Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Consumer-directed models of personal care: lessons from Medicaid.

"Consumer-directed" models of financing and services delivery are compared with models that emphasize professional control and accountability within the context of Medicaid-financed personal care services (PCS). The Medicaid PCS benefit finances aide or attendant services for low-income persons with functional disabilities to assist them with daily living tasks. Consumer-directed modes of service provision permit service recipients themselves to have greater choice and control over all aspects of service provision. Client surveys in three states found that clients were most satisfied with the program elements of Medicaid PCS services that gave them more choice and control. Case studies of how Medicaid PCS programs in particular states are administered indicate that the use of aides who are independent providers, unattached to a home health or home care agency, is a critical aspect of consumer direction. By itself, however, this factor does not guarantee consumer direction because other Medicaid PCS rules and regulations may restrict client choice and control.
High-Speed A/D & D/A conversion: A survey

This paper deals with general discussion over high-speed data converter architectures. Nowadays, more and more researches are focused on the ability to design transceivers able to manage digital data as soon as possible right behind the antenna. These so-called Software Defined Radio architectures are one of the easiest ways to design a receiver with low time-to-market impact. Furthermore, most of the recent standards impose either very high frequency ranges, large bandwidth signals and numerous number of bits. Indeed, different topologies of analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters are discussed, keeping in mind the very high frequency purpose. To conclude this paper, two designs are presented: a wideband 3-bit 4 Gsps Flash converter and a narrowband 12-bit 4 Gsps Continuous Time Delta-Sigma converter.
Synthesis and Characterization of Barium Hexafluoridoosmates

Two barium hexafluoridoosmates, Ba(OsF6)2 and BaOsF6, were synthesized and were characterized for the first time using X-ray powder and single crystal diffraction, IR spectroscopy, as well as NMR spectroscopy in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride. Ba(OsF6)2 crystallizes in the space group type P21/c with the cell parameters a = 6.4599(4), b = 10.7931(8), c = 14.7476(10) A, β = 115.195(5)°, V = 930.42(12) A3, Z = 4 at 293 K. BaOsF6 crystallizes in the space group type R 3 ¯ with the cell parameters a = 7.3286(10), c = 7.2658(15) A, V = 337.95(12) A3, Z = 3 at 100 K. Additionally, we have obtained the compounds Ba(OsF6)2∙3BrF3, Ba(OsF6)2∙HF, Ba(OsF6)2∙6H2O from the respective solvents, and Ba(OsF6)2.
Fault Location System for Transmission-Type Cable

A fault location system was developed for locating nonlinear faults on transmission-type cable. The fault locator measures the distance from terminal to fault as a fraction of the total cable length. A forward wave radar principle is used. The forward wave is generated by the cable breakdown at the fault. Laboratory and field tests indicate that nonlinear faults can be located to within ±10 m. Equipment modifications have been made to measure cable lengths to 10 km and longer. Further field tests and demonstration tests are planned.
Indirect Vector Control of a Redundant Linear Induction Motor for Aircraft Launch

The potential for high force and low inertia makes the long stator linear induction motor a good candidate for use in aircraft launch. These motors typically have a segmented stator that runs the entire length of travel. A conductive plate is used as the moving shuttle. If high reliability is desired, one approach is to drive shuttle plate using multiple, separately excited stators. Although the stators are separately excited, they are still coupled via mutual inductance and common current paths in the shuttle plate. This paper considers the development of an indirect vector control scheme that accommodates the cross-coupling between stators and allows responsive control of the total force on the shuttle in the presence of faulted stators.
Scaling of lactate threshold by peak oxygen uptake and by fat‐free mass0·67

The lactate threshold (LT) represents the onset of metabolic acidosis during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). It is measured as a O2 in the units of ml min−1. In order to make comparisons among subjects, LT is often scaled or normalized by O2 peak resulting in the LT/O2 peak ratio. Ratio variables have underlying assumptions. One assumption is that the relationship between the numerator and denominator is linear with a zero y‐intercept. If the relationship has a positive y‐intercept, then the ratio will decrease with increasing values of the scaling variable thereby penalizing subjects with larger values of the scaling variable. Our purpose was to examine the validity of scaling LT by O2 peak and by fat‐free mass raised to 0·67 power (FFM0·67) as dimensional analysis predicts that LT is proportional to FFM0·67. Cycle ergometer CPET was administered to 204 healthy, sedentary subjects (103 males) to the limit of tolerance. Lactate threshold was estimated noninvasively using the V‐slope technique. Fat‐free mass was assessed by skinfolds. The relationship of LT versus O2 peak was linear with a positive y‐intercept for both sexes. Consequently, the LT/O2 peak ratio decreased as O2 peak increased for both sexes. The relationship of LT versus FFM0·67was linear with a zero y‐intercept for both sexes. Consequently, the plot of the LT/FFM0·67 ratio versus FFM resulted in a straight line with a slope of zero for both sexes. The results of this study support the conclusion that FFM0·67, but not O2 peak, is a valid scaling variable for LT.
Human recognition based on oculo-motion characteristics

This paper is devoted largely for building a novel approach for human recognition using eye movement analysis. Velocity and dispersion threshold based fixation identification algorithms are employed for processing the raw scan path signals in oculo-motion matrices. A new hybrid intelligent model is deployed for classification over data retrieved from scan-path signals. Experimental results demonstrate the endeavor of oculo-motion signals as an effective biometric trait. This paper also demonstrates the relative comparison of the two fixation identification techniques combined with hybrid intelligent model.
Dominant Sets as a Framework for Cluster Ensembles: An Evolutionary Game Theory Approach

Ensemble clustering aggregates partitions obtained from several individual clustering algorithms. This can improve the accuracy of results from individual methods and provide robustness against variability in the methods applied. Theorems show one can find dominant sets (clusters) very efficiently by using an evolutionary game theoretic approach. Experiments on an MRI data set consisting of about 4 million data are detailed. The distributed dominant set framework generates partitions of quality slightly better than clustering all the data using fuzzy C means.
A system to specify and manage multipolicy access control models

This paper describes the architecture and the core specification language of an extensible access control system, called MACS-Multipolicy Access Control System. Several access control models are supported. by the proposed system, including the mandatory model, a flexible discretionary model, and RBAC. In addition, by using the core specification language, users can define their own access control models. The language is complemented by a number of tools supporting users in the tasks of model specification and analysis, and authorization management. The proposed system is a multipolicy system in that it allows one to apply different policies to different partitions of the set of objects to be protected. Therefore, different access control policies can co-exist, thus enhancing the flexibility of the system.
Four Machine Learning Algorithms for Biometrics Fusion: A Comparative Study

We examine the efficiency of four machine learning algorithms for the fusion of several biometrics modalities to create a multimodal biometrics security system. The algorithms examined are Gaussian Mixture Models (GMMs), Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Fuzzy Expert Systems (FESs), and Support VectorMachines (SVMs). The fusion of biometrics leads to security systems that exhibit higher recognition rates and lower false alarms compared to unimodal biometric security systems. Supervised learning was carried out using a number of patterns froma well-known benchmark biometrics database, and the validation/testing took place with patterns fromthe same database which were not included in the training dataset. The comparison of the algorithms reveals that the biometrics fusion system is superior to the original unimodal systems and also other fusion schemes found in the literature.
Fast Estimation and Rendering of Indirect Highlights

This paper proposes a method for efficiently rendering indirect highlights. Indirect highlights are caused by the primary light source reflecting off two or more glossy surfaces. Accurately simulating such highlights is important to convey the realistic appearance of materials such as chrome and shiny metal. Our method models the glossy BRDF at a surface point as a directional distribution, using a spherical von Mises‐Fisher (vMF) distribution. As our main contribution, we merge multiple vMFs into a combined multimodal distribution. This effectively creates a filtered radiance response function, allowing us to efficiently estimate indirect highlights. We demonstrate our method in a near‐interactive application for rendering scenes with highly glossy objects. Our results produce realistic reflections under both local and environment lighting.
Fault tolerant control with switched LPV method based on hysteresis strategy and an application to a microsatellite model

This paper studies a class of switched Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) systems in which different control faults are modeled as different system modes according to parameter varying. Two methods are proposed based on the hysteresis method of Multiple Lyapunov function, and H∞ state feedback and output feedback controllers are designed respectively by solving Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs). The method is applied to an attitude control model in a microsatellite, and simulation result verifies effectiveness of proposed methods.
The 15N isotope effect in Escherichia coli: A neutron can make the difference

Several techniques based on stable isotope labeling are used for quantitative MS. These include stable isotope metabolic labeling methods for cells in culture as well as live organisms with the assumption that the stable isotope has no effect on the proteome. Here, we investigate the 15N isotope effect on Escherichia coli cultures that were grown in either unlabeled (14N) or 15N‐labeled media by LC‐ESI‐MS/MS‐based relative protein quantification. Consistent protein expression level differences and altered growth rates were observed between 14N and 15N‐labeled cultures. Furthermore, targeted metabolite analyses revealed altered metabolite levels between 14N and 15N‐labeled bacteria. Our data demonstrate for the first time that the introduction of the 15N isotope affects protein and metabolite levels in E. coli and underline the importance of implementing controls for unbiased protein quantification using stable isotope labeling techniques.
Oxaliplatin and Axonal Na+ Channel Function In vivo

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the pathophysiology of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity using clinical nerve excitability techniques that provide information about axonal ion channel function. Experimental Design: Excitability studies were combined with standard nerve conduction studies and clinical assessment in 22 patients undergoing treatment with oxaliplatin. Results: Excitability studies recorded before and immediately after oxaliplatin infusion for 89 treatment cycles revealed significant increases in refractoriness and relative refractory period postinfusion in all patients, consistent with an effect of oxaliplatin on axonal Na+ channels. However, those patients that developed chronic neuropathy had significantly greater changes. Following cessation of oxaliplatin treatment, 41% of patients had persistent symptoms and nerve conduction abnormalities consistent with the development of chronic neuropathy. Conclusion: The present study provides evidence that oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity is mediated through an effect on axonal Na+ channels. Clinical nerve excitability techniques may prove beneficial in monitoring for early signs of neurotoxicity and in the assessment of future prophylactic therapies.
A Small Phospholipase A 2 - α from Castor Catalyzes the Removal of Hydroxy Fatty Acids from Phosphatidylcholine in Transgenic Arabidopsis Seeds 1

A Castor phospholipase is involved in editing ricinoleic acid from the membrane lipids in transgenic Arabidopsis seeds. Abstract Ricinoleic acid, an industrially useful hydroxy fatty acid (HFA), only accumulates to high levels in the triacylglycerol fraction of castor bean endosperm even though it is synthesized on the membrane lipid phosphatidylcholine (PC) from an oleoyl ester. The acyl chains of PC undergo intense remodeling through the process of acyl editing. The identity of the proteins involved in this process, however, are unknown. A phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 ) is thought to be involved in the acyl editing process. We show here a role RcsPLA 2 α in the acyl editing of HFA esterified to PC. RcsPLA 2 α was identified by its high relative expression in the castor ( Ricinus communis ) endosperm transcriptome. Co-expression in Arabidopsis ( Arabidopsis thaliana ) seeds of RcsPLA 2 α with castor hydroxylase RcFAH12 led to a dramatic decrease in seed HFA content when compared to RcFAH12 expression alone, both in PC and the neutral lipid fraction. The low HFA trait was heritable and gene dosage dependent, with hemizygous lines showing intermediate HFA levels. The low seed HFA levels suggested that RcsPLA 2 α functions in vivo as a PLA 2 with HFA specificity. Activity assays with yeast microsomes showed a high specificity of RcsPLA 2 α for ricinoleic acid, superior to that of the endogenous AtsPLA 2 α . These results point to RcsPLA 2 α as a phospholipase involved in acyl editing, adapted to specifically removing HFA from membrane lipids in seeds. acyltransferase, cell ANTHER DEHISCIENCE gene encodes a novel phospholipase A 1 catalyzing the initial step of jasmonic
The Ensu scoring system in genetic counselling

As a device for systematically computing the posterior probability that a woman is the carrier of an X ‐linked recessive disorder, a new scoring system has been devised. The information provided by a woman and her male descendants is condensed into an equivalent number of normal sons. Thus if the likelihood ratio of her and her descendants, supposing her a carrier, to that supposing her wild‐type is expressible as (1/2)a, the score is a Equivalent Normal Son Units (Ensu). The method, designed in the first place to deal with strictly recessive disorders, is readily extended to the case where the carrier state can be identified with greater or less certainty and the case where other pertinent probabilistic information such as linkage data is available. Tables and a graph are provided which should allow three‐digit accuracy, sufficient for all practical purposes.
Study of IFT technique in a view to create a novel hardware

The most recent technique for tuning proportional-integral-differential(PID) controllers is the Iterative Feedback Tuning (IFT) technique. The IFT has gone through many phases of improvement, such as increased transient performance, accelerated convergence, strengthened technique robustness and modified system stability. In this paper we propose the study of IFT technique in a view to create a novel hardware that implements IFT technique. To accomplish the said proposal, we carried out an overview of IFT technique basic theory and applications so that algorithm's expressions are refined to simplify development of hardware architecture. Then VHDL code is developed, simulated, and implemented on to the National Instruments (NI) Digital Electronics FPGA Board.
Chronic allograft nephropathy and nephrotic range proteinuria

Abstract: While the association between post‐transplant nephrotic range proteinuria (PTx‐NP) and chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) has been described, the factors that determine graft survival in such patients are unclear. We retrospectively identified 30 patients with biopsy‐proven CAN who presented with PTX‐NP between 1988 and 2002. Patients were stratified into two groups according to PTX‐NP onset: <1 yr vs. >1 yr post‐transplantation. Both groups were comparable with respect to the degree of renal dysfunction (serum creatinine 4.3 ± 2.5 mg/dL vs. 3.4 ± 1.5 mg/dL) and proteinuria (4.7 ± 1.6 gm/d vs. 5.8 ± 3 gm/d). After a mean follow‐up of 14 months post‐biopsy, 87% of patients had lost their grafts in both groups (89% vs. 83%, p = NS). Overall, patients with serum creatinine ≤2 mg/dL had better graft survival during follow‐up than patients with serum creatinine >2 mg/dL (75% vs. 4%, Fisher Exact Probability p = 0.0038). Using Kaplan–Meier estimate, the 5‐yr graft survival rate was 100% for patients with serum creatinine ≤2 mg/dL and 40% in those with >2 mg/dL (p = 0.06). The magnitude of proteinuria beyond 3 gm/d did not influence graft survival. One‐half of the patients (n = 15) received therapy with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI). Graft survival, however, was not different between the patients who received ACEI compared with the patients who did not receive ACEI (13% vs. 13%).
Linear and nonlinear terrain deformation maps from a reduced set of interferometric SAR images

In this paper, an advanced technique for the generation of deformation maps using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data is presented. The algorithm estimates the linear and nonlinear components of the displacement, the error of the digital elevation model (DEM) used to cancel the topographic terms, and the atmospheric artifacts from a reduced set of low spatial resolution interferograms. The pixel candidates are selected from those presenting a good coherence level in the whole set of interferograms and the resulting nonuniform mesh tessellated with the Delauney triangulation to establish connections among them. The linear component of movement and DEM error are estimated adjusting a linear model to the data only on the connections. Later on, this information, once unwrapped to retrieve the absolute values, is used to calculate the nonlinear component of movement and atmospheric artifacts with alternate filtering techniques in both the temporal and spatial domains. The method presents high flexibility with respect to the required number of images and the baselines length. However, better results are obtained with large datasets of short baseline interferograms. The technique has been tested with European Remote Sensing SAR data from an area of Catalonia (Spain) and validated with on-field precise leveling measurements.
Wise Old Ceorl(as) in Beowulf and its Original Meaning

ABSTRACT In the Old English poem Beowulf, the word ceorl “man” (> Modern English churl) is used for old kings and wise nobles, which is unparalleled in other Old English writings, where it often means a freeman of the lowest class or a peasant. The Beowulf poet uses it always in certain set phrases, and they seem to have been formed in close connection with its original meaning “old man”, which is lost in Old English but is retained in its cognates in some other Germanic languages. The set phrases the poet uses, echoing its lost original meaning, seem to be of rather early origin and his frequent use of this word, together with its rare occurrence elsewhere, may reflect an archaic aspect of the language of the Beowulf poet.
Analysis of low-energy and high-frequency femtosecond laser for the construction of deep anterior donor corneal lamellae

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and reliability of a low-energy femtosecond laser with a high repetition rate for construction of deep anterior donor corneal lamellae. Methods: This was a prospective laboratory investigation. Twenty-five human corneal buttons were femtosecond laser cut to create thick anterior lamellae (diameter, 10mm; thickness, 500µm). The laser cuts were made using an LDV® femtosecond laser in a Ziemer® anterior chamber. To obtain a better edge, the lamellae were trephined with an 8mm trephine (Katena®). The central corneal thickness and the anterior lamellae were measured using a Mitutoyo® thickness gauge with an accuracy of 0.001mm. Results: The central thickness of the 25 corneas ranged from 500 to 705µm (mean, 584 ± 51µm). The thickness of the anterior lamellae ranged from 420 to 480µm (mean, 455 ± 12.7µm). The anterior lamellae diameters were 7.90 ± 0.1mm, and all laser cuts were round. The lamellar interfaces appeared regular by surgical microscopy. There were no cases of inter-lamellar adhesion. Conclusion: The LDV® femtosecond laser appears to be a safe and reliable instrument for cutting deep anterior lamellae from donor corneoscleral buttons. Minimal variation in donor lamellar depth with the laser will be useful for creating donor corneal tissue for deeper anterior lamellar keratoplasty or endothelial keratoplasty surgery or both from a single donor cornea.
VDSL, from concept to chips

Over the previous decades, successive DSL technologies have increased the transmission speeds over the telephone access network from 33.6 Kbit/s for analog modems to about 8 Mbit/s with ADSL. VDSL, or Very high-speed Digital Subscriber Line, puts the copper loop in an even higher gear. VDSL can transport data at tens of Megabits-per-second (Mbit/s) over conventional copper twisted pairs that have been used for more than a century - till the emergence of HDSL and ADSL - to carry only voice calls or low-speed data. Whereas ADSL (Asymmetric DSL) brings you Internet downloads at high speeds and good quality video, VDSL can deliver several films simultaneously. To enable such super-fast traffic, the frequency band over which the system operates has to be increased, from about 1 MHz for ADSL to over 10 MHz for VDSL. This requires faster digital signal processing and analog (integrated) components with higher bandwidths. In addition the system has to withstand loop impairments that were inexistent or less stringent for other DSL variants. Once again (as for ADSL) Discrete MultiTone (DMT) transmission turns out to deliver the required performance. If carefully implemented, DMT can be combined with frequency division duplexing (FDD) without requiring filters for up- and downstream frequency band separation, resulting in extreme flexibility for spectral shaping and band allocation, while simplifying the design. This paper takes you in a couple of pages from the concepts up to the implementation of a system on chip. It shows how a very performant and flexible FDD-DMT system can be integrated while meeting the requirements on power and size.