Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of the Contractile Properties of Myometrium from Singleton and Twin Pregnancies

Objective Over half of twin pregnancies in US and UK deliver prematurely but the reasons for this are unclear. The contractility of myometrium from twin pregnancies has not been directly investigated. The objective of this research was to determine if there are differences in the contractile activity and response to oxytocin, between myometrium from singleton and twin pregnancies, across a range of gestational ages. Furthermore, we wished to determine if contractile activity correlates with increasing level of stretch, using neonatal birth weights as a marker of uterine stretch. Methods This was an in vitro, laboratory based study of myometrial contractility in women pregnant with one or two babies, using biopsies obtained from non-labouring women undergoing Caesarean section. Spontaneous, oxytocin-stimulated and depolarization induced contractile activity was compared. Results Direct measurements of myometrial contractility under controlled conditions show that the frequency of contractions and responses to oxytocin are significantly increased in twins compared to singletons. The duration of contraction however was significantly reduced. We find that contractile activity correlates with increasing levels of stretch, using neonatal birth weights as a surrogate for uterine stretch, with response to oxytocin being significantly positively correlated with birth weight. Conclusions We have found significant differences in contractile properties between myometrium from singleton and twin pregnancies and that increasing uterine stretch can alter the contractile properties of myometrium. We discuss the implication of these findings to preterm delivery and future studies.
A pattern recognition approach to the development of a classification system for upper-limb musculoskeletal disorders of workers.

OBJECTIVES Workers' musculoskeletal disorders are often pain-based and elude specific diagnoses; yet diagnosis or classification is the cornerstone to researching and managing these disorders. Clinicians are skilled in pattern recognition and use it in their daily practice. The purpose of this study was to use the clinical reasoning of experienced clinicians to recognize patterns of signs and symptoms and thus create a classification system. METHODS Two hundred and forty-two workers consented to a standardized physical assessment and to completing a questionnaire. Each physical assessment finding was dichotomized (normal versus abnormal), and the results were graphically displayed on body diagrams. At two different workshops, groups of experienced researchers or clinicians were led through an exercise of pattern recognition (clustering and naming of clusters) to arrive at a classification system. Interobserver reliability was assessed (8 observers, 40 workers), and the classification system was revised to improve reliability. RESULTS The initial classification system had good face validity but low interobserver reliability (kappa <0.3). Revisions were made that resulted in a proposed triaxial classification system. The signs and symptoms axes quantified the areas in the involved upper limbs. The proposed third axis described the likelihood of a specific clinical diagnosis being made and the degree of certainty. The interobserver reliability improved to approximately 0.70. CONCLUSIONS This triaxial classification system for musculoskeletal disorders is based on clinically observable findings. Further testing and application in other populations is required. This classification system could be useful for both clinicians and epidemiologists.
LANE CHANGE DETECTION AND TRACKING FOR A SAFE-LANE APPROACH IN REAL TIME VISION BASED NAVIGATION SYSTEMS

Image sequences recorded with cameras mounted in a moving vehicle provide information about the vehicle’s environment which has to be analysed in order to really support the driver in actual traffic situations. One type of information is the lane structure surrounding the vehicle. Therefore, driver assistance functions which make explicit use of the lane structure represented by lane borders and lane markings is to be analysed. Lane analysis is performed on the road region to remove road pixels. Only lane markings are the interests for the lane detection process. Once the lane boundaries are located, the possible edge pixels are scanned to continuously obtain the lane model. The developed system can reduce the complexity of vision data processing and meet the real time requirements.
Implementing Dynamic Management for Mediated Service Interactions

Considering the inherent heterogeneous, autonomous and dynamic nature of Web services, mismatches usually exist between service signatures and behaviors, and mediation is a common approach for service interactions. Current techniques focus on mismatch analysis and automatic synthesis of mediators at development time, but they do not consider the effect that dynamic changes of services bring about for mediators at runtime. Since Web services are continuously evolving, mediators should be equipped with the dynamic adaptation and re-configuration capabilities to avoid being the bottleneck of the adaptability of service interactions. To address this challenge we propose a dynamic management approach for mediated service interactions. In this paper, migration strategies and correctness criteria suitable for the mediator are provided to realize dynamic adjustment of mediators at runtime, which ensures the agility and adaptability of service interactions based on the mediation mechanism.
COMPLEX ICA FOR CIRCULAR AND NON−CIRCULAR SOURCES (TueAmOR11

: In this paper we propose an information theory based generic method for complex Independent Component Analysis (ICA). Expressions for the complex score function are derived. The method exploits the full second order structure of complex signals. It combines a preprocessing step called the strong−uncorrelating transform (SUT) with ICA methods that use the proposed complex score function. The method is capable of separating circular or non−circular and symmetric or asymmetric source distributions from complex mixtures. It allows the separation of such signals with relatively simple modifications to existing methods for real−valued signals. The performance of the proposed method is compared to the standard complex JADE and FastICA algorithms in a simulation.
Performance Evaluation of Text-Independent Speaker Identification and Verification Using MFCC and GMM

This paper presents the performance of a text independent speaker identification and verification system using Gaussian Mixture Model(GMM). In this paper, we adapted Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients(MFCC) as speaker speech feature parameters and the concept of Gaussian Mixture Model for classification with log-likelihood estimation. The Gaussian Mixture Modeling method with diagonal covariance is increasingly being used for both speaker identification and verification. We have used speakers in experiments, modeled with 13 mel-cepstral coefficients. Speaker verification performance was conducted using False Acceptance Rate (FAR), False Rejection Rate(FRR) and Equal Error Rate(ERR).
Learning informative point classes for the acquisition of object model maps

This paper proposes a set of methods for building informative and robust feature point representations, used for accurately labeling points in a 3D point cloud, based on the type of surface the point is lying on. The feature space comprises a multi-value histogram which characterizes the local geometry around a query point, is pose and sampling density invariant, and can cope well with noisy sensor data. We characterize 3D geometric primitives of interest and describe methods for obtaining discriminating features used in a machine learning algorithm. To validate our approach, we perform an in-depth analysis using different classifiers and show results with both synthetically generated datasets and real-world scans.
RECONSTRUCTION OF BUILDING OUTLINES IN DENSE URBAN AREAS BASED ON LIDAR DATA AND ADDRESS POINTS

Abstract. The paper presents a comprehensive method for automated extraction and delineation of building outlines in densely built-up areas. A novel approach to outline reconstruction is the use of geocoded building address points. They give information about building location thus highly reduce task complexity. Reconstruction process is executed on 3D point clouds acquired by airborne laser scanner. The method consists of three steps: building detection, delineation and contours refinement. The algorithm is tested against a data set that presents the old market town and its surroundings. The results are discussed and evaluated by comparison to reference cadastral data.
Syntax , Semantics , Equivalences , and Axioms for MTIPP y

The stochastic process algebra MTIPP has emerged from research in the field of process descriptions for random behaviour through time. This calculus has recently been shown to allow the calculation of performance measures (e.g. response times), purely functional statements (e.g. occurrences of deadlocks), as well as combined statements (e.g. optimal timeout values) [9, 11]. In contrast to classical process calculi each atomic action is supposed to happen after a delay that is characterised by a certain exponentially distributed random variable. In this report we present the language together with its operational semantics, that defines Markovian labelled transition systems as a combination of classical action-oriented transition systems and Markovian processes, especially continuous time Markov chains. In order to reflect different behavioural aspects we define a hierarchy of bisimulation equivalences and show that two of them are congruences. Finally we present equational laws for our central notion of equivalence, and show that these equations form a sound and complete axiomatisation for finite and a class of infinite processes. Theses laws characterise the behaviour of a MTIPP-processes on a syntactic level.
A high-sensitivity near-infrared science combiner for MROI

We report on the design and performance of a 6-way multi-wavelength beam combining instrument for the MRO Interferometer, allowing for fringe measurements at any of the J/H/K near-infrared bands at switchable spectral resolution with high sensitivity. Three preliminary designs for the instrument are presented and compared. The results of an ongoing evaluation performed on the performance, costs, and risks of each designs are analysed. Signal-to-noise analyses confirm in particular the utility of one of the design at magnitudes as faint as K=13.
A social neuroscience approach to self and social categorisation: A new look at an old issue

We take a social neuroscience approach to self and social categorisation in which the current self-categorisation(s) is constructed from relatively stable identity representations stored in memory (such as the significance of one's social identity) through iterative and interactive perceptual and evaluative processing. This approach describes these processes across multiple levels of analysis, linking the effects of self-categorisation and social identity on perception and evaluation to brain function. We review several studies showing that self-categorisation with an arbitrary group can override the effects of more visually salient, cross-cutting social categories on social perception and evaluation. The top-down influence of self-categorisation represents a powerful antecedent-focused strategy for suppressing racial bias without many of the limitations of a more response-focused strategy. Finally we discuss the implications of this approach for our understanding of social perception and evaluation and the neural substrates of these processes.
An Avian Retrovirus Uses Canonical Expression and Processing Mechanisms To Generate Viral MicroRNA

ABSTRACT To date, the vast majority of known virus-encoded microRNAs (miRNAs) are derived from polymerase II transcripts encoded by DNA viruses. A recent demonstration that the bovine leukemia virus, a retrovirus, uses RNA polymerase III to directly transcribe the pre-miRNA hairpins to generate viral miRNAs further supports the common notion that the canonical pathway of miRNA biogenesis does not exist commonly among RNA viruses. Here, we show that an exogenous virus-specific region, termed the E element or XSR, of avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J), a member of avian retrovirus, encodes a novel miRNA, designated E (XSR) miRNA, using the canonical miRNA biogenesis pathway. Detection of novel microRNA species derived from the E (XSR) element, a 148-nucleotide noncoding RNA with hairpin structure, showed that the E (XSR) element has the potential to function as a microRNA primary transcript, demonstrating a hitherto unknown function with possible roles in myeloid leukosis associated with ALV-J.
A design, analysis and optimization technique of 1.9 GHz CDMA low noise amplifier

In this paper, a 1.9GHz CDMA low noise amplifier (LNA) has been designed, analyzed and simulated using GaAs technology with high RF performances. A technique to design this LNA is presented along. The proposed low noise amplifier allows a receiver system to become adaptive to an antenna's array, waveguides and a transmission lines, as well as standard antenna signal powers. It is also suitable for applications in cellular and PCS handsets, and other systems requiring super low noise figure with good intercept in the 0 to 10 GHz frequency range. At 1.9GHz, the amplifier is optimized to provide a max gain of 16.7dB, a noise figure (NF) of only 0.9 dB. The proposed LNA dissipates a power of 20mW at a supply voltage of 2V. Although this paper is based on LNA design with a specific transistor, this general LNA design technique can be used for other transistors and applications.
Analyzing Internet Slang for Sentiment Mining

Every consumer has his own opinion about the product he is using which they are willing to share in social groups like forums, chat rooms and weblogs. As these review comments are actual feedbacks from customers, mining the sentiments in these reviews is being increasingly inducted into the feedback pipeline for any company. Along with it, the increasing use of slang in such communities in expressing emotions and sentiment makes it important to consider Slang in determining the sentiment. In this paper, we present an approach for finding the sentiment score of newly found slang sentiment words in blogs, reviews and forum texts over the World Wide Web. A simple mechanism for calculating sentiment score of documents using slang words with the help of Delta Term Frequency and Weighted Inverse Document Frequency technique is also presented in this paper.
Bioenergy crop productivity and potential climate change mitigation from marginal lands in the United States: An ecosystem modeling perspective

Growing biomass feedstocks from marginal lands is becoming an increasingly attractive choice for producing biofuel as an alternative energy to fossil fuels. Here, we used a biogeochemical model at ecosystem scale to estimate crop productivity and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from bioenergy crops grown on marginal lands in the United States. Two broadly tested cellulosic crops, switchgrass, and Miscanthus, were assumed to be grown on the abandoned land and mixed crop‐vegetation land with marginal productivity. Production of biomass and biofuel as well as net carbon exchange and nitrous oxide emissions were estimated in a spatially explicit manner. We found that, cellulosic crops, especially Miscanthus could produce a considerable amount of biomass, and the effective ethanol yield is high on these marginal lands. For every hectare of marginal land, switchgrass and Miscanthus could produce 1.0–2.3 kl and 2.9–6.9 kl ethanol, respectively, depending on nitrogen fertilization rate and biofuel conversion efficiency. Nationally, both crop systems act as net GHG sources. Switchgrass has high global warming intensity (100–390 g CO2eq l−1 ethanol), in terms of GHG emissions per unit ethanol produced. Miscanthus, however, emits only 21–36 g CO2eq to produce every liter of ethanol. To reach the mandated cellulosic ethanol target in the United States, growing Miscanthus on the marginal lands could potentially save land and reduce GHG emissions in comparison to growing switchgrass. However, the ecosystem modeling is still limited by data availability and model deficiencies, further efforts should be made to classify crop‐specific marginal land availability, improve model structure, and better integrate ecosystem modeling into life cycle assessment.
Sound of Network: Capturing Network Structure by Signal Response

Structural analysis of networks has attracted a lot of attention from researchers. While previous studies have devised structural indices for quantitatively describing network structures, they mostly focus on specific structural characteristics and the structural information provided by them is often fragmental. This paper proposes methods for representing and analyzing structural characteristics of networks that provide a comprehensive understanding of network structure. It describes a new approach for grasping the structural features of networks, wherein a signal is input at a vertex of a given network, and the signal propagates through the network and eventually returns to the input vertex through various routes. The returning signal at the input vertex can be thought of as the response of the network to the input signal and can be used as a representation of the structural characteristics of the network that can be analyzed using existing signal analysis techniques. The paper also describes experiments examining the properties of response signals in artificial networks and presents a method for identifying the structural characteristics of a network by analyzing its response signal.
Presheaf models for Constructive Set Theories

This chapter introduces new kinds of models for constructive set theories based on categories of presheaves. It concentrates on categories of classes rather than sets, following the lines of algebraic set theory. It defines a general notion of what is a categorical model for CST, and shows that categories of presheaves provide examples of such models. To do so, it considers presheaves as functors with values in a category of classes. The models introduced are a counterpart of the presheaf models for intuitionistic set theories defined by Dana Scott in the 1980s. In this work, the author has to overcome the challenges intrinsic to dealing with generalized predicative formal systems rather than impredicative ones. An application to an independence result is discussed.
Evaluation of QoS Based Web-Service Selection Techniques for Service Composition

In service oriented computing, services are the basic construct that aims to facilitate building of business application in a more flexible and interoperable manner for enterprise collaboration. To satisfy the needs of clients and to adapt to changing needs, service composition is performed to compose the various capabilities of available services. With the proliferation of services offering similar functionalities around the web, the task of service selection for service composition is complicated. It is vital to provide service consumers with facilities for selecting required web services according to their non-functional characteristics or quality of service (QoS). The objective of this paper presents the exploration of various techniques of Quality of Service based Service Selection (QSS) approach in the literature. To evaluate the service selection process, a number of criteria for QSS approach have been identified and presented in this paper.
Analysis of DCC domain structure

Wavelet-type methods are employed for the analysis of pion field configurations that have been obtained by dynamical simulations in idealized scenarios relevant to the formation of disoriented chiral condensates. It is illustrated how the measurement of the isospin domain structure depends on the ability to zoom in on limited parts of the phase space, due to the interplay between the pion correlation length and the effective source geometry. The need for advanced analysis methods is underscored by the fact that the extracted neutral-fraction distribution would differ significantly from the ideal form, even under perfect experimental conditions, and, moreover, by the circumstance that thermal sources with suitably adjusted temperatures can lead to distributions that may be practically indistinguishable from those arising from DCC-type nonequilibrium evolutions. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Sensitive method for detection and semiquantification of Bence Jones protein by cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis using colloidal silver staining.

The monoclonal free light chain of immunoglobulin, Bence Jones protein (BJP), is associated with malignant monoclonal gammopathies, in particular with multiple myeloma, lymphoproliferative diseases such as Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia and malignant lymphoma, amyloidosis associated with light chain, and light chain deposition disease (1)(2). The detection of urinary BJP is useful for diagnosing and evaluating the prognosis for monoclonal gammopathies (3)(4)(5)(6)(7). BJP can be detected as a sharp band by urinary protein electrophoresis (UPE). UPE on cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, and agarose has been reported. More recently, sodium dodecyl sulfate-agarose gel electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis of urinary proteins have been reported (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13). Electrophoresis on cellulose acetate membranes is carried out for serum protein fractions in many clinical laboratories, and it is a simple and easily reproducible technique. After UPE on cellulose acetate, membranes are stained with solutions containing Acid-violet 17 and Coomassie Brilliant Blue; however, extensive preconcentration of urine before electrophoresis generally is recommended because of the low concentrations of urinary proteins. This procedure for concentrating urine is time-consuming and has problems such as protein loss, aggregation, and degradation. Although highly sensitive staining methods using colloidal gold solution without preconcentration of urine have been reported (14)(15)(16), these methods require 2–3 h for protein staining. We previously reported a rapid and highly sensitive colloidal silver staining solution suitable for cellulose acetate membranes (17). In this study, we further modified the staining method and developed a more rapid and sensitive colloidal silver staining method to detect small amounts of BJP that does not require preconcentration of urine. We used urine samples obtained from inpatients with multiple …
1 1 2 3 TEMPERATURE MODULATION OF SLOW AND FAST CORTICAL 4 RHYTHMS 5 6 7 8

1 2 3 TEMPERATURE MODULATION OF SLOW AND FAST CORTICAL 4 RHYTHMS 5 6 7 8 R. Reig1, M. Mattia2, A. Compte1, C. Belmonte3 and M.V. Sanchez-Vives1,4* 9 10 1 IDIBAPS (Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer), Barcelona, 11 Spain. 2Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy. 3Instituto de Neurociencias de 12 Alicante, (UMH-CSIC), Spain. 4ICREA (Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis 13 Avançats), Barcelona, Spain. 14 15 Running title: Temperature and cortical rhythms 16 17 18 Contact Information: 19 Maria V. Sanchez-Vives 20 IDIBAPS 21 Villarroel, 170 22 08036 Barcelona 23 Tel (34) 93 2275400 ext 4301 24 e-mail: msanche3@clinic.ub. es 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 Articles in PresS. J Neurophysiol (December 23, 2009). doi:10.1152/jn.00890. 2009