Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chagas' heart disease in the United States.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS Chagas' heart disease is believed to be rare in the United States, although many persons from countries where the disease is endemic reside here. We performed a retrospective case review and prospective follow-up of 25 patients with Chagas' heart disease and no obstructive coronary artery disease on angiography. RESULTS The patients mainly presented with symptomatic atrioventricular block, congestive heart failure, anginal chest pain, sudden death averted by resuscitation, or sustained ventricular tachycardia. Of the 25 patients, 18 had been treated for coronary artery disease or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy for up to 108 months before the diagnosis of Chagas' disease was considered. The electrocardiograms frequently suggested coronary artery disease. Six of the seven patients who had exercise thallium-perfusion scans had abnormalities suggesting ischemia or infarction. A left ventricular aneurysm was found in 14 of the 25 patients, segmental akinesia or hypokinesia in 5, and diffuse hypokinesia in 3. Programmed ventricular stimulation performed in 13 patients induced sustained ventricular tachycardia in 9 and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in 2. Actuarial survival (mean +/- SE) after four years for the entire group was 56 +/- 12 percent; it was 32 +/- 16 percent among those with global left ventricular dysfunction, and 78 +/- 14 percent among those without such dysfunction (P = 0.03). Only patients with left ventricular dysfunction or an aneurysm died (four-year survival, 45 +/- 14 percent, as compared with 100 percent for the remaining patients; P = 0.0002). Heart failure and left ventricular aneurysm or dysfunction were the only independent predictors of death. Nine patients required permanent pacemakers. CONCLUSIONS In the United States, Chagas' heart disease commonly mimics coronary artery disease or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. The prognosis is poor for patients with heart failure or left ventricular aneurysm or dysfunction. The disease may be underdiagnosed in the United States.
The Enfield Lock Barrel Mill of 1815 and Moves to Replace Musket Barrel Grinding by Turning c1780 to c1840

In 1841 Henry Wilkinson in his book Engines of War and William Greener in The Science of Gunnery describe a range of methods then in use for shaping the outside of gun barrels after the barrel forging process, ranging from manual off-hand grinding to the use of precision machines. In the same year G. & J. Rennie published the design of their state-of-the-art lathe that was capable of turning complex and dished barrel forms. This built upon the earlier work of both Henry Nock and John Jones. In the early years of the 19th century both Britain, at Enfield and other locations, and the USA, at Harpers Ferry and Springfield, began to introduce barrel-turning technology. This paper uses measurements taken from a significant number of military barrels made by several makers, and also newly exposed information about Henry Nock and the Enfield Factory of 1815, to understand better the technologies that were applied to military flintlock barrel finishing from the 1780s to the 1840s, and particularly during the major wars of 1793–1815, when high output was paramount. Measurements both of barrel form and out-of-roundness are presented. These allow the interpretation of the techniques being used by different makers at different locations, and raise questions about the purpose and achievement of the complex dished barrel forms found on British military flintlock muskets. This approach also allows us to better describe the earliest factory on the Enfield site, one of the most significant sites in the wider history of UK manufacturing.
Optimal tuning of Brain Emotional Learning Based Intelligent Controller using Clonal Selection Algorithm

In this paper, an optimal parameter assignment methodology for intelligent controller based on computational model of emotional learning in mammalian brain is presented. Brain Emotional Learning Based Intelligent Controller (BELBIC) is an intelligent controller based on emotional learning process in mammalian limbic system. The proposed controller has been applied to control a single link flexible joint manipulator. In this paper, the CLONAL Selection Algorithm is utilized to obtain superior controller parameters in order to minimize Rise time, Settling time and Overshoot.
Obřady loučení se zemřelými: Sekulární, náboženské nebo raději žádné pohřby?

Soucasne ceske pohřebni obřady výrazným způsobem navazuji na dobu vlady komunistickeho režimu, během ktereho se celkem uspěsně podařilo nahradit velkou cast naboženských pohřbů pohřby sekularnimi. Na pozadi tohoto postupu studie popisuje a analyzuje soucasnou pohřebni praxi, přicemž vychazi ze dvou výzkumů, ktere se vzajemně doplňuji. Obecne udaje o rozsiřeni preferenci soucasných obyvatel Ceske republiky a zejmena Středoceskeho kraje a Prahy pro naboženský, obcanský nebo dokonce žadný pohřebni obřad autorka cerpa z reprezentativniho sociologickeho setřeni ISSP 2008 - Naboženstvi III. Hlubsi vhled do soucasne pohřebni praxe pak vychazi z kvalitativniho terenniho setřeni provedeneho autorkou ve třech lokalitach Středoceskeho kraje. Kombinace těchto dvou datových zdrojů umožňuje nejen popsat soucasne sekularni a naboženske pohřby, zachytit jejich rozsiřeni a významy, ale i objasnit stavajici situaci, ktera je v evropskem i celosvětovem kontextu unikatni. A to nejen vysokým zastoupenim sekularnich pohřebnich obřadů, ale zejmena v poslednich letech stale se rozsiřujici praxi, kdy je tělo mrtveho pohřbeno bez jakehokoliv kolektivniho pohřebniho obřadu.
SINGLE IMAGE SUPER-RESOLUTION VIA BM 3 D SPARSE CODING

In this paper, a novel single image super-resolution (SISR) algorithm is proposed. It is based on the BM3D (BlockMatching and 3D filtering) paradigm, where both sparsity and nonlocal patch self-similarity priors are utilized. The algorithm is derived from a variational formulation of the problem and has a structure typical for iterative back-projection super-resolution methods. They are characterized by updating high-resolution image which is calculated using the previous estimate and upsampled low-resolution error. The developed method is thoroughly compared with the state-of-the-art SISR both for noiseless and noisy data, demonstrating superior performance objectively and subjectively.
The behavioral and neural signatures of distinct conceptions of fairness

ABSTRACT Adhering to standard procedures (impartiality), returning favors (reciprocity) or giving based on individuals’ needs (charity) may all be considered moral and/or fair ways to allocate resources. However, these allocation behaviors may be perceived as differently motivated, and their moral evaluation may make different demands on theory of mind (ToM) – the capacity to process information about mental states, including motives. In Studies 1 and 2, we examined participants’ moral judgments of allocations based on (1) impartiality, (2) reciprocity, (3) charity and (4) unspecified criteria as depicted in vignettes, as well as participants’ perceptions of allocators’ motivations. In Study 3, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate how brain regions for ToM were recruited during moral evaluation of the same vignettes. Reciprocity and charity were processed similarly, in that they recruited ToM regions to the same extent, i.e., precuneus, dorsal and ventral medial prefrontal cortex and left temporoparietal junction (LTPJ). In turn, impartiality and the unspecified condition were processed similarly, recruiting the same ToM regions to a lesser extent. Nevertheless, reciprocity elicited greater activity relative to impartiality and unspecified in the ToM regions of interest. Overall, evaluations of different allocation behaviors depend differently on ToM, with charity and reciprocity eliciting greater attention to individuals’ unique states and motivations.
Invariant molecular-dynamics approach to structural phase transitions.

Two fictitious Lagrangians to be used in molecular-dynamics simulations with variable cell shape and suitable to study problems like structural phase transitions are introduced. Because they are invariant with respect to the choice of the simulation cell edges and eliminate symmetry breaking associated with the fictitious part of the dynamics, they improve the physical content of numerical simulations that up to now have been done by using Parrinello-Rahman dynamics.
DNA barcoding Satyrine butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in China

Abstract We investigated the effectiveness of the standard 648 bp mitochondrial COI barcode region in discriminating among Satyrine species from China. A total of 214 COI sequences were obtained from 90 species, including 34 species that have never been barcoded. Analyses of genetic divergence show that the mean interspecific genetic divergence is about 16-fold higher than within species, and little overlap occurs between them. Neighbour-joining (NJ) analyses showed that 48 of the 50 species with two or more individuals, including two cases with deep intraspecific divergence (>3%), are monophyletic. Furthermore, when our sequences are combined with the conspecific sequences sampled from distantly geographic regions, the “barcoding gap” still exists, and all related species are recovered to be monophyletic in NJ analysis. Our study demonstrates that COI barcoding is effective in discriminating among the satyrine species of China, and provides a reference library for their future molecular identification.
Extended high-frequency (9–20 kHz) audiometry reference thresholds in 645 healthy subjects

Abstract Objective: The aim of the present study was to study patterns in the extended spectrum of the human hearing (0.125 to 20 kHz) in order to obtain reference thresholds. Then, we compare our values with existing results at extended high-frequencies (8 to 20 kHz) in an attempt to establish new standards for potential international adoption. Design: A prospective study in a group of otologically healthy subjects. Study sample: A total of 645 subjects aged between 5 and 90 years were recruited. Pure-tone thresholds were determined for conventional and extended high-frequencies. Results: There was an increase in the hearing thresholds as a function of frequency and age. For the 20 to 69 years old group, thresholds were lower in females than in males, especially at 12.5 and 16 kHz. Our threshold values are comparable to those presented in previous studies that used different instrumentation and populations. Conclusions: When comparing different studies the hearing thresholds were found to be similar. Therefore, it would be possible to establish international standard thresholds.
Implementation of zero voltage switched SEPIC/ZETA bidirectional converter for low power applications using FPGA

This paper presents a derived SEPIC/ZETA bidirectional converter (BDC) with reduced ripple in the noninverted output voltage. This converter is obtained by the fusion of unidirectional SEPIC and ZETA converters that ensures reduced ripple in the inductor currents. The optimal selection of duty ratio enables the proposed converter to operate either in SEPIC or ZETA mode under forward and reverse power flow. The presence of auxiliary circuit not only reduces the voltage stress on the switches by operating under zero voltage switching condition but also provides isolation between the input and the output ports. The operational principle and the stability of the proposed SEPIC/ZETA BDC have been analyzed under different modes of operation. To validate the performance of the proposed converter, the implementation is carried out using a field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based digital controlled prototype model.
Relationship between Individual Cultural Values and Knowledge Sharing in Selected Multinational Companies in Malaysia

Managing knowledge in different locations around the globe has become a great concern for multinational corporations (MNCs) due to differences in individual cultural values. Such cultural differences inhibit the sharing of knowledge among employees. Ironically, the impact of individual cultural values on knowledge sharing has received limited attention in the international business literature. This research is an attempt to close this gap by examining the relationship between cultural values and knowledge sharing behavior. Data were collected from a sample of 231 senior officers in selected MNCs in Malaysia. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to examine the reliability and validity of the measurement model. The structural equation modeling technique using AMOS software was used to test the model. Findings revealed that horizontal and vertical collectivism had significant positive impact on knowledge sharing behavior. Vertical individualism had significant negative effect on knowledge sharing behavior. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Vibration damping of simply supported and fixed beams with the use of piezoactuators

The paper deals with the mathematical model of the simply supported and fixed beam whose vibrations are actively damped with the use of linear piezoactuators. The model in the form of equations of motion to analyze assumes collocated and noncollocated arrangement of a sensor and an actuator. It is assumed that a piezoactuators output force depends on the supply voltage and the piezoactuator track. This means that it is assumed the finite stiffness of the piezoactuator. Damping effect will be demonstrated in Simulink.
Behaviour of urinary D-glucaric acid excretion in surgical patients and anaesthesiology staff acutely exposed to isoflurane and nitrous oxide.

Liver function abnormalities have been observed in humans exposed to anaesthetics inhalation. Furthermore, experimental studies have revealed changes in microsomal enzyme activity caused by inhalation of a variety of anaesthetics. The study was designed to assess liver microsomal enzyme function by means of a simple non-invasive test, i.e., measurement of urinary D-glucaric acid (UDGA) excretion. Three groups of selected subjects were examined: (i) 20 patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery receiving an anesthetic mixture, (ii) 18 workers of an Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, occupationally exposed to anesthetics, (iii) 16 controls. Both in the patients and anesthesiology staff, the post-operative UDGA mean values were significantly increased compared to the pre-operative values. The study shows that the behaviour of UDGA excretion is similar in patients and in anaesthesiology staff. Although it is not possible to clarify the mechanism involved, this finding is regarded as a response of the liver to anaesthetics administration in patients and to both environmental pollution and occupational stress in hospital staff.
Dendritic Cells and Scavenger Macrophages in Pancreatic Islets of Prediabetic BB Rats

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is an autoimmune disease whose notorious pathologic feature is insulitis accompanied by destruction of β-cells. In this morphological study, we examined the pancreatic events during the onset of diabetes in spontaneously diabetic BB/Organon rats. Dendritic cells were the first cells to accumulate around the islets, followed by lymphocytes. Scavenger macrophages and MHC class II-positive β-cells were only seen late in the disease. These observations suggest a role for antigen-presenting dendritic cells in the onset of the β-cell-specific autoimmune reaction and emphasize the necessity to distinguish between the several monocyte-macrophage subtypes in studies on the pathogenesis of IDDM.
Abnormal fractionation of beta-lactamase in Escherichia coli: evidence for an interaction with the inner membrane in the absence of a leader peptide

beta-Lactamase with the -20 to -1 region of the leader peptide deleted (almost complete deletion of the leader peptide) [delta(-20,-1) beta-lactamase] was released from Escherichia coli cells by osmotic shock. Fractionation of the cells by conversion to spheroplasts and protease accessibility experiments further indicated that a portion of the protein may be bound to the cytoplasmic membrane and be partially exposed in the periplasmic space. Expression of delta(-20,-1) beta-lactamase conferred a 25-fold increase in the 50% lethal dose for ampicillin relative to that for controls, thus confirming that a small amount (about 2%) of the active protein is completely exported from the cytoplasm. These results suggest that even in the absence of a leader peptide, mature beta-lactamase is able to interact with the cytoplasmic membrane and be translocated into the periplasmic space, albeit with a low efficiency.
Stability Analysis of Continuous-Time Macroeconometric Systems

There has been increasing interest in continuous-time macroeconometric models. This research investigates stability of the Bergstrom, Nowman, and Wymer continuous-time model of the U.K. when system parameters change. This particularly well-regarded continuous-time macroeconometric model is chosen to assure the empirical and potential policy relevance of the results. Stability analysis is important with this model for understanding the dynamic properties of the system and for determining which parameters are the most important to those dynamic properties. The main objective of this paper is to determine the boundaries of parameters at which instability occurs. Two types of boundaries are found: the transcritical bifurcation boundary and the Hopf bifurcation boundary, corresponding to two different ways that instability occurs when parameter values cross the bifurcation boundary.The existence of the Hopf bifurcation boundary is particularly useful, since Hopf bifurcation may provide explanations for some cyclical phenomena in macroeconomy. Numerical algorithms are designed to locate the stability boundaries, which are displayed in three-dimensional diagrams. A notable and perhaps surprising fact is that both types of bifurcations can coexist with this well-regarded U.K. model--in the same neighborhood of the parameter space.
A tri-fold inertial measurement unit fabricated with a batch 3-D assembly process

This paper reports a tri-fold inertial measurement unit (IMU) that is fabricated with a batch-mode 3-D assembly process. Each chip of a tri-fold die includes a single axis z-gyroscope and 0-2 lateral-accelerometers. The tri-fold dies are batch-mounted on sidewalls of silicon cavities on a wafer to form 6-axis IMUs. The accelerometer has a measured bias instability of 6.8 μg and a noise floor of 66 μg/rt-Hz. The gyroscope has a measured bias instability of 29 °/hr and an angle random walk of 0.020 °/s/rt-Hz (1.2 °/rt-hr).
Motion control of pneumatic muscle actuator: Experimental setup and modeling

This paper discusses an experimental setup (mechanical testing) & modeling result of pneumatic muscle actuator. In recent times, the Pneumatic Muscle Actuator (PMA) has achieved popularity in the field of research, robotics and industrial application due to its advantages such as light weight actuator, dynamic, powerful and resistant to dust and clean. Due to its nonlinear dynamics, the muscle actuator is difficult to be controlled. In this paper a pneumatic muscle actuator system is developed for motion control purpose. The dynamic system modeling is discussed. Open loop test and static load experiment have been conducted and validated with the mathematical model. Finally, a brief conclusion of the pneumatic muscle actuator experimental setup and dynamic system modeling is made.
Is psychotropic medication use related to organisational and treatment culture in residential care.

PURPOSE The purpose of this paper is to establish the relationship between organisational culture and psychotropic medication use in residential care. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH Cross-sectional analyses of staff and resident's record survey in residential aged care facilities in Auckland, New Zealand (NZ). The competing values framework categorised organisational culture as clan, hierarchical, market driven or adhocracy and was completed by all staff. The treatment culture tool categorised facilities as having resident centred or traditional culture and was completed by registered nursing staff and general practitioners (GP). Functional and behavioural characteristics of residents were established by staff report and health characteristics and medications used were ascertained from the health record. Multiple regression was used to test for associations between measures of culture with psychotropic medication use (anxiolytics, sedatives, major tranquillisers). FINDINGS In total 199 staff, 27 GP and 527 residents participated from 14 facilities. On average 8.5 medications per resident were prescribed and 42 per cent of residents received psychotropic medication. Having a diagnosis of anxiety or depression (odds ratio (OR) 3.18, 95 per cent confidence interval (CI) 1.71, 5.91), followed by persistent wandering (OR 2.53, 95 per cent CI 1.59, 4.01) and being in a dementia unit (OR 2.45, 95 per cent CI 1.17, 5.12) were most strongly associated with psychotropic use. Controlling for resident- and facility-level factors, health care assistants' assignation of hierarchical organisational culture type was independently associated with psychotropic medication use, (OR 1.29, CI 1.08, 1.53) and a higher treatment culture score from the GP was associated with lower use of psychotropic medication (OR 0.95, CI 0.92, 0.98). ORIGINALITY/VALUE Psychotropic medication use remains prevalent in residential care facilities in NZ. Interventions aimed at changing organisational culture towards a less hierarchical and more resident-centred culture may be another avenue to improve prescribing in residential aged care.
Human Action Recognition from Depth Videos Using Pool of Multiple Projections with Greedy Selection

Depth-based action recognition has been attracting the attention of researchers because of the advantages of depth cameras over standard RGB cameras. One of these advantages is that depth data can provide richer information from multiple projections. In particular, multiple projections can be used to extract discriminative motion patterns that would not be discernible from one fixed projection. However, high computational costs have meant that recent studies have exploited only a small number of projections, such as front, side, and top. Thus, a large number of projections, which may be useful for discriminating actions, are discarded. In this paper, we propose an efficient method to exploit pools of multiple projections for recognizing actions in depth videos. First, we project 3D data onto multiple 2D-planes from different viewpoints sampled on a geodesic dome to obtain a large number of projections. Then, we train and test action classifiers independently for each projection. To reduce the computational cost, we propose a greedy method to select a small yet robust combination of projections. The idea is that best complementary projections will be considered first when searching for optimal combination. We conducted extensive experiments to verify the effectiveness of our method on three challenging benchmarks: MSR Action 3D, MSR Gesture 3D, and 3D Action Pairs. The experimental results show that our method outperforms other state-of-the-art methods while using a small number of projections. key words: action recognition, depth sequences, multiple projections, greedy method