Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hemodialysis Impact on Motor Function beyond Aging and Diabetes—Objectively Assessing Gait and Balance by Wearable Technology

Motor functions are deteriorated by aging. Some conditions may magnify this deterioration. This study examined whether hemodialysis (HD) process would negatively impact gait and balance beyond diabetes condition among mid-age adults (48–64 years) and older adults (65+ years). One hundred and ninety-six subjects (age = 66.2 ± 9.1 years, body-mass-index = 30.1 ± 6.4 kg/m2, female = 56%) in 5 groups were recruited: mid-age adults with diabetes undergoing HD (Mid-age HD+, n = 38) and without HD (Mid-age HD−, n = 40); older adults with diabetes undergoing HD (Older HD+, n = 36) and without HD (Older HD−, n = 37); and non-diabetic older adults (Older DM−, n = 45). Gait parameters (stride velocity, stride length, gait cycle time, and double support) and balance parameters (ankle, hip, and center of mass sways) were quantified using validated wearable platforms. Groups with diabetes had overall poorer gait and balance compared to the non-diabetic group (p < 0.050). Among people with diabetes, HD+ had significantly worsened gait and balance when comparing to HD− (Cohen’s effect size d = 0.63–2.32, p < 0.050). Between-group difference was more pronounced among older adults with the largest effect size observed for stride length (d = 2.32, p < 0.001). Results suggested that deterioration in normalized gait speed among HD+ was negatively correlated with age (r = −0.404, p < 0.001), while this correlation was diminished among HD−. Interestingly, results also suggested that poor gait among Older HD− is related to poor ankle stability, while no correlation was observed between poor ankle stability and poor gait among Older HD+. Using objective assessments, results confirmed that the presence of diabetes can deteriorate gait and balance, and this deterioration can be magnified by HD process. Among HD− people with diabetes, poor ankle stability described poor gait. However, among people with diabetes undergoing HD, age was a dominate factor describing poor gait irrespective of static balance. Results also suggested feasibility of using wearable platforms to quantify motor performance during routine dialysis clinic visit. These objective assessments may assist in identifying early deterioration in motor function, which in turn may promote timely intervention.
A Neuromorphic Approach to Path Integration: A Head-Direction Spiking Neural Network with Vision-driven Reset

Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is one of the core tasks of mobile autonomous robots. Looking for power efficient and embedded solutions for SLAM is an important challenge when building controllers for small and agile robots. Biological neural systems of even simple animals are until now unprecedented in their ability to localize themselves in an unknown environment. Neuromorphic engineering offers ultra low-power and compact computing hardware, in which biologically inspired neuronal architectures for SLAM can be realised. In this paper, we propose an on chip approach for one of the components of SLAM: path integration. Our solution takes inspiration from biology and uses motor command information to estimate the orientation of an agent solely in a spiking neural network. We realise this network on a neuromorphic device that implements artificial neurons and synapses with analog electronics. The neural network receives visual input from an event-based camera and uses this information to correct the on-chip spiking neurons estimate of the robot's orientation. This system can be easily integrated with other localization and mapping components on chip and is a step towards a fully neuromorphic SLAM.
Composite Neural Network Digital Predistortion Model for Joint Mitigation of Crosstalk,  $I/Q$  Imbalance, Nonlinearity in MIMO Transmitters

Multi-input multi-output (MIMO) is anticipated to be a prominent technique proposed in the wireless communications to improve the system capacity and data rates of the wireless networks. However, the MIMO transmitter suffers from imperfections, such as crosstalk, power-amplifier (PA) nonlinearity, in-phase and quadrature (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$I/Q$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) imbalance, and dc offset. Investigating these effects, this paper proposes neural network (NN)-based digital predistortion (DPD) as an integral solution to compensate for crosstalk, PA nonlinearity, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$I/Q$ </tex-math></inline-formula> imbalance, and dc offset imperfections simultaneously in MIMO transmitters. The proposed NN DPD model provides a one-step single-model digital mitigation solution to multibranches of MIMO transmitters. With the increase in the dimensions of MIMO transmitter, the proposed NN-based DPD model provides a better compensation for transmitter imperfections and also reduces the complexity as compared to the state-of-the-art DPD methods. The proof-of-concept is provided with the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2 \times 2$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$3 \times 3$ </tex-math></inline-formula> MIMO transmitters in the presence of strong PA nonlinearity, crosstalk, I/Q imbalance, and dc offset for homodyne as well as heterodyne transmitters’ cases.
Process tracing : from metaphor to analytic tool

Preface Part I. Introduction: 1. Process tracing: from philosophical roots to best practices Andrew Bennett and Jeffrey T. Checkel Part II. Process Tracing in Action: 2. Process tracing the effects of ideas Alan M. Jacobs 3. Mechanisms, process, and the study of international institutions Jeffrey T. Checkel 4. Efficient process tracing: analyzing the causal mechanisms of European integration Frank Schimmelfennig 5. What makes process tracing good? Causal mechanisms, causal inference, and the completeness standard in comparative politics David Waldner 6. Explaining the Cold War's end: process tracing all the way down? Matthew Evangelista 7. Process tracing, causal inference, and civil war Jason Lyall Part III. Extensions, Controversies, and Conclusions: 8. Improving process tracing: the case of multi-method research Thad Dunning 9. Practice tracing Vincent Pouliot 10. Beyond metaphors: standards, theory, and the 'where next' for process tracing Jeffrey T. Checkel and Andrew Bennett Appendix. Disciplining our conjectures: systematizing process tracing with Bayesian analysis.
Physiologic and Endocrine Correlates of Overweightness in African Americans and Caucasians

Purpose: African-Americans (AA) have a higher prevalence and rate of mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) than Caucasians (CA); one important risk factor for CVD is poor cardiovascular fitness. We quantified fitness and related primary risk factors for CVD as a function of fitness in healthy AA and CA. Methods: Participants included healthy AA (n=91) and CA (n = 51) men and women with bodymass-index (BMI) <38 kg/m, 18~45 years of age, fasting blood glucose < 126 mg/dL and blood pressure measures < 140 and 90 mm Hg. Maximal aerobic power, fasting blood glucose, insulin, lipid profiles, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), waist and hip circumference, and percent body fat were measured. Results: The majority of AA (57.1%) were categorized as low to fair fitness (Caucasian: 31.4%) and only 20.8% were of good to high fitness (Caucasian: 39.2%). Over 50% of subjects in the low-fair fitness category were at risk for CVD based on HDL-C, pre-hypertension, CRP, percent body fat, and BMI. Risk factors for CVD increased with decreasing fitness in both ethnic groups. Although CRP was lower in AA (1.8±0.3 mg/L) than CA (2.3±0.5 mg/L), it was negatively associated with fitness and positively associated with body fat for both groups. Regression analysis revealed that percent body fat and CRP were associated with low fitness in AA, and percent body fat, fasting glucose and diastolic pressure in CA. Conclusions: Low fitness may characterize apparently “healthy” AA as at-risk for CVD. Including fitness as a risk factor for CVD would improve early identification of at-risk AA. Importantly, prescribing exercise as medicine and promoting regular physical activity to improve fitness is essential among AA, particularly AA women.
Size Matters, If You Control Your Junk

The size premium has been accused of having a weak historical record, being meager relative to other factors, varying significantly over time, weakening after its discovery, being concentrated among microcap stocks, residing predominantly in January, relying on price-based measures, and being weak internationally. We find, however, that these challenges disappear when controlling for the quality, or its inverse, junk, of a firm. A significant size premium emerges, which is stable through time, robust to specification, not concentrated in microcaps, more consistent across seasons, and evident for non-price-based measures of size, and these results hold in 30 different industries and 24 international equity markets. The resurrected size effect is on par with anomalies such as value and momentum in terms of economic significance and gives rise to new tests of, and challenges for, existing asset pricing theories.
From Theory to Implementation of a CPT-Based Probabilistic and Fuzzy Soil Classification

This paper discusses the development of an up-to-date computerized CPT (Cone Penetration Test) based soil engineering classification system to provide geotechnical engineers with a handy tool for their daily design activities. Five CPT soil engineering classification systems are incorporated in this effort. They include the probabilistic region estimation and fuzzy classification methods, both developed by Zhang and Tumay, the Schmertmann, the Douglas and Olsen, and the Robertson et al. methods. In the probabilistic region estimation method, a conformal transformation is used to determine the soil classification index, U, from CPT cone tip resistance and friction ratio. A statistical correlation is established between U and the compositional soil type given by the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). The soil classification index, U, provides a soil profile over depth with the probability of belonging to different soil types, which more realistically and continuously reflects the in-situ soil characterization, which includes the spatial variation of soil types. The CPT fuzzy classification on the other hand emphasizes the certainty of soil behavior. The advantage of combining these two classification methods is realized through implementing them into visual basic software with three other CPT soil classification methods for friendly use by geotechnical engineers. Three sites in Louisiana were selected for this study. For each site, CPT tests and the corresponding soil boring results were correlated. The soil classification results obtained using the probabilistic region estimation and fuzzy classification methods are cross-correlated with conventional soil classification from borings logs and three other established CPT soil classification methods.
Delineating the structural controls on iron oxide-Cu-Au deposit genesis through implicit modeling: A case study from the E1 Group, Cloncurry 3 District, Australia

Iron oxide–Cu–Au (IOCG) deposits encompass a range of ore body shapes, including strata-bound replacement ores and hydrothermal breccias. We use the implicit method to make a detailed three-dimensional geological model of a strata-bound IOCG in the Cloncurry District, the E1 Group, to elucidate structural controls on mineralization. This model is compared with the nearby, world-class, Ernest Henry breccia-hosted IOCG deposit. Cu–Au mineralization in the E1 Group occurs as structurally controlled, mainly strata-bound, replacement bodies hosted in metasedimentary and metavolcaniclastic rocks intercalated with barren meta-andesite. Replacement bodies in the E1 Group conform to a series of NNW-plunging folds formed in regional D2 during peak metamorphism. Folding was followed by local D3/regional D4 shortening, which formed a dextral, transpressional Riedel brittle to ductile system along the regional Cloncurry Fault Zone. Modelling suggests that much of the Cu–Au mineralization is controlled by synthetic R structures associated with this Riedel system. The deformation sequence at Ernest Henry is comparable, but differences in host rock rheology, permeability and fluid pressure may explain the variation in ore body types and total Cu–Au resource between the two deposits. The results carry implications for other districts containing these styles of IOCG mineralization.
Probabilistic models for semantic representation

In this work we present the main ideas behind in Search of Seman- tics project which aims to provide tools and methods for revealing semantics of human linguistic action. Different part of semantics can be conveyed by a document or any kind of lin- guistic action: the first one mostly related to the structure of words and concepts relations (light semantics) and the second one related to relations between con- cepts, perceptions and actions deep semantics. As a consequence we argue that semantic representation can emerge through the interaction of both. This research project aims at investigating how those different parts of seman- tics and their mutual interaction, can be modeled through probabilistic models of language and through probabilistic models of human behaviors. Finally a real environment, a web search engine, is presented and discussed in order to show how some part of this project, light semantics, has been addressed.
Therapeutics in Practice

Equine practitioners are commonly faced with the prevention or treatment of septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and osteitis. These orthopedic infections can be devastating in horses because of the cost of treatment, risk of contralateral limb laminitis, and potential for permanent lameness following successful resolution of infection. Rapid elimination of the infection is necessary to avoid these sequelae. However, antimicrobial concentrations achieved by systemic administration are often nontherapeutic. The septic environment decreases both antimicrobial delivery and efficacy. The presence of necrotic tissue, ischemia, and thrombosis and the accumulation of biofilm can shield bacteria from host defenses and antimicrobials, thus impeding delivery of systemically administered antimicrobials to the site of infection (Figure 1). To eliminate bacteria, antimicrobial concentrations higher than can be obtained with standard systemic administration are often required. Local antimicrobial therapy delivers high antimicrobial concentrations to the site of infection while minimizing systemic concentrations that can lead to systemic side effects.
Molecular mechanisms of plant salinity tolerance: A review

Accompanied with increasing world's population, we need more food. In the other hands, most important crops and vegetables are susceptible to salinity. Unfortunately the salinization process in agricultural fields will decrease the suitable land for cultivation by 30% within the next 25 years, and up to 50% by the year 2050. Therefore, developments of salt tolerant crops can be the best and most practical way to produce enough food. In the course of evolution, plants have developed several protecting mechanisms (avoidance and tolerance) so as to adapt to salt stress. Understanding the cellular basis of salt stress tolerance mechanisms is necessary for breeding and genetic engineering of salt tolerance in crops. Tolerance mechanisms mainly are applicable to practical manipulations. Tolerance mechanisms in plant can be categorized as: a)-antioxidative defense, b)-ion homeostasis, c)-compatible solute and d)-transcription factors. In this review we tried to make a comprehensive review on these 4 tolerance mechanisms from the molecular aspects.
Sex-and age-specific foraging tactics in grey seals ( Halichoerus grypus ) revealed by behaviour discriminating state-space models

Identifying where and how animals forage is key to understanding their ecology and ecosystem role. In many large pelagic animals, observing behaviour is limited almost exclusively to telemetry studies. Discriminating different behaviours from tracking data has been a key, but often elusive, goal. Here we use state-space models (SSMs) to fit a correlated random walk model that switches between two unobserved behavioural states (nominally foraging and travelling) to 84 (41 male and 43 female) adult, 24 young-of-year (12 male, 12 female), and 6 2-3 yr old juvenile grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) satellite telemetry tracks. We use the method’s ability to estimate locations from error prone satellite observations and classify behavioural state to quantify differences in foraging strategies among four demographic groups. SSM results reveal markedly different spatial behaviour between the male and female adults, fitting well with sexual size dimorphism and known dietary differences and suggesting males and females deal with seasonal prey availability and reproductive costs differently. We found similar seasonal foraging patterns in prereproductive aged animals, but those groups did not show sex related differences and had simpler seasonal foraging patterns that were not influenced by reproductive timing. SSM results were also able to produce behaviourally informed habitat use maps, showing a complex and dynamic network of small, intensely used foraging areas on the Scotian Shelf. Our flexible SSM approach clearly demonstrates sex and age related behavioural differences, fine scale spatial and temporal foraging patterns, and a clearer picture of grey seal ecology in the Scotian Shelf ecosystem.
Galactic magnetic fields and hierarchical galaxy formation

A framework is introduced for coupling the evolution of galactic magnetic fields sustained by the mean-field dynamo with the formation and evolution of galaxies in the cold dark matter cosmology. Estimates of the steady-state strength of the large-scale and turbulence magnetic fields from mean-field and fluctuation dynamo models are used together with galaxy properties predicted by semi-analytic models of galaxy formation for a population of spiral galaxies. We find that the field strength is mostly controlled by the evolving gas content of the galaxies. Thus, because of the differences in the implementation of the star formation law, feedback from supernovae and ram-pressure stripping, each of the galaxy formation models considered predicts a distribution of field strengths with unique features. The most prominent of them is the difference in typical magnetic fields strengths obtained for the satellite and central galaxies populations as well as the typical strength of the large-scale magnetic field in galaxies of different mass.
How Do Low-Income Enrollees in the Affordable Care Act Exchanges Respond to Cost-Sharing ?

The 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides subsidies for premiums and cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) to low-income consumers who purchase private health insurance on the ACA Marketplaces. CSRs are motivated in part by concern that cost-sharing might lead low-income consumers to forgo needed health care. This paper uses All-Payer Claims Data from Utah for 20132015, linked to administrative hospital discharge records from 2004-2013, to estimate how the healthcare utilization decisions of low-income consumers respond to cost-sharing reductions. Exploiting policy-driven discontinuities in the value of CSRs across plans that are solely determined by income, we estimate the demand elasticity of total health care spending to be -0.13. We find larger responsiveness for emergency room care, lifestyle drugs, and low-value care. The results show that low-income consumers in the ACA Marketplaces, many of whom were previously uninsured, exhibit price responsiveness similar to that of higher-income populations examined in the previous literature. We estimate that eliminating CSRs would lead to a 29% reduction in healthcare utiltization by low-income consumers, with substantial reductions across all categories of care.
Frequency response as a surrogate eigenvalue problem in topology optimization

This article discusses the use of frequency response surrogates for eigenvalue optimization problems in topology optimization that may be used to avoid solving the eigenvalue problem. The motivation is to avoid complications that arise from multiple eigenvalues and the computational complexity associated with computation of eigenvalues in very large problems. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mental Contrasting of Counterfactual Fantasies Engages People in Their Present Life

Positive counterfactuals about an alternative past are “if only” reconstructions of the factual past. They are functional in preparing people to act when subsequent opportunities to restore the counterfactual past will arise. When the counterfactual past cannot be restored, however, counterfactuals can be dysfunctional by leading to distress and difficulties in coping with everyday life. In those cases, letting go of the counterfactual past should help people to actively engage in their present life. Previous research showed that people let go of the counterfactual past when they used the self-regulation strategy of mental contrasting. Building on these findings, we investigate whether mental contrasting helps people to actively engage in their present life. In 3 experimental studies, mental contrasting (vs. indulging in counterfactual fantasies and elaborating on irrelevant content) led people to exert effort and successfully perform in the interpersonal domain (i.e., writing a high-quality get-well letter to a close friend, Study 1), the professional domain (i.e., writing a high-quality job application, Study 2), and the academic domain (i.e., successfully solving Raven matrices, Study 3). The results suggest that mental contrasting of counterfactual fantasies can help people to actively engage and succeed in their present life.
A Possible Worlds Semantics for Cuzco Quechua Evidentials

This paper proposes an analysis of Cuzco Quechua evidentials within the possible worlds framework developed by \citet{kratzer-catmod,kratzer,kratzer10}, and explores how the tools provided by this framework can be used to best capture their evidential and epistemic modal aspects. In particular, it will be discussed how differences between evidentials can be accounted for by different restrictions on the modal base and ordering source.
The Mathematical Analysis of Malaria Transmission : The effect of Sanitation OLUYO

A deterministic mathematical model for malaria is considered under different level of sanitation strategy. The malaria disease free equilibrium point is locally asymptotically stable when the reproduction number is less than unity and unstable when reproduction number is greater than unity. The Comparison theorem is used to establish the global stability of the disease free equilibrium. A bifurcation analysis of the model was performed by applying the Centre manifold theory. Sensitivity indices of the basic reproductive number ‘Rm’ to the parameters in the model was calculated. The study reveals that increase in sanitation level results in decrease in number of mosquito bites and transmission rate of malaria. To illustrate the analytical results, numerical simulations using a set parameter values were provided.