Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative assessments of peak detection algorithms for underwater laser ranging

The cross-section of a laser beam is almost impossible of a perfect circular shape; without doubting most of the cross-sections of laser beams are nearly in ellipse-like form. Therefore, by using an ellipse-like laser beam cross-section for underwater range finding, we are really interested in understanding the quality of range finding with different peak detection algorithms. According to our previous results, we found that the peak detection algorithm of illumination center is good for estimating the location of the laser spot in the image. However, background noise is still a serious problem while selecting a square of pixels for centroid calculation. In this paper, we modified the illumination center to a different algorithm which introduces the technique of the principal component analysis (PCA) to the centroid calculation. This algorithm restricts the selection of pixels to a region within an ellipse for centroid calculation. According to the results of range finding, we found that the ranging quality achieved by using the algorithm of the modified illumination center is much better than that obtained by using the algorithm of the illumination center. Therefore, the algorithm of the modified illumination center is proved to be effective to reduce the effect of background noise on range finding. Also, this result demonstrates that the way of selecting effective pixels for centroid calculation plays an important role.
Unsupervised classification of the weak backscattering scatterers by the use of PolSAR imagery

In this paper, we investigate the separability of targets with weak backscattering on synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images by using of an unsupervised classification method. This technique is a combination of the Cloude target decomposition and the likelihood ratio test based on complex Wishart distribution for the polarimetric covariance matrix. The polarimetric SAR (PolSAR) image is initially classified by the H - α plane into eight classes. The dissimilar distance measure is derived from the statistical test of equality of covariance matrices. Significant improvement of the classification results are observed for weak backscattering targets in iterations. The effectiveness of this algorithm is demonstrated using a Radarsat-2 PolSAR image in C band and an ALOS PALSAR PolSAR image in L band.
Metachronous EBV-associated B-cell and T-cell Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders in a Heart Transplant Recipient

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) may occur as a complication of immunosuppression in patients who have received solid organ or bone marrow allografts. Most PTLDs are of B-cell lineage, whereas T-cell proliferations are rare. The majority of B-cell lesions are associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection. The occurrence of both B-cell and T-cell PTLDs in the same patient is extremely rare and only 6 cases have been previously published. We report a case of a 63-year-old man who developed 2 metachronous Epstein-Barr virus-related PTLDs beginning 10 years after heart transplantation. A polymorphic B-cell PTLD developed first that completely regressed after immunosuppressive therapy was partially withdrawn. Then, a monomorphic T-cell PTLD developed 31 months later. The patient died 17 months later owing to disease progression. We highlight the diagnostic challenge of this case that required numerous ancillary studies for lineage assessment and classification. Such studies are often needed in patients with a history of immunosuppression.
A 2.4 GHz SlW-based circular resonator for bandpass filter application

A design of 2.4 GHz bandpass filter is developed based on Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) using printed circuit board technology. The circular cavity structure using TM010 mode is employed in the design of this bandpass filter. To prove the concept, the filter structure is fabricated using Rogers RT5880 with dielectric constant, εr = 2.2 and height of substrate 1.57 mm. The design was simulated using high frequency circuit simulator and was measured using vector network analyzer. The measured results are in good agreement with simulated result. Slight frequency shift and losses are still in acceptable range.
Apoptosis regulator through modulating IAP expression (ARIA) controls the PI3K/Akt pathway in endothelial and endothelial progenitor cells

Endothelial and endothelial progenitor cells (ECs and EPCs) play a fundamental role in angiogenesis that is essential for numerous physiological and pathological processes. The phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/ phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway has been implicated in angiogenesis, but the mechanism in the regulation of this pathway in ECs and EPCs is poorly understood. Here we show that ARIA (apoptosis regulator through modulating IAP expression), a transmembrane protein that we recently identified, regulates the PTEN/PI3K pathway in ECs and EPCs and controls developmental and postnatal angiogenesis in vivo. We found that ARIA is abundantly expressed in EPCs and regulates their angiogenic functions by modulating PI3K/Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling. Genetic deletion of ARIA caused nonfatal bleeding during embryogenesis, in association with increased small vessel density and altered expression of various vascular growth factors including angiopoietins and VEGF receptors. Postnatal neovascularization induced by critical limb ischemia was substantially enhanced in ARIA-null mice, in conjunction with more bone marrow (BM)-derived ECs detected in ischemic muscles. Administration of PI3K or NO synthase inhibitor completely abolished the enhanced neovascularization in ARIA−/− mice. Mechanistically, we identified that ARIA interacts with PTEN at the intracellular domain independently of the PTEN phosphorylation in its C-terminal tail. Overexpressed ARIA increased PTEN in the membrane fraction, whereas ARIA-silencing reduced the membrane-associated PTEN, resulting in modified PI3K/Akt signaling. Taken together, our findings establish a previously undescribed mode of regulation of the PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway by ARIA, and reveal a unique mechanism in the control of angiogenesis. These functions of ARIA might offer a unique therapeutic potential.
Harmonic compensation in ac distribution systems using smart electronic loads with PFC converters

The number of electronic loads in ac distribution systems is rapidly increasing, and some of such nonlinear loads are injecting harmonics and reducing the power quality. At the same time, there are electronic loads that are equipped with high-bandwidth converters and power factor correction (PFC), which inject sinusoidal currents at line frequency back into the grid. Moreover, modern smart meters have the capability of measuring higher-order harmonics in addition to power. This paper proposes and investigates using the smart electronic loads with PFCs for compensation of harmonics in distributed power systems. Such smart loads may communicate with each other and the smart meter for monitoring and control of power quality in a building or community distribution systems and microgrids. Due to the topology and hardware constraints, the traditional PFCs cannot achieve ideal harmonic compensation. This paper analyzes the operation of PFC converter and proposes a new approach to broaden the range of harmonic compensation. Simulation and experimental results are presented based on a commercial PFC prototype to validate the proposed approach.
The difficulties of the assessment of tool life in CNC milling

In the manufacturing process, tool life is an important parameter in milling operations. The main objective of this paper is to explain how difficult is it to assess how much work a tool has undertaken before it must be changed. A number of ways of expressing tool life are currently used, including the conventional method based upon one of several configurations of the Taylor Tool Life Equation. These usually express tool life in terms of known material properties together with primary machining variables like speed, feed and depth of cut. Other approaches are based upon the extrapolation of a tool wear curve and considerations of the volume of metal removed. This initial investigation adopts an approach that is based upon a series of experiments, which produce data indicating the changes in machined feature form and dimension. For this study, a new test piece was designed in order to allow the indirect assessment of the tool flank wear by utilising a Coordinate Measuring Machine to accurately measure the workpieces. This work is intended to indicate how difficult it is to actually apply the existing methods to manage tool wear. The aim is to engineer a better way and to establish a methodology of measuring what the tool is actually doing in real time using the machine controller.
CAncer rehabilitation evaluation system–short form (CARES‐SF). A cancer specific rehabilitation and quality of life instrument

The CAncer Rehabilitation Evaluation System (CARES) (CARES Consultants, Santa Monica, CA) a rehabilitation and quality of life instrument with well‐documented reliability and validity, has been shortened. This report describes the development and psychometric properties of the new instrument, the CAncer Rehabilitation Evaluation System—Short Form (CARES‐SF). The data from four existing samples of cancer patients demonstrate that the CARES‐SF is highly related to the CARES (r = 0.98), has excellent test‐retest reliability (86% agreement), concurrent validity with related measures, and acceptable internal consistency of summary scales (alpha = 0.85 to 0.61). In a new sample of breast cancer patients evaluated at three points in time (1 month, 7 months, and 13 months after diagnosis) the instrument appears to be sensitive to change and is highly related to the Functional Living Index—Cancer (FLIC), an existing quality of life instrument. The authors conclude that the CARES‐SF has excellent potential as a quality of life instrument for use in clinical trials.
A lipase with broad temperature range from an alkaliphilic gamma‐proteobacterium isolated in Greenland

A gamma‐proteobacterium related to the genera Alteromonadales and Pseudomonadales, isolated from a cold and alkaline environment in Greenland, has been shown to produce a lipase active between 5°C and 80°C, with optimal activity at 55°C and pH 8. PCR‐based screening of genomic DNA from the isolated bacterium, followed by genome walking, resulted in two complete open reading frames, which were predicted to encode a lipase and its helper protein, a lipase foldase. The amino acid sequence derived for the lipase showed resemblance to lipases from Pseudomonas, Rhodoferax, Aeromonas and Vibrio. The two genes were cloned into different expression systems in E. coli with or without a putative secretion sequence, but despite the fact that both recombinant lipase and lipase foldase were observed on SDS–PAGE, no recombinant lipase activity was detected. Attempts to refold the recombinant lipase in vitro using a purified lipase foldase remained unsuccessful.
Semantic polling: the ethics of online public opinion

- As the 2010 UK General Election saw an increased use of social media by politicians, activists, journalists and citizens, a number of consultancy firms began “semantic polling” – the employment of natural language processing technology to “read” and codify vast datasets gathered online, and then the use of this data to illustrate and understand public opinion. - The semantic polling techniques employed are largely experimental and vary widely between firms. There is also very limited methodological transparency. This is problematic as academic research suggests that statements about public opinion made in media can actually drive as well as reflect popular attitudes. - Both those carrying out semantic analysis and those in the media reporting it have a responsibility to offer appropriate explanations about the meaning and limitations of the conclusions, and the methods used in data analysis. They can do this by: increasing media literacy among citizens; increasing data literacy among journalists and editors; developing structures for self-regulation; and developing institutions that ensure a greater level of methodological transparency.
THE STABILITY OF BINOCULAR FIXATION DURING READING IN ADULTS AND CHILDREN

The authors recorded the binocular eye‐movements of children and adults while they read single words appropriate for their reading ability. Normal data were obtained from nine‐ to 11‐year‐old primary‐school children and adults, because very little is known about changes in binocular vergence during reading. These normal data were compared with those from poor readers of the same age who had passed or failed the Dunlop Test. On average, normal children made larger vergence errors while they fixated words than did adults. There were no differences between the groups of children, therefore the authors conclude that poor vergence control during reading fixations is not the immediate cause of the non‐word error effect found among children who fail the Dunlop Test.
Working memory in social anxiety disorder: better manipulation of emotional versus neutral material in working memory

ABSTRACT Individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD) engage in post-event processing, a form of perseverative thinking. Given that deficits in working memory might underlie perseverative thinking, we examined working memory in SAD with a particular focus on the effects of stimulus valence. SAD (n = 31) and healthy control (n = 20) participants either maintained (forward trials) or reversed (backward trials) in working memory the order of four emotional or four neutral pictures, and we examined sorting costs, which reflect the extent to which performance deteriorated on the backward trials compared to the forward trials. Emotionality of stimuli affected performance of the two groups differently. Whereas control participants exhibited higher sorting costs for emotional stimuli compared to neutral stimuli, SAD participants exhibited the opposite pattern. Greater attention to emotional stimuli in SAD might facilitate the processing of emotional (vs. neutral) stimuli in working memory.
Influence of atrial flutter ablation on right to left inter-atrial conduction.

AIMS Ablation of the atrial isthmus between the tricuspid annulus and the inferior vena cava changes P-wave morphology during low lateral right atrial pacing. For better understanding of the mechanism of this alteration, the sequence of activation of the inter-atrial septum and the left atrium were compared before and after ablation of the isthmus between the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid annulus. METHODS AND RESULTS In 13 patients, left atrial mapping was performed using a duodecapolar electrode catheter advanced to the far distal coronary sinus. The inter-atrial septum was mapped using a right atrial duodecapolar electrode catheter. Conduction times were measured during low lateral right atrial pacing from the pacing artefact and during sinus rhythm from the earliest right atrial electrogram to every intra-cardiac electrogram before and after the ablation. During low lateral right atrial pacing, isthmus ablation resulted in a significant delay in every left atrial lead. Changes were maximal at the posterior aspect of the left atrium and minimal at its anterior aspect. No significant change was discernible on the inter-atrial septum. During sinus rhythm, atrial activations remained unchanged. CONCLUSION Electrocardiographic changes of P-wave morphology result from alteration in the sequence of left atrial activation rather than that of the inter-atrial septum.
A metabolic hypothesis for the evolution of temperature effects on the arterial PCO2 and pH of vertebrate ectotherms

ABSTRACT Body temperature increases in ectothermic vertebrates characteristically lead to both increases in arterial PCO2 (PaCO2) and declines in resting arterial pH (pHa) of about 0.017 pH units per 1°C increase in temperature. This ‘alphastat’ pH pattern has previously been interpreted as being evolutionarily driven by the maintenance of a constant protonation state on the imidazole moiety of histidine protein residues, hence stabilizing protein structure–function. Analysis of the existing data for interclass responses of ectothermic vertebrates shows different degrees of PaCO2 increases and pH declines with temperature between the classes, with reptiles>amphibians>fish. The PaCO2 at the temperature where maximal aerobic metabolism (V̇O2,max) is achieved is significantly and positively correlated with temperature for all vertebrate classes. For ectotherms, the PaCO2 where V̇O2,max is greatest is also correlated with V̇O2,max, indicating there is an increased driving force for CO2 efflux that is lowest in fish, intermediate in amphibians and highest in reptiles. The pattern of increased PaCO2 and the resultant reduction of pHa in response to increased body temperature would serve to increase CO2 efflux, O2 delivery and blood buffering capacity and maintain ventilatory scope. This represents a new hypothesis for the selective advantage of arterial pH regulation from a systems physiology perspective in addition to the advantages of maintenance of protein structure–function. Summary: An additional hypothesis to protein structure–function relationships for the increase in arterial PCO2 and decline in blood pH with increases in body temperature of ectotherms.
The Financing of Complementary Currencies: Risks and Chances on the Path toward Sustainable Regional Economies

Costs and cost coverage of complementary currencies has been, for a long time, neglected by researchers. This article provides an analysis of the different types of costs incurred and asks for appropriate means of financing such projects. This implies a short discussion of the potential offered by the application of new technologies. It follows a critical appraisal of funding from public as well as private sources. Both tend to dwindle during crises of the established capitalist economy, i. e. at times when they are most needed. Furthermore, this economic dependence implies the risk that structures develop that run contrary to the criteria of a social and solidarity economy. Self-financing appears to be a viable alternative; however, considering overall transaction costs, the burden to be carried by participants is considered to be a significant constraint with regard to this source. In the following part of this paper the question being raised is whether and how to finance regional systems, systems that have a significant economic impact. An important basis for the following considerations is the observation that complementary currencies operate within boundaries, boundaries defined in a variety of different ways. A scenario presented in this section illustrates the potential of this feature with regard to the construction of new systems. It includes a spatial and a time limit: transactions in regional markets are assumed to be subject to reduced tax rates as long as debits and credits are balanced over a certain period of time. The reasoning in favour of such a model within the framework of the sustainability discourse, its shortcomings and some other aspects are discussed.
History is a weapon: Fiona Foley history teacher

There is nothing sinister about using secret methods to help win freedom. Through the ages the ruling classes have made it as difficult as possible for oppressed people to gain freedom. The oppressors use the most cruel and sinister methods to stay in power. They use unjust laws to ban, banish, imprison and execute their opponents. They use secret police, soldiers, spies and informers against the people's movements. But the people know how to fight back and how to use secret methods of work.
An energy-loss model for low- and intermediate-energy carbon projectiles in water

Abstract Purpose: To model interaction cross sections and energy loss for carbon projectiles C0–C6+ of 1–104 keV/u (u: atomic mass unit) in water. Materials and methods: The classical trajectory Monte Carlo method was used to calculate the ionisation and charge-transfer cross sections. The excitation cross sections were scaled from proton data using equilibrium charges determined from the charge-transfer cross sections. Energy loss was obtained from the singly differential cross sections, and ionisation potentials of the target and projectile. Results: The calculated total ionisation cross sections are consistent with measured data, while the calculated electron-capture cross sections are larger than experimental data by a factor of 3. By scaling the latter to the measured data, the cross sections were made consistent with these data for 1–10 keV/u energies. The present stopping cross sections agree well with experimental data below 10 keV/u, and with other model calculations above 2 MeV/u. Deviation from the latter is found where electron capture is competitive with ionisation, and also arises from different energy-transfer calculations. Conclusions: In this paper we report our efforts in the developments of full slowing-down Monte Carlo track structure calculations for carbon ions. Further development and refinement of the model are currently underway.
Decision Analysis for Management of Natural Hazards

Losses from natural hazards, including geophysical and hydrometeorological hazards, have been increasing worldwide. This review focuses on the process by which scientific evidence about natural hazards is applied to support decision making. Decision analysis typically involves estimating the probability of extreme events; assessing the potential impacts of those events from a variety of perspectives; and evaluating options to plan for, mitigate, or react to events. We consider issues that affect decisions made across a range of natural hazards, summarize decision methodologies, and provide examples of applications of decision analysis to the management of natural hazards. We conclude that there is potential for further exchange of ideas and experience between natural hazard research communities on decision analysis approaches. Broader application of decision methodologies to natural hazard management and evaluation of existing decision approaches can potentially lead to more efficient allocation of scarce.