Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sleep Period Time Estimation Based on Electrodermal Activity

We proposed and tested a method to estimate sleep period time (SPT) using electrodermal activity (EDA) signals. Eight healthy subjects and six obstructive sleep apnea patients participated in the experiments. Each subject's EDA signals were measured at the middle and ring fingers of the dominant hand during polysomnography (PSG). For nine of the 17 participants, wrist actigraphy was also measured for a quantitative comparison of EDA- and actigraphy-based methods. Based on the training data, we observed that sleep onset was accompanied by a gradual reduction of amplitude of the EDA signals, whereas sleep offset was accompanied by a rapid increase in amplitude of EDA signals. We developed a method based on these EDA fluctuations during sleep–wake transitions, and applied it to a test dataset. The performance of the method was assessed by comparing its results with those from a physician's sleep stage scores. The mean absolute errors in the obtained values for sleep onset, offset, and period time between the proposed method, and the results of the PSG were 4.1, 3.0, and 6.1 min, respectively. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the corresponding values between the methods. We compared these results with those obtained by applying actigraphic methods, and found that our algorithm outperformed these in terms of each estimated parameter of interest in SPT estimation. Long awakening periods were also detected based on sympathetic responses reflected in the EDA signals. The proposed method can be applied to a daily sleep monitoring system.
Construction of QC LDPC codes Based on Cyclic Subgroup over GF(q)

In this paper, we proposed a novel method for constructing quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check (QC LDPC) codes based on cyclic subgroup over GF(q) . LDPC codes constructed by this method are quasi-cyclic (QC) and they perform very well over the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) with sum product algorithm (SPA). The main advantage is that QC LDPC codes with a variety of block lengths and rates can be easily constructed with no cycles of length four or less. Simulation results show that the proposed QC LDPC codes perform slight better than the random regular LDPC codes for short to moderate block lengths. Since the codes are QC, they can be encoded using simple shift registers with linear complexity.
Kinematics and critical swimming speed of juvenile scalloped hammerhead sharks

Kinematics and critical swimming speed (Ucrit) of juvenile scalloped hammerhead sharks Sphyrna lewini were measured in a Brett-type flume (635 l). Kinematic parameters were also measured in sharks swimming in a large pond for comparison with those of sharks swimming in the flume. Sharks in the flume exhibited a mean Ucrit of 65±11 cm s-1 (± s.d.) or 1.17±0.21 body lengths per second (L s-1), which are similar to values for other species of sharks. In both the flume and pond, tailbeat frequency (TBF) and stride length (LS) increased linearly with increases in relative swimming speed (Urel=body lengths traveled per second). In the flume, tailbeat amplitude (TBA) decreased with increasing speed whereas TBA did not change with speed in the pond. Differences in TBF and LS between sharks swimming in the flume and the pond decreased with increases in Urel. Sharks swimming at slow speeds (e.g. 0.55 L s-1) in the pond had LS 19 % longer and TBF 21 % lower than sharks in the flume at the same Urel. This implies that sharks in the flume expended more energy while swimming at comparable velocities. Comparative measurements of swimming kinematics from sharks in the pond can be used to correct for effects of the flume on shark swimming kinematics and energetics.
Timing Carbohydrate Beverage Intake During Prolonged Moderate Intensity Exercise Does Not Affect Cycling Performance

Carbohydrate beverages consumed during long-term exercise have been shown to attenuate fatigue and improve performance; however, the optimal timing of ingestion is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if timing the carbohydrate ingestion (continual loading (CL), front-loading (FL), and end-loading (EL)) during prolonged exercise influenced exercise performance in competitive cyclists. Ten well-trained cyclists completed three separate exercise bouts on a bicycle ergometer, each lasting 2 hours at an intensity of ~67% VO2 max, followed by a 15-minute “all out” time trial. In the CL trial, a carbohydrate beverage was ingested throughout the trial. In the FL trial, participants ingested a carbohydrate beverage during the first hour and a placebo beverage during the second hour. In the EL trial, a carbohydrate beverage was ingested during the second hour and a placebo during the first hour. The amount of carbohydrate consumed (75 g) was the same among conditions. The order of conditions was single-blinded, counterbalanced, and determined randomly. Performance was measured by the work output during the 15-minute performance ride. There were no differences in work output among the three conditions during the final time trial. In the first hour of exercise, peak venous blood glucose was highest in the FL condition. In the second hour, peak venous blood glucose was highest in the EL condition. Following the time trial, venous blood glucose levels were similar among CL, FL, and EL. Overall, the timing of carbohydrate beverage consumption during prolonged moderate intensity cycling did not alter cycling performance.
Cervical Fracture Stabilization within 72 Hours of Injury is Associated with Decreased Hospitalization Costs with Comparable Perioperative Outcomes in a Propensity Score-Matched Cohort

Introduction: Prior studies have indicated that early decompression of traumatic cervical fractures can be performed safely and is associated with improved outcomes, though the economic impact of the timing of surgery in the American population has not been studied. After adjusting for patient, hospital, and injury confounders, we performed propensity score modeling (PSM) on a large clinical administrative database to determine associated costs depending upon timing of surgery for acute cervical fracture. Methods: A total of 3,348 patients with surgically treated, traumatic, cervical fractures were identified. Patients were sorted into early (within 72 hours of admission) and late (beyond 72 hours) surgery groups. PSM was able to match 2,132 early and late surgery patients on age, comorbidity, expected payer, trauma severity, hospital type, urgent admission, and surgical approach. Perioperative complications, mortality, and resource utilization were assessed. Results: Late surgery was more frequently associated with increased age, more comorbidities, higher ICISS score, and non-private insurance. Following PSM matching, there were no significant, preoperative differences between early and late surgery groups. Surgery performed after 72 hours was associated with an increase in in-hospital complications (OR=1.3). The early surgery group was associated with decreased length of stay (11 days vs. 16 days, p <0.0001) and hospital charges ($237,786 v. $282,727, p <0.0001). Conclusions: After controlling for potential confounding differences through PSM matching and multivariate analyses, we found late surgery independently associated with increased in-hospital complications, length of stay, and hospital resource utilization. These data suggest surgery within 72 hours may decrease resource utilization without a corresponding increase in postoperative morbidity.
An analytic data engine for visualization in tableau

Efficient data processing is critical for interactive visualization of analytic data sets. Inspired by the large amount of recent research on column-oriented stores, we have developed a new specialized analytic data engine tightly-coupled with the Tableau data visualization system. The Tableau Data Engine ships as an integral part of Tableau 6.0 and is intended for the desktop and server environments. This paper covers the main requirements of our project, system architecture and query-processing pipeline. We use real-life visualization scenarios to illustrate basic concepts and provide experimental evaluation.
Renegotiation of Concession Contracts in Latin America

The authors construct a regulation model in which renegotiation occurs due to the imperfect enforcement of concession contracts. This enables the authors to provide theoretical predictions for the impact on the probability of renegotiation of a concession, regulatory institutions, institutional features, economic shocks, and the characteristics of the concession contracts. Then they use a data set of nearly 1,000 concessions awarded in Latin America and the Caribbean countries from 1989 to 2000 covering the sectors of telecommunications, energy, transport, and water to test these predictions. Finally, the authors derive some policy implications of their theoretical and empirical work.
The k-Sparsest Subgraph Problem

Given a simple undirected graph G = (V, E) and an integer k ≤ |V|, the k-sparsest subgraph problem asks for a set of k vertices that induce the minimum number of edges. As a generalization of the classical independent set problem, k-sparsest subgraph cannot ad- mit (unless P = NP) neither an approximation nor an FPT algorithm (parameterized by the number of edges in the solution) in all graph classes where independent set is NP-hard. Thus, it appears natural to investigate the approximability and fixed parameterized tractability of k-sparsest subgraph in graph classes where independent set is polynomial, such as subclasses of perfect graphs. In this paper, we first present a simple greedy tight 2-approximation algorithm in proper interval graphs, and then we use dynamic programming to design a PTAS in proper interval graph and an FPT algorithm in interval graphs (parameterized by the number of edges in the solution).
Implicit memory influences on metamemory during verbal learning after traumatic brain injury.

PURPOSE Prior research has shown that individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be overconfident in their judgments of learning (JOLs; online measures of self-monitoring of learning and memory). JOLs had been presumed to be driven by explicit processes, but recent research has also revealed implicit memory involvement. Given that implicit learning mechanisms are often intact in those with TBI, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether priming and antipriming of immediate and delayed JOLs in individuals with TBI might affect their overconfidence. METHOD A standard 3-field masked priming paradigm was combined with a paired-associate learning task with JOLs and administered to individuals with TBI and matched controls (18 per group). In each trial, a subliminal masked stimulus was immediately followed by supraliminal presentation of a word pair for study; participants also made immediate and delayed JOLs, with cued-recall testing 10 min after study and judgment. RESULTS Antipriming significantly lowered JOLs and overconfidence for both groups, whereas delaying JOLs significantly improved recall for both groups. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that JOLs may be influenced by subliminal implicit memory. Clinical implications include the possible use of antipriming to reduce overconfidence after brain injury and delaying JOLs to improve recall.
A concatenative Mandarin TTS system without prosody model and prosody modification

This paper proposes a two-step solution for generating natural prosody in TTS, in which no prosody prediction and modification are needed. A large phonetically and prosodically enriched speech corpus has been collected as the unit pool for the synthesizer. A multi-tier non-uniform unit selection scheme is developed to pick up the most suitable segments for concatenation from the unit pool. Final decisions for all units in the utterance to be synthesized are made by minimizing the overall concatenative cost of the whole utterance. Result from a subjective evaluation shows that the average concatenative cost of a synthesized utterance is highly correlated with its naturalness.
Analysing Bids in Dialogue Macrogame Theory using Discourse Obligations

We focus on a class of utterances that can be analysed as ’explicit game bids’ in Dialogue Macrogame Theory (DMT). We propose an update-semantics analysis that uses discourse obligations to model the observable behaviour of dialogue participants and that is able to generate the intentional structure of interactions assumed in DMT. We also claim that our analysis provides the base for reformulating some key aspects of ILLOCUTIONARY FORCE in terms of BIDDING.
An Integrative Approach for Measuring Privacy Impact of Identifiers in the Automotive Domain

Information technology is commonly used in automotive applications, and has introduced associated opportunities and threats. At the same time, the dissemination and use of certain privacy-sensitive data (i.e., identifying data) continues to increase, raising serious questions about privacy and anonymity. However, the effect of identifying data on privacy depends on various aspects, such as their basic structure. We propose that the preemptive assessment of privacy levels is a key factor for reliable privacy processes in vehicular development, extending the existing assessment during runtime. Thus, we identify a comprehensive and classified set of privacy indicators for identifiers, and explore the possible application of a single indicator by proposing privacy impact metrics that are based on entropy. We demonstrate the feasibility of our approach using a real dataset of vehicle identification numbers (VINs).
Fluctuation Analysis for the Loss from Default

We analyze the fluctuation of the loss from default around its large portfolio limit in a class of reduced-form models of correlated firm-by-firm default timing. We prove a weak convergence result for the fluctuation process and use it for developing a conditionally Gaussian approximation to the loss distribution. Numerical results illustrate the accuracy and computational efficiency of the approximation.
Production and metabolism of serotonin (5-HT) by the human adrenal cortex: paracrine stimulation of aldosterone secretion by 5-HT.

In the human adrenal cortex, serotonin (5-HT) is contained in mast-like cells, and we have shown that 5-HT stimulates aldosterone secretion, suggesting that 5-HT may control glomerulosa cells through a paracrine mechanism. Concurrently, the presence of 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid in human adrenocortical extracts indicates that 5-HT may be metabolized after local release by mast cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate in vitro the production and metabolism of 5-HT by the human adrenal cortex. Perifused adrenal slices released spontaneously detectable amounts of 5-HT (0.74 +/- 0.38 fmol/mg wet tissue.min). The mast cell-depleting drug compound 48/80 induced a burst of 5-HT secretion followed by a gradual increase in aldosterone production. Administration of the specific 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist GR 113808 (10(-6) M) did not affect compound 48/80-induced 5-HT release but abolished the stimulatory effect of compound 48/80 on aldosterone secretion, indicating that 5-HT released locally is responsible for a paracrine control of steroidogenesis. Incubation of cells from the human adrenal cortex with 5-HT (10(-5) M) provoked the formation of the 5-HT metabolite 5-hydroxytryptophol. The type A monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor clorgyline (10(-6) M) suppressed the metabolism of 5-HT into 5-hydroxytryptophol. Immunocytochemical staining of cultured cells revealed the presence of a subpopulation of MAO-A-positive cells. Double labeling with an antiserum against chromogranin A showed that MAO-A was actually contained in chromaffin cells. Similarly, immunohistochemical staining of adrenal slices showed that MAO-A was expressed in chromaffin cells located both in the medulla and in intracortical rays. In conclusion, the present study shows that, in the human adrenal cortex, 5-HT, released by mast-cells, may stimulate aldosterone secretion in a paracrine manner. Our data also indicate that 5-HT is metabolized by MAO-A located in intracortical chromaffin cells.
Evaluation of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, utilizing native antigen B for serodiagnosis of human hydatidosis.

BACKGROUND Hydatidosis is one of the cosmopolitan parasitic zoonoses caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Diagnosis of hydatidosis is still an unresolved problem. Serological tests using crude antigens for diagnosis of E. granulosus are sensitive, however their specificity are not satisfactory. Therefore, WHO recommended specific serological methods using specific antigens, specially native AgB for proper diagnosis. OBJECTIVES This study was designed to evaluate the ELISA and counter current immunoelectrophresis (CCIEP) method using native antigen B (Ag B) for serodiagnosis of human hydatidosis in Fars Province, Iran, an endemic area for this parasitic disease. METHODS Native AgB was purified from sheep hydatid fluid. Serum samples obtained from 40 pathologically confirmed cases of hydatidosis along with samples from patients with fascioliasis, toxocariasis, taeniasis and cancer patients and sera from healthy individuals were tested by ELISA using native antigen B or tested by countercurrent immunoelectrophresis (CCIEP) using crude sheep hydatid cyst fluid. RESULTS Sensitivity of the ELISA system was determined to be 92.5% and the specificity was found to be 97.3%. Positive and negative predictive values of the system were 92.5% and 97.3%, respectively. For countercurrent immunoelectrophresis the sensitivity of the assay was 97.5% and its specificity was 58.18%. This ELISA system is much more specific in detecting anti hydatid cyst antibody than CCIEP, while CCIEP is more sensitive in detecting anti hydatid cyst antibody. CONCLUSION The new ELISA system using native antigen B is a suitable method and preferable to CCIEP for immunodiagnosis of human hydatidosis.
Academic competence for technical reading in English as a foreign language

Taiwanese students are usually taught English through the grammar translation method, whereas instruction in specialized vocabulary words, technical reading and writing, and metacognitive strategies is largely ignored. Technical texts written in English are exceptionally difficult for Taiwanese college students to read, particularly when students have only learned to memorize grammar rules. This project offers a strategy-based curriculum designed to increase academic competence in technical reading for Taiwanese students of English as a foreign language. By using a variety of learning strategies for technical reading, students will be better prepared to comprehend technical writing. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to address the problems stated above and improve English as foreign language learning for the students of Taiwan by applying learning strategies for acquiring specialized vocabulary words, enhancing background knowledge, and increasing metacognitive
Racewalk: Fast Instruction Frequency Analysis and Classification for Shellcode Detection in Network Flow

Memory corruption attacks still play a significant role in present cybercrime activities, being one of the keystones for worm, virus propagation and building botnets. Moreover,recent disclosures of widespread networking equipment vulnerabilities show that the problem is unlikely to fade away in the near future. The subject of this paper is NOP-sled detection — one of the approaches for detecting malicious code in network flow. NOP-sled is a quite common shellcode preamble used in memory corruption attacks to increase the probability of successful target exploitation. We propose a significant modification of the Stride algorithm which has linear computational complexity and runs over 10 times faster than original Stride and a novel approach for NOP-sled detection using IA-32 instruction frequency analysis and SVM-based classification, which gives significantly less false positives then existing algorithms. Evaluation with Metasploit Framework, CLET,ecl-poly and ADMmutate shows that various NOP-sleds provided by existing shellcode generators have instructionsfrequency peculiarities, which allow to distinguish betweensleds and normal network data with high accuracy whilereducing the false positives rate and operating close to 1Gbps speed.
An effective method to calculate permeability based on Stoneley waves

An algorithm of extracting formation permeability from array waveform data is specially designed for multipole array acoustic logging tool (MPAL). Purely transmitted Stoneley waves are obtained after digital filtering and waveform truncation. The corresponding amplitude curves of Stoneley waves are acquired by carrying out a Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT). Weighted spectral semblance method is used to calculate the slowness dispersion curve of Stoneley waves, and attenuation dispersion curves are obtained by using the least square fitting method. Matrix equation based on the boundary conditions at the borehole wall is applied to calculate slowness dispersion curves of Stoneley waves of equivalent elastic formation. At the end, the simplified Biot-Rosenbaum model is used to inverse formation permeability. This method is attached to log evaluation and application desktop (LEAD) of CNPC to process the logging data of oilfields. Processing results demonstrate that this method is able to calculate formation permeability fast and effectively, and the permeability obtained this way has good consistency with that of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method.
Integrated microscopic-macroscopic pharmacology of monoclonal antibody radioconjugates: the radiation dose distribution.

Accurate dosimetry is essential for the assessment of radioimmunotherapy. Most often studied to date has been the macroscopic dosimetry related to organ and tumor distribution of the radiolabeled antibody, but the question of microscopic dose heterogeneity is also important. To address the latter issue, we have taken an integrated approach to the pharmacology, taking into account whole-body distribution, transcapillary transport, percolation through the tumor interstitial space, antigen-antibody interaction, and antibody metabolism. The first step is to simulate the spatial antibody concentration profile in a tumor as a function of time after i.v. (e.g., bolus) injection, using reasonable values for the parameters involved. The second step is to calculate, also as a function of time, the absorbed radiation dose distribution resulting from each concentration profile. Parameter values for IgG pharmacology and a radiation point source function for 131I are used to explore the effect of antibody distribution profiles on absorbed dose in the tumor. The geometry simulated corresponds to a spherical nodule of densely packed tumor cells. Absorbed doses are calculated for radiation from a single nodule (e.g., a micrometastasis or prevascular primary tumor) and for a cubic lattice of such nodules (e.g., corresponding to nodular lymphoma). As noted in our previous studies, there is a "binding site barrier. " Binding to antigen retards antibody percolation into the nodules; high antibody affinity tends to decrease percolation and give a higher absorbed dose near the surface of each nodule. Heterogeneous antibody distribution results in a heterogeneous absorbed dose. This is more apparent in the case of radiation from a single nodule than it is for radiation from within an array of nodules. Dehalogenation results in a lower absorbed dose over time, and the effect is more apparent at later times after injection. PERC-RAD, the computer program package developed for these analyses, provides a convenient and flexible way to assess the impact of macroscopic and microscopic parameters on the distribution of radioimmunoconjugates and on the consequent profile of absorbed radiation dose in tumors. This mathematical model and the general principles developed here can be applied as well to other radiolabeled biological ligands.