusion Emergency department visits for epistaxis increase with age and appear to be seasonal, with a more pronounced variation in the northern versus southern United States.
Working Memory Training in Older Adults: Bayesian Evidence Supporting the Absence of Transfer

The question of whether working memory training leads to generalized improvements in untrained cognitive abilities is a longstanding and heatedly debated one. Previous research provides mostly ambiguous evidence regarding the presence or absence of transfer effects in older adults. Thus, to draw decisive conclusions regarding the effectiveness of working memory training interventions, methodologically sound studies with larger sample sizes are needed. In this study, we investigated whether or not a computer-based working memory training intervention induced near and far transfer in a large sample of 142 healthy older adults (65 to 80 years). Therefore, we randomly assigned participants to either the experimental group, which completed 25 sessions of adaptive, process-based working memory training, or to the active, adaptive visual search control group. Bayesian linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate performance improvements on the level of abilities, using multiple indicator tasks for near (working memory) and far transfer (fluid intelligence, shifting, and inhibition). Our data provided consistent evidence supporting the absence of near transfer to untrained working memory tasks and the absence of far transfer effects to all of the assessed abilities. Our results suggest that working memory training is not an effective way to improve general cognitive functioning in old age.
Transfer Learning Across Relational and Uncertain Domains : A Language-Bias Approach

Transfer learning is typically performed between problem instances within the same domain. We consider the problem of transferring across domains. To this effect, we adopt a probabilistic logic approach. First, our approach automatically identifies predicates in the target domain that are similar in their relational structure to predicates in the source domain. Second, it transfers the logic rules and learns the parameters of the transferred rules using target data. Finally, it refines the rules as necessary using theory refinement. Our experimental evidence supports that this transfer finds models as good or better than those found with state-of-the-art, and in a fraction of the time.
Loss of the homologous recombination gene rad51 leads to Fanconi anemia-like symptoms in zebrafish

Significance The homologous recombination protein RAD51 has been extensively studied in prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes. However, there is a significant lack of knowledge of the role of this protein and its regulation in an in vivo context in vertebrates. Here we report the first viable vertebrate mutant model of rad51 in zebrafish. These mutant fish enabled us to confirm the recently discovered role of RAD51 in Fanconi anemia pathogenesis. We report that p53-linked embryonic stem cell defects directly lead to hematological impairments later in life. Comutation of rad51 with p53 rescues the observed hematological defects, but predisposes the fish to early tumor development. The application of this model opens new possibilities to advance Fanconi anemia drug discovery. RAD51 is an indispensable homologous recombination protein, necessary for strand invasion and crossing over. It has recently been designated as a Fanconi anemia (FA) gene, following the discovery of two patients carrying dominant-negative mutations. FA is a hereditary DNA-repair disorder characterized by various congenital abnormalities, progressive bone marrow failure, and cancer predisposition. In this report, we describe a viable vertebrate model of RAD51 loss. Zebrafish rad51 loss-of-function mutants developed key features of FA, including hypocellular kidney marrow, sensitivity to cross-linking agents, and decreased size. We show that some of these symptoms stem from both decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of embryonic hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Comutation of p53 was able to rescue the hematopoietic defects seen in the single mutants, but led to tumor development. We further demonstrate that prolonged inflammatory stress can exacerbate the hematological impairment, leading to an additional decrease in kidney marrow cell numbers. These findings strengthen the assignment of RAD51 as a Fanconi gene and provide more evidence for the notion that aberrant p53 signaling during embryogenesis leads to the hematological defects seen later in life in FA. Further research on this zebrafish FA model will lead to a deeper understanding of the molecular basis of bone marrow failure in FA and the cellular role of RAD51.
Recognition of aspects of consciousness through association with EEG alpha activity represented by a light signal.

Subjects were instructed to attempt identification of feeling states which would keep on a blue light operated by EEG alpha activity. A closed physiologic feedback system was used and no stimuli external to the circuit were employed. A highly significant degree of enhanced alpha activity was achieved in the first practice session, and 60% of the subjects showed specificity of the response to the light signal situation as compared to the same situation without the light signal. Greatest achievement of enhanced alpha activity appeared to be related to narrowing of perceptual awareness and pleasant feeling states.
Parent Driver Characteristics Associated with Sub-Optimal Restraint of Child Passengers

Objectives. To identify parent driver demographic and socioeconomic characteristics associated with the use of sub-optimal restraints for child passengers under nine years. Methods. Cross-sectional study using in-depth, validated telephone interviews with parent drivers in a probability sample of 3,818 vehicle crashes involving 5,146 children. Sub-optimal restraint was defined as use of forward-facing child safety seats for infants under one or weighing under 20 lbs, and any seat-belt use for children under 9. Results. Sub-optimal restraint was more common among children under one and between four and eight years than among children aged one to three years (18%, 65%, and 5%, respectively). For children under nine, independent risk factors for sub-optimal restraint were: non-Hispanic black parent drivers (with non-Hispanic white parents as reference, adjusted relative risk, adjusted RR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.09–1.41); less educated parents (with college graduate or above as reference: high school, adjusted RR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.12–1.44; less than high school graduate, adjusted RR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.13–1.63); and lower family income (with $50,000 or more as reference: <$20,000, adjusted RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.07–1.40). Multivariate analysis revealed the following independent risk factors for sub-optimal restraint among four-to-eight-year-olds: older parent age, limited education, black race, and income below $20,000. Conclusions. Parents with low educational levels or of non-Hispanic black background may require additional anticipatory guidance regarding child passenger safety. The importance of poverty in predicting sub-optimal restraint underscores the importance of child restraint and booster seat disbursement and education programs, potentially through Medicaid.
A pilot study of the comparative efficacy of 100 Hz magnetic seizure therapy and electroconvulsive therapy in persistent depression

Magnetic seizure therapy (MST) is a novel brain stimulation technique that uses a high‐powered transcranial magnetic stimulation device to produce therapeutic seizures. Preliminary MST studies have found antidepressant effects in the absence of cognitive side effects but its efficacy compared to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and cognitive profile of MST compared to standard right unilateral ECT treatment.
Subcutaneous Fat Accumulation Shows a Beneficial Correlation with Serum Cholesterol in Postmenopausal Japanese Women

This study aimed to investigate whether accumulation of subcutaneous abdominal fat has a beneficial correlation with lipid metabolism in premenopausal and/or postmenopausal Japanese women. The study enrolled 146 premenopausal women, ranging in age from 19 to 54 years, and 82 postmeno-pausal women, ranging in age from 47 to 66 years. Fat distribution, including abdominal visceral fat area (VFA) and abdominal subcutaneous fat area (SFA), were measured in an outpatient clinic by magnetic resonance imaging. Homogeneity of the regression slopes for SFA to total cholesterol (P = 0.030), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.020), apolipoprotein B (apoB) (P = 0.001), and the ratio of apoB to apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) (P = 0.003) were not found between premenopausal and postmenopausal women, even after adjustment for both VFA and age. However, the regression slopes for VFA to all measured lipid parameters, as well as apolipoproteins, were homogeneous between the premenopausal and postmeno-pausal groups. Abdominal SFA in postmenopausal women correlated negatively with total cholesterol (P = 0.007), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.002), apoB (P < 0.001), and the ratio of apoB to apoA-I (P = 0.001), after adjustment for age and VFA, but this was not the case in premenopausal women. The mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of subcutaneous fat accumulation in postmenopausal women remain obscure, but upregulated aromatase expression, derived from adipose tissue, may possibly improve lipid and apolipoprotein metabolism.
The role of cognitive reappraisal in placebo analgesia: an fMRI study

Abstract Placebo analgesia (PA) depends crucially on the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which is assumed to be responsible for initiating the analgesic response. Surprisingly little research has focused on the psychological mechanisms mediated by the PFC and underlying PA. One increasingly accepted theory is that cognitive reappraisal—the reinterpretation of the meaning of adverse events—plays an important role, but no study has yet addressed the possible functional relationship with PA. We studied the influence of individual differences in reappraisal ability on PA and its prefrontal mediation. Participants completed a cognitive reappraisal ability task, which compared negative affect evoked by pictures in a reappraise versus a control condition. In a subsequent fMRI session, PA was induced using thermal noxious stimuli and an inert skin cream. We found a region in the left dorsolateral PFC, which showed a positive correlation between placebo-induced activation and (i) the reduction in participants’ pain intensity ratings; and (ii) cognitive reappraisal ability scores. Moreover, this region showed increased placebo-induced functional connectivity with the periaqueductal grey, indicating its involvement in descending nociceptive control. These initial findings thus suggest that cognitive reappraisal mechanisms mediated by the dorsolateral PFC may play a role in initiating pain inhibition in PA.
Cognitive and behavioral phenotype of children with pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1A

Pseudohypoparathyroidism 1A (PHP1A) is a rare, genetic disorder. Most patients with PHP1A have cognitive impairment but this has not been systematically studied. We hypothesized that children with PHP1A would have lower intelligent quotient (IQ) scores than controls. To evaluate cognition and behavior, we prospectively enrolled children with PHP1A, one unaffected sibling (when available) and controls matched on BMI/age/gender/race. Evaluations included cognitive and executive function testing. Parents completed questionnaires on behavior and executive function. We enrolled 16 patients with PHP1A, 8 unaffected siblings, and 15 controls. Results are presented as mean (SD). The PHP1A group had a composite IQ of 85.9 (17.2); 25% had a composite IQ < −2 SD. The PHP1A group had significantly lower IQs than matched controls (composite IQ −17.3, 95%CI −28.1 to −6.5, p < 0.01) and unaffected siblings (composite IQ −21.5, 95%CI −33.9 to −9.1, p < 0.01). Special education services were utilized for 93% of the patients with PHP1A. Deficits were observed in executive function and parents reported delayed adaptive behavior skills and increased rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In conclusion, children with PHP1A have lower intelligence quotient scores, poorer executive function, delayed adaptive behavior skills, and increased behavior problems.
In Vitro Antiprotozoal Activity of Triterpenoid Constituents of Kleinia odora Growing in Saudi Arabia

Two lupane and four ursane triterpenes, namely epilupeol (1), lupeol acetate (2), ursolic acid (3), brein (4), 3β 11α-dihydroxy urs-12-ene (5) and ursolic acid lactone (6) were isolated from aerial parts of Kleinia odora and identified. Compounds 1 and 3–6 were isolated for the first time from K. odora. The triterpene constituents were investigated for antiprotozoal potential against erythrocytic schizonts of Plasmodium falciparum, intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi and free trypomastigotes of T. brucei. Cytotoxicity was determined against MRC-5 fibroblasts to assess selectivity. The ursane triterpenes were found to be active against more than one type of the tested parasites, with the exception of compound 6. This is also the first report on the occurrence of ursane type triterpenes in the genus Kleinia and their antiprotozoal potential against P. falciparum, L. infantum, T. cruzi, and T. brucei.
China energy databook

The response to the first edition of the China Energy Databook was overwhelmingly positive, and has encouraged us to issue this revised, updated, and expanded edition. It has been a natural counterpart to the Energy Analysis Program`s continuing program of collaborative research with the Energy Research Institute. No other current reference volume dedicated to China`s energy system contains a similar variety and quality of material. We have revised some of the categories and data that appeared in the old volume. The adjustment for energy consumption in the transportation sector, for instance, has been slightly changed to include some fuel use in the commercial sector, which was previously left out. As another example, natural gas consumption statistics in the first edition greatly overstated electric utility use; we have rectified that error. Some tables have changed as statistical collection and reporting practices change in China. Figures on gross output value by sector stop with 1992, and economic output in subsequent years is covered by various measures of value-added, such as national income and gross domestic product.
Temperature Dependence of Fiber-Format Multiwavelength Generation Process in Bulk MgO-PPLN Crystal Via High-Power Photonic Crystal Fiber Laser

In this paper, we report on a compact frequency conversion scheme based on high-power photonic crystal fiber (PCF) laser at optical communication band using a multigrating MgO-PPLN crystal. Temperature dependence of wave-vector mismatch, group velocity, central wavelength, and conversion efficiency was theoretically analyzed. Temperature tuning characteristics were experimentally obtained by propagating 240-fs pulses with a 126-MHz repetition rate in a 10-mm-long MgO-PPLN crystal. We also observed and characterized second-harmonic generation (SHG), third-harmonic generation (THG), and fourth-harmonic generation processes in the same crystal. Maximum SHG and THG conversion efficiency values of 27.5% and 4.3% were achieved at 100 °C and 77 °C, respectively.
Bearings-only constant velocity target maneuver detection via expected likelihood

This work addresses the problem of target maneuver detection using passive bearing measurements when the target motion dynamics can be described by a discrete constant velocity (CV) model. The proposed expected likelihood (EL) maneuver detector (ELMD) extends the EL approach from a direction of arrival estimation framework to maneuver detection of targets governed by a CV model. As a result of its array signal processing nature, and in contrast to measurement residual-based maneuver detectors, ELMD does not require statistical assumptions of the bearing measurements, and its maneuver detection performance improves with increasing signal-to-noise ratio and sample support. Maneuver detection performance of ELMD and two conventional maneuver detectors for the passive bearings-only target tracking problem are evaluated in this work via simulations using mean detection delay, detection delay standard deviation, and probability of false alarm criteria. ELMD is shown to outperform the other two evaluated algorithms in all tested practical scenarios.