Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Blind Signal Separation with Kernel Probability Density Estimation Based on MMI Criterion Optimized by Conjugate Gradient

This paper presents a novel blind signal separation (BSS) approach based on the theory of independent component analysis. In the proposed BSS approach, the learning rule is derived by the conjugate gradient optimization algorithm rather than the ordinary gradient and natural gradient algorithm based on the minimum mutual information (MMI) criterion. The score function is a key point in solving the BSS problem. Instead of choosing nonlinear activity functions empirically, a kernel probability density function estimation method is used in order to estimate the probability density functions and their derivatives of the separated signals. Thus the score function is then estimated directly. The proposed BSS approach is applied to separate the mixtures of sub-Gaussian and super-Gaussian source signals simultaneously. Computer simulations are provided to demonstrate the superior learning performance of the proposed BSS approach. 
Linear versus non-linear gastrointestinal foreign bodies in 499 dogs: clinical presentation, management and short-term outcome.

OBJECTIVES To compare clinical signs, clinicopathological abnormalities, imaging findings and outcome of dogs with linear and non-linear foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract. METHODS Retrospective review of case records of dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of gastrointestinal foreign body. Signalment, history, clinical signs, clinicopathological data, diagnostic imaging studies, surgical and endoscopic procedures, hospital stay, costs and outcome were compared between groups. RESULTS A total of 176 dogs had linear and 323 had non-linear foreign bodies. Dogs with a linear foreign body were more likely to have a history of vomiting, anorexia, lethargy and pain on abdominal palpation. They were also more likely to have the foreign body anchored in the stomach and continuing into the small intestine, experience intestinal necrosis, perforation and peritonitis, and require intestinal resection and anastamosis. The duration of hospitalisation was longer for dogs with linear foreign body (3 versus 2 days), and the cost of treatment was 10% higher. However, in both groups, 96% of dogs survived to hospital discharge. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Dogs with a linear foreign body had more severe clinical signs and gastrointestinal pathology, and an increased duration of hospitalisation and cost of care. However, overall survival rates were not different in dogs with linear and non-linear foreign bodies.
Improvement of Interface Roughness in Platinum/Carbon Multilayers for X-Ray Mirrors

We present a study of the improvement in interface roughness of platinum/carbon multilayers for X-ray mirrors. The X-ray reflectivity of multilayers strongly depends on interface quality. In an effort to reduce the interface roughness caused by crystallization during deposition, carbon doping of platinum was proposed, and its effectiveness was evaluated. We compared 45-nm-thick single-layer platinum to carbon-doped platinum films. The films were deposited on a silicon (100) substrate by dc magnetron sputtering deposition. The surface roughness and X-ray diffraction spectrum of each film were measured by atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. We concluded that the increase in carbon concentration suppresses the crystallization of platinum and causes the surface roughness to decrease.
Evaluation of Murine Norovirus, Feline Calicivirus, Poliovirus, and MS2 as Surrogates for Human Norovirus in a Model of Viral Persistence in Surface Water and Groundwater

ABSTRACT Human noroviruses (NoVs) are a significant cause of nonbacterial gastroenteritis worldwide, with contaminated drinking water a potential transmission route. The absence of a cell culture infectivity model for NoV necessitates the use of molecular methods and/or viral surrogate models amenable to cell culture to predict NoV inactivation. The NoV surrogates murine NoV (MNV), feline calicivirus (FCV), poliovirus (PV), and male-specific coliphage MS2, in conjunction with Norwalk virus (NV), were spiked into surface water samples (n = 9) and groundwater samples (n = 6). Viral persistence was monitored at 25°C and 4°C by periodically analyzing virus infectivity (for all surrogate viruses) and nucleic acid (NA) for all tested viruses. FCV infectivity reduction rates were significantly higher than those of the other surrogate viruses. Infectivity reduction rates were significantly higher than NA reduction rates at 25°C (0.18 and 0.09 log10/day for FCV, 0.13 and 0.10 log10/day for PV, 0.12 and 0.06 log10/day for MS2, and 0.09 and 0.05 log10/day for MNV) but not significant at 4°C. According to a multiple linear regression model, the NV NA reduction rates (0.04 ± 0.01 log10/day) were not significantly different from the NA reduction rates of MS2 (0.05 ± 0.03 log10/day) and MNV (0.04 ± 0.03 log10/day) and were significantly different from those of FCV (0.08 ± 0.03 log10/day) and PV (0.09 ± 0.03 log10/day) at 25°C. In conclusion, MNV shows great promise as a human NoV surrogate due to its genetic similarity and environmental stability. FCV was much less stable and thus questionable as an adequate surrogate for human NoVs in surface water and groundwater.
Cellular Growth and Mitochondrial Ultrastructure of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Promastigotes Are Affected by the Iron Chelator 2,2-Dipyridyl

Background Iron is an essential element for the survival of microorganisms in vitro and in vivo, acting as a cofactor of several enzymes and playing a critical role in host-parasite relationships. Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is a parasite that is widespread in the new world and considered the major etiological agent of American tegumentary leishmaniasis. Although iron depletion leads to promastigote and amastigote growth inhibition, little is known about the role of iron in the biology of Leishmania. Furthermore, there are no reports regarding the importance of iron for L. (V.) braziliensis. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study, the effect of iron on the growth, ultrastructure and protein expression of L. (V.) braziliensis was analyzed by the use of the chelator 2,2-dipyridyl. Treatment with 2,2-dipyridyl affected parasites' growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Multiplication of the parasites was recovered after reinoculation in fresh culture medium. Ultrastructural analysis of treated promastigotes revealed marked mitochondrial swelling with loss of cristae and matrix and the presence of concentric membranar structures inside the organelle. Iron depletion also induced Golgi disruption and intense cytoplasmic vacuolization. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of tetramethylrhodamine ester-stained parasites showed that 2,2-dipyridyl collapsed the mitochondrial membrane potential. The incubation of parasites with propidium iodide demonstrated that disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential was not associated with plasma membrane permeabilization. TUNEL assays indicated no DNA fragmentation in chelator-treated promastigotes. In addition, two-dimensional electrophoresis showed that treatment with the iron chelator induced up- or down-regulation of proteins involved in metabolism of nucleic acids and coordination of post-translational modifications, without altering their mRNA levels. Conclusions Iron chelation leads to a multifactorial response that results in cellular collapse, starting with the interruption of cell proliferation and culminating in marked mitochondrial impairment in some parasites and their subsequent cell death, whereas others may survive and resume proliferating.
On Stage : Robots as Performers Guy Hoffman School of Communication

This paper suggests to turn to the performative arts for insights that may help the fluent coordination and jointaction timing of human-robot interaction (HRI). We argue that theater acting and musical performance robotics could serve as useful testbeds for the development and evaluation of action coordination in robotics. We also offer two insights from theater acting literature for HRI: the maintenance of continuous subsurface processes that manifest in motor action, and an emphasis on fast, inaccurate responsiveness using partial information and priming in action selection.
Incidence of Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis in a Health Maintenance Organization in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Background: Different epidemiological studies, especially in Europe, have estimated the incidence density of myasthenia gravis (MG) to range between 1.7 and 21.3/1,000,000/person-year; however, data from regions such as Latin America are scarce. This study is aimed at estimating the incidence and prevalence of acquired MG in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Methods: The study population comprised of affiliates of the Italian Hospital Medical Care Program, a prepaid health maintenance organization located in Buenos Aires. The evaluation method for case detection included a retrospective search from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2012. Results: Of the 60 cases identified, 36 (60%) were females. The median age at diagnosis was 69 years (IQR 51.5-79). The mean age at diagnosis was 63.3 years (SD ±20). A total of 28 patients (46.7%) had generalized MG and 32 had ocular MG (53.3%). Thirty five patients (58.3%) had acetylcholine receptor antibodies and 2 (3.3%) had muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase antibodies. The crude incidence density (ID) of MG was 61.33 per 1,000,000 person-years (95% CI 47.62-79.99). The adjusted ID for the Argentinean population was 38.8 per 1,000,000 person-years (95% CI 27.09-50.51) and for the Buenos Aires population was 47.49 (95% CI 34.73-60.25). Conclusions: The results obtained are similar to those published for other geographical areas.
Enhanced detection and restoration of low-rate denial-of-service in wireless multi-hop networks

One of the main threats to wireless multi-hop networks is Denial-of-Service (DoS), which either aims to bring down network performance or tends to rapidly consume resources of a particular node. Different from traditional DoS which provokes sudden changes in network traffic, routing protocol misuse that exploits vulnerabilities of routing protocols would reduce the overall performance without triggering alarms from existing detection methods based on rapid changes in network traffic. In order to overcome the weakness of traffic burst based detection methods, this paper proposes an enhanced anomaly detection and restoration scheme to defeat low-rate DoS launched by rogue nodes. Meanwhile, an exponential backoff restoration (EBR) algorithm is proposed to reduce performance degradation. Simulation results validate that the proposed scheme is able to maintain the overall network performance under low-rate DoS.
Kramers-Kronig coherent receiver

We review the principles underpinning the Kramers-Kronig (KK) receiver operation and its various implementations. These include direct-detection based schemes, where the information-carrying signal is transmitted along with a CW field that is necessary for the implementation of the KK algorithm, as well as other schemes, where the CW is added at the receiver, owing to the availability of a local oscillator. Polarization-multiplexing with the KK receiver will also be discussed. Finally, an up-to-date review of the experimental implementations of KK transceiver solutions will be presented.
A Comprehensive Model of the Spatio-Temporal Stem Cell and Tissue Organisation in the Intestinal Crypt

We introduce a novel dynamic model of stem cell and tissue organisation in murine intestinal crypts. Integrating the molecular, cellular and tissue level of description, this model links a broad spectrum of experimental observations encompassing spatially confined cell proliferation, directed cell migration, multiple cell lineage decisions and clonal competition. Using computational simulations we demonstrate that the model is capable of quantitatively describing and predicting the dynamic behaviour of the intestinal tissue during steady state as well as after cell damage and following selective gain or loss of gene function manipulations affecting Wnt- and Notch-signalling. Our simulation results suggest that reversibility and flexibility of cellular decisions are key elements of robust tissue organisation of the intestine. We predict that the tissue should be able to fully recover after complete elimination of cellular subpopulations including subpopulations deemed to be functional stem cells. This challenges current views of tissue stem cell organisation.
Fabrication, Characterization, and in vitro Degradation of Composite Scaffolds Based on PHBV and Bioactive Glass

Composite scaffolds of polyhydroxybutyrate-polyhydroxyvalerate (PHBV) with sol-gel-derived bioactive glass (BG, 58S) are fabricated by compression molding, thermal processing, and salt particulate leaching method. Structure and mechanical properties of the scaffolds are determined. The bioactivity of the composites is evaluated by soaking the scaffolds in a simulated body fluid (SBF), and the formation of the apatite layer on the scaffolds is determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The results show that the PHBV/BG composites are bioactive as they induce the formation of apatite on the composite scaffolds after soaking in SBF for 3 days. In addition, the measurements of the water contact angles suggest that incorporation of BG into PHBV can improve the hydrophilicity of the composites and the enhancement is dependent on the BG content. Furthermore, the degradation assessment of the scaffolds is performed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution at 37 C. Weight loss and water absorption of the scaffolds, pH of the incubation media, and molecular weight measurements of the PHBV in the scaffolds are used to monitor the degradation of the scaffolds during a nine-week incubation in PBS. It has been found that the incorporation of bioactive glass into the PHBV delayed the degradation of PHBV in the composite scaffolds for the period investigated. The present results show not only a useful method to prepare composite scaffolds with improved properties but also a way of adjusting the in vitro degradation behavior of composite scaffolds by tailoring the content of bioactive glass.
Utility of toluidine blue as a diagnostic adjunct in the detection of potentially malignant disorders of the oral cavity--a clinical and histological assessment.

BACKGROUND The value of chairside adjunctive tests in the detection of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of toluidine blue in detecting leukoplakia and erythroplakia and its accuracy in identifying cases with oral epithelial dysplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety-two patients attending two oral medicine clinics in London, presenting with white and red patches of the oral mucosa, were investigated by the application of toluidine blue. Eighty-two patients were clinically diagnosed as OPMDs and 10 were frictional keratoses. A surgical biopsy was performed to assess epithelial dysplasia. RESULTS Of 64 oral leukoplakias, 34 (53.1%) were positive for toluidine blue and among nine erythroplakias seven stained positive. Of 41 oral dysplasia cases, a little more than half of the lesions (n = 23) were stain positive, an estimated sensitivity of 56.1%. TBlue test had a higher sensitivity for detecting higher-grade dysplastic lesions (5/8 moderate dysplasia, sensitivity 62.5%; 5/7 severe dysplasia; sensitivity 71.4%) compared with lower grades of dysplasia, but the differences were not significant (P = 0.60). CONCLUSIONS We report here the utility of TBlue for the detection of oral leukoplakia and erythroplakia. The test has the potential to detect OPMDs and yielded a sensitivity of 56.1% and specificity of 56.9% to detect oral epithelial dysplasia.
Single hydraulic actuator actively-compliant research based on the hydraulic quadruped robot

When the robot appears, various researches on it have been coming out one after the other and changing rapidly. The robotics is refined day after day. Especially in the recent decades, with the emergence and developments of internet and the computers, it makes a remarkable progress and reaches an unprecedented level. The robot is of wide applications because of the rapid developments of robotics. Thus we make more requirements in all aspects of the robots. Compared to the wheeled robots, though the legged robot is lacking in speed efficiency, it's more suitable for practical applications for its high adaptability to environment as well as excellent flexibility in exercise. The overall performance of the quadruped robots is more outstanding that makes it a hot spot in the researches of every country. Then how to maintain the stability of the quadruped robot motion and adaptability to complex terrain, and improve the flexibility of the whole motion process at the same time? This has important significance to its design. For this reason, this paper designs a single drive unit of motion control system, which is based on hydraulic quadruped robot. This paper extracts a driver element from a robot with kinematics and dynamics of the strong coupling complex system and simplifies the analysis of the kinematics and dynamics. In addition, this paper introduces a force control unit and combines position and force control for a single driver element to solve the shortcoming of the existing pure position control stiffness is too large. The active compliance control introduced by this paper can guarantee position servo under the idle condition. This system can move compliantly according to impact size passivity, which is equivalent to reduce the stiffness of the system. Finally, this paper introduce the active compliance control method which is based on the original force and position hybrid control. Compared with the original force and position hybrid control, this method has better controllability and can achieve the ideal effect of flexible.
The Feasibility of a Common Stereotactic Space for Children and Adults in fMRI Studies of Development

The question of whether pediatric and adult neuroimaging data can be analyzed in a common stereotactic space is a critical issue for developmental neuroscience. Two studies were performed to address this question. In Study 1, high-resolution structural MR brain images of 20 children (7-8 years of age) and 20 young adults (18-30 years of age) were transformed to a common space. Overall brain shape was assessed by tracing the outer boundaries of the brains in three orientations, and more local anatomy was assessed by analysis of portions of 10 selected sulci. Small, but consistent, differences in location and variability were observed in specific locations of the sulcal tracings and outer-boundary sections. In Study 2, a computer simulation was used to assess the extent to which the small anatomical differences observed in Study 1 would produce spurious effects in functional imaging data. Results indicate that, assuming a functional resolution of 5 mm in images averaged across subjects, anatomical differences in either variability or location between children and adults of the magnitude obperved in Study 1 would not negatively affect functional image comparisons. We conclude that atlas-transformed brain morphology is relatively consistent between 7- and 8-year-old children and adults at a resolution appropriate to current functional imaging and that the small anatomical differences present do not limit the usefulness of comparing child and adult functional images within a common stereotactic space.
V-band dual-conversion down-converter with low-doped N-well Schottky diode in 0.18 μm CMOS process

In this paper, a V-band dual-conversion down-converter with a silicon-based Schottky diode using low-doped N-well for DC and RF characteristics optimization is demonstrated in standard 0.18 μm CMOS technology. A triple-balanced subharmonic Schottky diode microwave mixer and a double-balanced resistive analog mixer are employed as the first conversion mixer and the second conversion mixer, respectively. As a result, the conversion gain is about -1 dB in the range of 45~64 GHz. The noise figure is about 20 dB, IP1dB is about -5 dBm and IIP3 is about 5 dBm. The total power consumption is 92.4 mW at 2.5 V supply voltage.
Tumour necrosis factor family genes in a phenotype of COPD associated with emphysema

Genetic factors are believed to play a role in the individual susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) family genes have been widely investigated but inconsistent results may lie either in the genetic heterogeneity of populations or in the poor phenotype definition. A genetic study was performed using a narrower phenotype of COPD. The authors studied 86 healthy smokers and 63 COPD subjects who were enrolled based on irreversible airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity <70% predicted) and a diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide <50% predicted (moderate-to-severe COPD associated with pulmonary emphysema). The following polymorphisms were investigated: TNF-308, the biallelic polymorphism located in the first intron of the lymphotoxin‐α gene, and exon 1 and exon 6 of the TNF receptor 1 and 2 genes, respectively. No significant deviations were found concerning the four polymorphisms studied between the two populations. The authors confirm that the tumour necrosis factor family genes, at least for the polymorphisms investigated, are not major genetic risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Caucasians, either defined in terms of emphysema (this study) or airflow obstruction (previous studies). Nevertheless, the authors would like to emphasise the importance of narrowing the phenotype in the search for genetic risk factors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Oscillatory Structure of the Zn-Cu-Ti Single Crystals

Structures obtained during Zn-Cu-Ti single crystal growth by the Bridgman method were investigated. The alloys of composition Zn-Cu0.1wt. %-Ti0.1wt. % were used for single crystals growth, which were produced at rate in the range of 1.8mm/h to 16mm/h. The Zn-Cu-Ti alloys were characterized by multiphase structure; in the solute-hardened matrix by Cu atoms exists a needle-shaped intermetallic phase Zn16Ti. The strong anisotropy of the hexagonal structure gives a significant influence on a second phase distribution in the matrix volume. In the range of the low growth rates (from 1.8mm/h to 10mm/h) oscillatory structures were observed. That effect vanished at the growth rates higher than 10mm/h. The observed oscillatory structures were characterized by existing periodic layers rich in the intermetallic phase of Zn16Ti interlaid with pure matrix (alpha phase Zn with Cu solute).
Robust data-partitioned video streaming over a WiMAX channel

This paper demonstrates a robust layered video scheme, based on data-partitioning and intended for IPTV streaming over wireless broadband. Equal error protection through rateless coding is applied, whereby higher-priority data partitioned packets are protected by appropriate selection of quantization parameter and picture slicing, so as to regulate packet size. In the mobile WiMAX channel investigated, both packet drops from congestion and adverse channel conditions are shown to be affected by packet size. The main proposal is for adaptive rateless coding in which additional redundant data are retransmitted to heal corrupted packets. However, though these packets are always repairable, delay increases as the percentage of corrupted packets increases, affecting the design parameters. Intra-refresh macro blocks are added to prevent the objective video quality falling below an acceptable level. Picture slicing further reduces the packet size to increase robustness in the face of measurement noise during channel estimation and the effects of slow and fast fading.