Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transfusion-related Cytomegalovirus Infection Among Very Low Birth Weight Infants in an Endemic Area

This study investigated the incidence of acquired cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) given CMV seropositive blood, and sought to determine whether filtering and irradiation of blood products could help prevent CMV infection and the time required to clear passively-derived anti-CMV IgG among 80 VLBWI transfused with filtered-irradiated blood, 20 VLBWI transfused with nonfiltered-nonirradiated blood and 26 nontransfused VLBWI. CMV IgG and IgM values were obtained from all blood products prior to transfusions, and from VLBWI at birth until the infants became seronegative. Urine was obtained for CMV culture at birth and every 3-4 weeks until 12 weeks after the final transfusion. The incidence of CMV IgG seropositivity among the 126 infants at birth and the blood products given were 96% and 95%, respectively. The incidence of acquired CMV infection was 4/100 (4%) in the transfused group: 2/80 (2.5%) and 2/20 (10%) in the filtered-irradiated and nonfiltered-nonirradiated transfusion groups, respectively. Approximately 9-10 months elapsed to clear passively acquired CMV IgG. The irradiation and filtering of the blood products did not seem to decrease the transfusion-related CMV infection rate in Korea among VLBWI, however, further validation is recommended in a larger cohort of infants.
Providing flexibility in information flow control for object oriented systems

This paper presents an approach to control information flow in object-oriented systems that takes into account, besides authorizations on objects, also how the information has been obtained and/or transmitted. These aspects are considered by allowing exceptions to the restrictions stated by the authorizations. Exceptions are specified by means of waivers associated with methods. Two kinds of waivers are supported: invoke-waivers, specifying exceptions applicable during a method's execution, and reply-waivers, specifying exceptions applicable to the information returned by a method. Information flowing from one object into another object is subject to the different waivers of the methods enforcing the transmission. We formally characterize information transmission and flow in a transaction taking into consideration different interaction modes among objects. We then define security specifications, meaning authorizations and waivers, and characterize safe information flows. We formally define conditions whose satisfaction ensures absence of unsafe flows and present an algorithm enforcing these conditions.
Technical Integration of Hippocampus, Basal Ganglia and Physical Models for Spatial Navigation

Computational neuroscience is increasingly moving beyond modeling individual neurons or neural systems to consider the integration of multiple models, often constructed by different research groups. We report on our preliminary technical integration of recent hippocampal formation, basal ganglia and physical environment models, together with visualisation tools, as a case study in the use of Python across the modelling tool-chain. We do not present new modeling results here. The architecture incorporates leaky-integrator and rate-coded neurons, a 3D environment with collision detection and tactile sensors, 3D graphics and 2D plots. We found Python to be a flexible platform, offering a significant reduction in development time, without a corresponding significant increase in execution time. We illustrate this by implementing a part of the model in various alternative languages and coding styles, and comparing their execution times. For very large-scale system integration, communication with other languages and parallel execution may be required, which we demonstrate using the BRAHMS framework's Python bindings.
The entropy of scale-space

Viewing images as distributions of light quanta enables an information theoretic study of image structures on different scales. This article combines Shannon's entropy and Witkin and Koenderink's scale-space to establish a precise connection between the heat equation and the thermodynamic entropy in scale-space. Experimentally the entropy function is used to study global textures.
Effect of thermo-magneto-electro-mechanical fields on the bending behaviors of a three-layered nanoplate based on sinusoidal shear-deformation plate theory

The nonlocal thermo-magneto-electro-mechanical bending behaviors of a three-layered nanoplate are presented in this study. The three-layered nanoplate includes a nano-sheet and two piezo-magnetic face-sheets at the top and the bottom. Temperature distribution is assumed linear along the thickness of the plate. The piezo-magnetic face-sheets are subjected to three-dimensional electric and magnetic potentials. The applied electric and magnetic potentials are applied at top of the face-sheets. The constitutive thermo-electro-magneto relations are derived based on the sinusoidal shear-deformation plate theory and nonlocal electro-magneto-elasticity. Using the principle of virtual work seven equations of the equilibrium are derived. The numerical results of this research indicate that some parameters have considerable effect on the bending behavior of three-layered nanoplate. Nonlocal parameter, applied electric and magnetic potentials, and temperature distribution are important parameters in this analysis.
Tracking Voltage-dependent Conformational Changes in Skeletal Muscle Sodium Channel during Activation

The primary voltage sensor of the sodium channel is comprised of four positively charged S4 segments that mainly differ in the number of charged residues and are expected to contribute differentially to the gating process. To understand their kinetic and steady-state behavior, the fluorescence signals from the sites proximal to each of the four S4 segments of a rat skeletal muscle sodium channel were monitored simultaneously with either gating or ionic currents. At least one of the kinetic components of fluorescence from every S4 segment correlates with movement of gating charge. The fast kinetic component of fluorescence from sites S216C (S4 domain I), S660C (S4 domain II), and L1115C (S4 domain III) is comparable to the fast component of gating currents. In contrast, the fast component of fluorescence from the site S1436C (S4 domain IV) correlates with the slow component of gating. In all the cases, the slow component of fluorescence does not have any apparent correlation with charge movement. The fluorescence signals from sites reflecting the movement of S4s in the first three domains initiate simultaneously, whereas the fluorescence signals from the site S1436C exhibit a lag phase. These results suggest that the voltage-dependent movement of S4 domain IV is a later step in the activation sequence. Analysis of equilibrium and kinetic properties of fluorescence over activation voltage range indicate that S4 domain III is likely to move at most hyperpolarized potentials, whereas the S4s in domain I and domain II move at more depolarized potentials. The kinetics of fluorescence changes from sites near S4-DIV are slower than the activation time constants, suggesting that the voltage-dependent movement of S4-DIV may not be a prerequisite for channel opening. These experiments allow us to map structural features onto the kinetic landscape of a sodium channel during activation.
Key-Phrase Based Classification of Public Health Web Pages

This paper describes and evaluates the public health web pages classification model based on key phrase extraction and matching. Easily extendible both in terms of new classes as well as the new language this method proves to be a good solution for text classification faced with the total lack of training data. To evaluate the proposed solution we have used a small collection of public health related web pages created by a double blind manual classification. Our experiments have shown that by choosing the adequate threshold value the desired value for either precision or recall can be achieved.
A utility-based resource allocation scheme in cloud-assisted vehicular network architecture

In the era of the Internet-of-Vehicles (IoV), all components in an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) can be connected to improve the traffic safety and transportation efficiency. In order to maximize the utilization of the resources, e.g., computation, communication and storage resources, the cloud computing technique could be integrated into vehicular networks. Meanwhile, a cloud-assisted vehicular network could be proposed for effective resource management. In this paper, the resource allocation problem in the cloud-assisted vehicular network architecture is investigated. Each cloud in the architecture has its own specific features, e.g., the remote cloud has sufficient resources but experience high end-to-end delay while the local cloud and vehicular cloud have limited resources but a lower transmission delay is attained. The optimal problem to maximize the system expected average reward is formulated as a Semi-Markov Decision Process (SMDP). Consquently, the corresponding optimal scheme is obtained by solving the SMDP problem via an iteration algorithm. The proposed scheme can provide guidelines that will be helpful to decide to which cloud a request should be admitted and how many resources are needed to be allocated. Numerical results indicate that the proposed scheme outperforms other resource allocation schemes and improves system rewards as well as the obtained experience by the vehicular users.
Design of a planar monopole antenna for use with ultra-wideband (UWB) having a band-notched characteristic

The design of planar monopole antennas for use with UWB and having band-notched characteristics is demonstrated. A GA code is used to develop a reduced size planar monopole which exhibits good impedance matching and stable radiation towards the horizon across the entire UWB band. Part of the metal is then removed from this design to create a band-notched characteristic. While this feature offers significant attenuation in the notched band, it has little effect on the antenna operation outside of the band. An analysis demonstrates the resemblance of this feature to a quarter-wave, open-ended transmission line, and that the notched band can be varied by changing the size of the feature.
Objective Assessment of Fall Risk in Parkinson's Disease Using a Body-Fixed Sensor Worn for 3 Days

Background Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) suffer from a high fall risk. Previous approaches for evaluating fall risk are based on self-report or testing at a given time point and may, therefore, be insufficient to optimally capture fall risk. We tested, for the first time, whether metrics derived from 3 day continuous recordings are associated with fall risk in PD. Methods and Materials 107 patients (Hoehn & Yahr Stage: 2.6±0.7) wore a small, body-fixed sensor (3D accelerometer) on lower back for 3 days. Walking quantity (e.g., steps per 3-days) and quality (e.g., frequency-derived measures of gait variability) were determined. Subjects were classified as fallers or non-fallers based on fall history. Subjects were also followed for one year to evaluate predictors of the transition from non-faller to faller. Results The 3 day acceleration derived measures were significantly different in fallers and non-fallers and were significantly correlated with previously validated measures of fall risk. Walking quantity was similar in the two groups. In contrast, the fallers walked with higher step-to-step variability, e.g., anterior-posterior width of the dominant frequency was larger (p = 0.012) in the fallers (0.78±0.17 Hz) compared to the non-fallers (0.71±0.07 Hz). Among subjects who reported no falls in the year prior to testing, sensor-derived measures predicted the time to first fall (p = 0.0034), whereas many traditional measures did not. Cox regression analysis showed that anterior-posterior width was significantly (p = 0.0039) associated with time to fall during the follow-up period, even after adjusting for traditional measures. Conclusions/Significance These findings indicate that a body-fixed sensor worn continuously can evaluate fall risk in PD. This sensor-based approach was able to identify transition from non-faller to faller, whereas many traditional metrics were not successful. This approach may facilitate earlier detection of fall risk and may in the future, help reduce high costs associated with falls.
The pathogenesis of Kirner’s deformity: A clinical, radiological and histological study

The distal phalanx in Kirner’s disease is abnormal and recognizable both clinically and radiologically. Despite previous investigation, the cause of these abnormalities is not clear. The current study seeks to evaluate the abnormal physis in Kirner’s deformity using radiological investigation, intraoperative observation and histopathological assessment in three clinical cases. Similarities with clinodactyly are described. Three patients with Kirner’s deformity underwent plain-film radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. Intraoperative observations were recorded, and histologic assessment of anatomically abnormal tissue was performed in all three cases. All three modalities of investigation (plain-film X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging and histological findings) were consistent and supported the intraoperative observation of cartilage abnormally situated anterior to the diaphysis and deep to the flexor tendon. There is thus evidence for the presence of an incomplete volar bracket or L-shaped physis in Kirner’s deformity, analogous with the C-shaped bracket found in clinodactyly. Level of Evidence: Aetiological Study; Level 4
Human-analogous Network-based Fuzzy logic control : A case study of servo control of a cart moving on a linear track

In this paper we present a new method to tune the rule base in a fuzzy logic controller using a neural network approach trained by human data, with application of servo-control of a cart moving on a linear track. We take advantage of direct implementation of human data into this Adaptive-Network-based Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) to optimize the number and type of the membership functions in the rule base and to tune the parameters associated with the antecedent and consequent of each fuzzy rule. We show through simulation and experiments that this controller outperforms a conventional controller based on Linear Quadratic Regulators (LQR).
In-Field Implementation of a Recombinant Factor C Assay for the Detection of Lipopolysaccharide as a Biomarker of Extant Life within Glacial Environments

The discovery over the past two decades of viable microbial communities within glaciers has promoted interest in the role of glaciers and ice sheets (the cryosphere) as contributors to subglacial erosion, global biodiversity, and in regulating global biogeochemical cycles. In situ or in-field detection and characterisation of microbial communities is becoming recognised as an important approach to improve our understanding of such communities. Within this context we demonstrate, for the first time, the ability to detect Gram-negative bacteria in glacial field-environments (including subglacial environments) via the detection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS); an important component of Gram-negative bacterial cell walls. In-field measurements were performed using the recently commercialised PyroGene® recombinant Factor C (rFC) endotoxin detection system and used in conjunction with a handheld fluorometer to measure the fluorescent endpoint of the assay. Twenty-seven glacial samples were collected from the surface, bed and terminus of a low-biomass Arctic valley glacier (Engabreen, Northern Norway), and were analysed in a field laboratory using the rFC assay. Sixteen of these samples returned positive LPS detection. This work demonstrates that LPS detection via rFC assay is a viable in-field method and is expected to be a useful proxy for microbial cell concentrations in low biomass environments.
Fast shape-based road sign detection for a driver assistance system

A new method is presented for detecting triangular, square and octagonal road signs efficiently and robustly. The method uses the symmetric nature of these shapes, together with the pattern of edge orientations exhibited by equiangular polygons with a known number of sides, to establish possible shape centroid locations in the image. This approach is invariant to in-plane rotation and returns the location and size of the shape detected. Results on still images show a detection rate of over 95%. The method is efficient enough for real-time applications, such as on-board-vehicle sign detection.
To Study the Trends of Activation Energy in Metal Extractions Process

The project aim set study of thermal behavior, thermal degradation kinetics, and effect of composition on flow characterization of blast furnace slag is important to Understanding the flow characteristics of blast furnace (B/F) slag. It is an important parameter for efficiency/productivity of a blast furnace. In the present study flow characteristics of five different B/F slag will be investigated. This study is predominantly based on the estimation of activation energy. The activation energy was estimated using two methods: differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and High temperature viscometer. Activation energy can be estimated from such DSC plots using Kissinger and Ozawa methods. It has observed that activation energy is largely dependent on C/S ratio of B/F Slag – The activation energy decreases with increase in C/S ratio. The flow characteristics of different B/F slag were also investigated by high temperature heating microscope, Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The estimated IDT (initial deformation temperature), ST (softening temperature), HT (hemispherical temperature) and FT (fusion temperature) of different B/F slag was shown in table Index Terms – Blast Furnace, Activation Energy, DSC ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Digital Diabetes Management Application Improves Glycemic Outcomes in People With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires constant self-management. As a consequence, several software platforms have been developed to facilitate the tracking of diabetes data to improve diabetes management. Our aim was to determine the real-world glycemic benefits of a mobile diabetes management platform used by individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Methods: Mobile platform-using (n = 899) and control (n = 900) participants meeting specific minimum data criteria were randomly selected from a database of diabetes users. All results were modeled using different mixed effect generalized linear models, assigning random intercepts for each user, and adjusting the distribution assumption for each outcome. Results: Users of the mobile platform increased their frequency of blood glucose monitoring (+8.8 tests per month, 95% CI [3.4, 14.1], P < .001) and had fewer hyperglycemic events and lower average glucose levels compared to the control group. In addition, a mobile user could expect a 3.5% drop in average BG (−6.4 mg/dL, 95% CI [−2.0, −10.7], P < .001) and a 10.7% decrease in hyperglycemia (P < .001) after 2 months. Conclusion: Users of the mobile platform tested their BG more often and demonstrated greater improvement in blood glucose compared to users who did not use the mobile platform. This supports previous studies indicating that digital technologies can enhance diabetes care in a real-world setting.
Transgenerational Inheritance and Resetting of Stress-Induced Loss of Epigenetic Gene Silencing in Arabidopsis

Plants, as sessile organisms, need to sense and adapt to heterogeneous environments and have developed sophisticated responses by changing their cellular physiology, gene regulation, and genome stability. Recent work demonstrated heritable stress effects on the control of genome stability in plants—a phenomenon that was suggested to be of epigenetic nature. Here, we show that temperature and UV-B stress cause immediate and heritable changes in the epigenetic control of a silent reporter gene in Arabidopsis. This stress-mediated release of gene silencing correlated with pronounced alterations in histone occupancy and in histone H3 acetylation but did not involve adjustments in DNA methylation. We observed transmission of stress effects on reporter gene silencing to non-stressed progeny, but this effect was restricted to areas consisting of a small number of cells and limited to a few non-stressed progeny generations. Furthermore, stress-induced release of gene silencing was antagonized and reset during seed aging. The transient nature of this phenomenon highlights the ability of plants to restrict stress-induced relaxation of epigenetic control mechanisms, which likely contributes to safeguarding genome integrity.
Fosmid-Based Structure-Function Analysis Reveals Functionally Distinct Domains in the Cytoplasmic Domain of Drosophila Crumbs

The evolutionarily conserved transmembrane protein Crumbs is required for epithelial polarity and morphogenesis in the embryo, control of tissue size in imaginal discs and morphogenesis of photoreceptor cells, and prevents light-dependent retinal degeneration. The small cytoplasmic domain contains two highly conserved regions, a FERM (i.e., protein 4.1/ezrin/radixin/moesin)-binding and a PDZ (i.e., postsynaptic density/discs large/ZO-1)-binding domain. Using a fosmid-based transgenomic approach, we analyzed the role of the two domains during invagination of the tracheae and the salivary glands in the Drosophila embryo. We provide data to show that the PDZ-binding domain is essential for the maintenance of cell polarity in both tissues. In contrast, in embryos expressing a Crumbs protein with an exchange of a conserved Tyrosine residue in the FERM-binding domain to an Alanine, both tissues are internalized, despite some initial defects in apical constriction, phospho-Moesin recruitment, and coordinated invagination movements. However, at later stages these embryos fail to undergo dorsal closure, germ band retraction, and head involution. In addition, frequent defects in tracheal fusion were observed. These results suggest stage and/or tissue specific binding partners. We discuss the power of this fosmid-based system for detailed structure-function analyses in comparison to the UAS/Gal4 system.
Johnson‐Lindenstrauss lemma for circulant matrices* *

We prove a variant of a Johnson‐Lindenstrauss lemma for matrices with circulant structure. This approach allows to minimize the randomness used, is easy to implement and provides good running times. The price to be paid is the higher dimension of the target space k = O(ε−2 log3 n) instead of the classical bound k = O(ε−2 log n). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg. , 2011