Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Generalized Linear Model for an ECG-based Neonatal Seizure Detector

Seizures represent one of the most challenging issues of the neonatal period’s neurological emergency. Due to the heterogeneity of etiologies and clinical characteristics, seizures recognition is tricky and time-consuming. Currently, the gold standard for seizure diagnosis is Electroencephalography (EEG), whose correct interpretation requires a highly specialized team. Thus, to speed up and facilitate the detection of ictal events, several EEG-based Neonatal Seizure Detectors (NSDs) have been proposed in the literature. Research is currently exploiting more simple and less invasive approaches, such as Electrocardiography (ECG). This work aims at developing an ECG-based NSD using a Generalized Linear Model with features extracted from Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measures as input. The method is validated on a public dataset of 52 subjects (33 with seizures and 19 seizure-free). Achieved encouraging results show 69% Concatenated Area Under the ROC Curve (AUCcc) for the automatic detection of windows with seizure events, confirming that HRV features can be useful to catch the cardio-regulatory system alterations due to neonatal seizure events, particularly those related to Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathies. Thus, results suggest the use of ECG-based NSDs in clinical practice, especially when a timely diagnosis is needed and EEG technologies are not readily available.Clinical Relevance— An ECG-based Neonatal Seizure Detector could be a valid support to speed up the diagnosis of neonatal seizures, especially when EEG technologies for infants' neurological assessment are not readily available.
Ferrule-top nano-mechanical resonator with multilayer graphene film

Compact ferrule-top nano-mechanical resonators with all-fiber optical interrogation are demonstrated. The resonators comprise of a suspended multi-layer graphene film supported by a ceramic ferrule with a bore diameter of 125 μm. The mechanical resonance of the graphene film is excited and detected via a single optical fiber cable, and experimental test shows that the resonant frequency and quality factor of the resonators are in the range of 170-520 kHz and 58.4-250, respectively. The integration of graphene resonator with optical fiber transmission and interrogation would allow the development of practical fiber-optic sensors for force, mass and pressure measurements.
Design and Analysis of a Cable Actuated Hand Prosthesis

Design and analysis of a cable actuated hand prosthesis is presented. The hand has multi-actuated fingers, four with two joints, and the thumb with three joints. Each joint is designed using a novel flexible mechanism based on the loading of a compression spring in both transverse and axial directions and using cable-conduit systems. The rotational motion is transformed to tendon-like behavior, which enables the location of the actuators to be far from the arm (e.g., on a belt around the waist). It is shown that the solution of the transverse deflection of each finger segment is obtained in a general form through a Haringx model followed by an element stiffness model. Also, we use a FEM model (ANSYS) to visualize the deflection of one finger. A prototypic finger is experimentally tested, results are verified, and the hand prosthesis is built.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Vacuum steam treatment of Metrosideros polymorpha logs for eradication of Ceratocystis huliohia and C. lukuohia.

A new and devastating disease, rapid ohia death (ROD), in Hawaii led to a state quarantine that regulates inter-island transport of ohia wood and plant material to prevent spread of the causal pathogens. Heat treatments of ohia logs in commercial trade were considered for phytosanitary treatment. Vacuum steam (VS) was evaluated for its ability to eradicate the pathogens, Ceratocystis lukuohia and/or C. huliohia, in main stem logs from ROD-affected forest trees. Replicate loads of three de-barked logs (24 to 43 cm diameter; 1.7 to 2.0 m long) were VS-treated at 56° C for 30 min (5 loads) or 60° C for 60 min (4 loads) at a sapwood depth equal to 70% of log radius. Percent isolation of Ceratocystis from VS and ambient temperature logs prior to treatment and summarized by source tree ranged from 12 to 66% and 6 to 31% based on carrot baiting assays of tissue taken from outer and inner sapwood, respectively. No viable Ceratocystis was detected in either sapwood locations for the 60° C/ 60 min schedule or for the inner locations for the 56° C/ 30 min schedule following treatment. Only one subsample (0.48%, n=208) of the latter schedule treatment yielded Ceratocystis. Time required for treatment ranged from 7.4 to 15 h for the 56° C/ 30 min schedule and from 8.6 to 19.2 h for the 60° C/ 60 min schedule. These results demonstrate VS is an effective and efficient method for treating large diameter ohia logs that mill owners and regulatory plant pathologists may consider for use in Hawaii.
Healthy values and de novo domestication of sand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum), a comparative view against Chenopodium quinoa

Abstract Sand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum) is prized for its well-balanced nutritional properties, broad adaptability in Central Asia and highly therapeutic potentials. It has been considered as a potential climate-resilient crop. Its seed has comparable metabolite profile with Chenopodium quinoa and is rich in proteins, essential amino acids, minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and phenolics, but low in carbohydrates. Phenolics like protocatechuic acid and quercetins have been characterized with biological functions on regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism in addition to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Sand rice is thus an important source for developing functional and nutraceutical products. Though historical consumption has been over 1300 years, sand rice has undergone few agronomic improvements until recently. Breeding by individual selection has been performed and yield of the best genotype can reach up to 1295.5 kg/ha. Furthermore, chemical mutagenesis has been used to modify the undesirable traits and a case study of a dwarf line (dwarf1), which showed the Green Revolution-like phenotypes, is presented. Utilization of both breeding methodologies will accelerate its domestication process. As a novel crop, sand rice research is rather limited compared with quinoa. More scientific input is urgently required if the nutritional and commercial potentials are to be fully realized. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021. 1999202 .
Progressive Learning of Category-Consistent Multi-Granularity Features for Fine-Grained Visual Classification

Fine-grained visual classiﬁcation (FGVC) is much more challenging than traditional classiﬁcation tasks due to the inherently subtle intra-class object variations. Recent works are mainly part-driven (either explicitly or implicitly), with the assumption that fine-grained information naturally rests within the parts. In this paper, we take a different stance, and show that part operations are not strictly necessary – the key lies with encouraging the network to learn at different granularities and progressively fusing multi-granularity features together. In particular, we propose: (i) a progressive training strategy that effectively fuses features from different granularities, and (ii) a consistent block convolution that encourages the network to learn the category-consistent features at specific granularities. We evaluate on several standard FGVC benchmark datasets, and demonstrate the proposed method consistently outperforms existing alternatives or delivers competitive results. Codes are available at https://github.com/PRIS-CV/PMG-V2.
Reverse Logistics Network Design for the Collection of End-of-Life Vehicles

Reverse logistic network design problems involve strategic decisions which influence tactical and operational decisions. In particular, they involve facility location, transportation and inventory decisions, which affect the cost of the distribution system and the quality of the customer service level. Locating a collection centre is an important strategic decision, as purchasing or building facilities requires sizable investment; also the network transportation cost is affected by the selection of facility locations. The location that is selected must therefore take into account all the parameters and variables that are relevant and the decision may even affect demand.In this paper, network design for reverse logistics is investigated to solve the End-of-life Vehicles (ELV) collection centres location problem. We start by giving an understanding of the process of this reverse logistics network design by considering the features of reverse logistics, the role of ELV management and use of optimization methods. Based on this, a reverse logistics network design case for collection of End-of-life Vehicles is presented by formulating the problem into a mixed-integer linear program (MILP), taking into consideration the Capacitated Facility Location Problem. The solution to this model is obtained using IBM CPLEX Optimization Studio©. In addition the applicability of the model in other reverse logistic networks is discussed and the subjects for further research are pointed out.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Improvement of low speed operation of electric machine with an inertia identification using ROELO

A new scheme to estimate the moment of inertia in the motor drive system in very low speed is proposed. The simple speed estimation scheme, which is used in most servo systems for low-speed operation, is sensitivity to variations in machine parameters especially the moment of inertia. To estimate the motor inertia value, a reduced-order extended Luenberger observer (ROELO) is applied. The effectiveness of the proposed ROELO is verified by simulation and experiment.
Data-Based Predictive Control via Multistep Policy Gradient Reinforcement Learning

In this article, a model-free predictive control algorithm for the real-time system is presented. The algorithm is data driven and is able to improve system performance based on multistep policy gradient reinforcement learning. By learning from the offline dataset and real-time data, the knowledge of system dynamics is avoided in algorithm design and application. Cooperative games of the multiplayer in time horizon are presented to model the predictive control as optimization problems of multiagent and guarantee the optimality of the predictive control policy. In order to implement the algorithm, neural networks are used to approximate the action–state value function and predictive control policy, respectively. The weights are determined by using the methods of weighted residual. Numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Static and dynamic behaviour of a polypropylene for bumpers

In this paper, the authors present their work in the field of identification of the behaviour law of a polypropylene under static and dynamic loading. First of all, the G'sell behaviour law model and its evolution in the case of dynamic loading are presented. The modified model is then implemented in an implicit finite element code for static computations and in an explicit finite element code for dynamic computations. An identification procedure based on an inverse method is then used to identify the behaviour law parameters with a static tensile test on a notched specimen and a falling weight impact test. Following this, the behaviour law is modified slightly in order to obtain a better numerical solution for both static and dynamic tests and the parameters of the revised law are identified. Finally, the results of the tensile tests and the falling weight impact tests are presented and discussed.
New ZVT-PWM DC/DC converters using active snubber

A novel active snubber soft switching method is proposed. The unique location of the resonant inductor and capacitor ensures low current and voltage stresses in the converter. An analytical study of a boost dc-dc converter with the proposed active snubber method is presented in detail to illustrate its operation principles and design considerations. By simple modification, this soft switching method is also suitable for ac-dc boost topology, especially for high power-factor-correction (PFC) universal interface applications. A 500 W prototype system has been made to simulatively and experimentally verify the performance of the soft switching.
The perspectives of survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma on lung cancer screening: A qualitative study

Hodgkin lymphoma survivors (HLS) are at excess risk of lung cancer as a consequence of HL treatment. HLS without a heavy smoking history are currently unable to access lung cancer screening (LCS) programmes aimed at ever smokers, and there is an unmet need to develop a targeted LCS programme. In this study we prospectively explored HLS perspectives on a future LCS programme, including motivating factors and potential barriers to participation, with the aim of identifying ways to optimise uptake in a future programme.
A note on point estimation and interval estimation of the relative treatment effect under a simple crossover design

To increase power or reduce the number of patients needed for a parallel groups design, the crossover design has been often used to study treatments for noncurable chronic diseases. However, in the presence of carry‐over effect caused by treatments, the commonly‐used estimator which ignores the carry‐over effect leads to a biased estimator for estimating the treatment effect difference. A two‐stage test approach aimed to address carry‐over effect proposed was found to be potentially misleading. In this paper, we propose a weighted average of the commonly‐used estimator and an unbiased estimator that uses only the first period of the data. We derive an optimal weight that minimizes the mean squared error (MSE) and its modified estimator. We apply Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the performance of the proposed estimators in a variety of situations. In the simulations, we examine the estimated MSE (EMSE), percentile interval length, and coverage probability calculated from the percentile intervals among considered estimators. Simulation results show that our proposed weighted average estimator and its modified estimator lead to smaller EMSEs on average comparing to the two commonly used estimators. The coverage probabilities using our proposed estimators are reasonably close to the nominal confidence level and the interval lengths are shorter comparing to the use of the unbiased estimator that uses only the first period of the data. We apply an example that was to evaluate the efficacy of two type of bronchodilators for asthma treatment to demonstrate the use of the proposed estimators.
The Historical Evolution of Ocular Tuberculosis: Past, Present, and Future

ABSTRACT Ocular involvement is a rare manifestation of tuberculosis. Four key issues historically faced by clinicians when diagnosing and treating ocular tuberculosis – diagnostic uncertainty, naturally heterogeneous presentations, limitations of existing laboratory diagnostic tools, and non-uniform treatment guidelines – continue to test today’s physicians. Unparalleled scientific and clinical developments over the past century have greatly expanded the knowledge surrounding this challenging ophthalmic condition. Experience with large volumes of cases at tuberculosis-endemic centres has led to recent growth in knowledge and physician experience, perhaps more so in developing countries. Looking forward, the role of diverse new technologies, including artificial intelligence and proteomics, will advance ocular tuberculosis research. Efforts have been made to address the lack of standardized nomenclature, diagnostic uncertainty, and unvalidated, geographically variable treatment guidelines.
Long-Range Regulation of Key Sex Determination Genes

The development of sexually dimorphic gonads is a unique process that starts with the specification of the bipotential genital ridges and culminates with the development of fully differentiated ovaries and testes in females and males, respectively. Research on sex determination has been mostly focused on the identification of sex determination genes, the majority of which encode for proteins and specifically transcription factors such as SOX9 in the testes and FOXL2 in the ovaries. Our understanding of which factors may be critical for sex determination have benefited from the study of human disorders of sex development (DSD) and animal models, such as the mouse and the goat, as these often replicate the same phenotypes observed in humans when mutations or chromosomic rearrangements arise in protein-coding genes. Despite the advances made so far in explaining the role of key factors such as SRY, SOX9, and FOXL2 and the genes they control, what may regulate these factors upstream is not entirely understood, often resulting in the inability to correctly diagnose DSD patients. The role of non-coding DNA, which represents 98% of the human genome, in sex determination has only recently begun to be fully appreciated. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the long-range regulation of 2 important sex determination genes, SOX9 and FOXL2, and discuss the challenges that lie ahead and the many avenues of research yet to be explored in the sex determination field.
Spinal cord‐predominant neuropathology in an adult‐onset case of POLR3A ‐related spastic ataxia

Biallelic mutations in POLR3A have been associated with childhood‐onset hypomyelinating leukodystrophies and adolescent‐to‐adult‐onset spastic ataxia, the latter of which has been linked to the intronic variant c.1909 + 22G>A. We report a case of adult‐onset spastic ataxia in a 75‐year‐old man, being a compound heterozygous carrier of this variant, whose brain and spinal cord were for the first time investigated by neuropathological examination. We describe prominent degeneration of the posterior columns, spinocerebellar tracts, and anterior corticospinal tracts of the spinal cord in a pattern resembling Friedreich's ataxia, with a notable lack of significant white matter pathology throughout the brain, in marked contrast with childhood‐onset cases. Immunohistochemical examination for the POLR3A protein demonstrated no apparent differences in localization or staining intensity between the proband and an age‐matched control subject. We demonstrate the clinicopathologic description of POLR3A‐related neurodegenerative disease and also mention the differential diagnosis of the childhood‐onset hypomyelinating leukodystrophy and late‐onset spastic ataxia phenotypes.
Extrachromosomal DNA: An Emerging Hallmark in Human Cancer.

Human genes are arranged on 23 pairs of chromosomes, but in cancer, tumor-promoting genes and regulatory elements can free themselves from chromosomes and relocate to circular, extrachromosomal pieces of DNA (ecDNA). ecDNA, because of its nonchromosomal inheritance, drives high-copy-number oncogene amplification and enables tumors to evolve their genomes rapidly. Furthermore, the circular ecDNA architecture fundamentally alters gene regulation and transcription, and the higher-order organization of ecDNA contributes to tumor pathogenesis. Consequently, patients whose cancers harbor ecDNA have significantly shorter survival. Although ecDNA was first observed more than 50 years ago, its critical importance has only recently come to light. In this review, we discuss the current state of understanding of how ecDNAs form and function as well as how they contribute to drug resistance and accelerated cancer evolution. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Pathology: Mechanisms of Disease, Volume 17 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews. org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
The Peptidyl Transferase Center: a Window to the Past

In his 2001 article, “Translation: in retrospect and prospect,” the late Carl Woese made a prescient observation that there was a need for the then-current view of translation to be “reformulated to become an all-embracing perspective about which 21st century Biology can develop” (RNA 7:1055–1067, 2001, https://doi.org/10.1017/s1355838201010615). The quest to decipher the origins of life and the road to the genetic code are both inextricably linked with the history of the ribosome. After over 60 years of research, significant progress in our understanding of how ribosomes work has been made. SUMMARY In his 2001 article, “Translation: in retrospect and prospect,” the late Carl Woese made a prescient observation that there was a need for the then-current view of translation to be “reformulated to become an all-embracing perspective about which 21st century Biology can develop” (RNA 7:1055–1067, 2001, https://doi.org/10.1017/s1355838201010615). The quest to decipher the origins of life and the road to the genetic code are both inextricably linked with the history of the ribosome. After over 60 years of research, significant progress in our understanding of how ribosomes work has been made. Particularly attractive is a model in which the ribosome may facilitate an ∼180° rotation of the CCA end of the tRNA from the A-site to the P-site while the acceptor stem of the tRNA would then undergo a translation from the A-site to the P-site. However, the central question of how the ribosome originated remains unresolved. Along the path from a primitive RNA world or an RNA-peptide world to a proto-ribosome world, the advent of the peptidyl transferase activity would have been a seminal event. This functionality is now housed within a local region of the large-subunit (LSU) rRNA, namely, the peptidyl transferase center (PTC). The PTC is responsible for peptide bond formation during protein synthesis and is usually considered to be the oldest part of the modern ribosome. What is frequently overlooked is that by examining the origins of the PTC itself, one is likely going back even further in time. In this regard, it has been proposed that the modern PTC originated from the association of two smaller RNAs that were once independent and now comprise a pseudosymmetric region in the modern PTC. Could such an association have survived? Recent studies have shown that the extant PTC is largely depleted of ribosomal protein interactions. It is other elements like metallic ion coordination and nonstandard base/base interactions that would have had to stabilize the association of RNAs. Here, we present a detailed review of the literature focused on the nature of the extant PTC and its proposed ancestor, the proto-ribosome.
The Power of Odor Persuasion: The Incorporation of Olfactory Cues in Virtual Environments for Personalized Relaxation

Olfaction is the most ancient sense and is directly connected with emotional areas in the brain. It gives rise to perception linked to emotion both in everyday life and in memory-recall activities. Despite its emotional primacy in perception and its role in sampling the real physical world, olfaction is rarely used in clinical psychological settings because it relies on stimuli that are difficult to deliver. However, recent developments in virtual-reality tools are creating novel possibilities for the engagement of the sense of smell in this field. In this article, we present the relevant features of olfaction for relaxation purposes and then discuss possible future applications of involving olfaction in virtual-reality interventions for relaxation. We also discuss clinical applications, the potential of new tools, and current obstacles and limitations.