Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of land use on the hydraulic properties of the topsoil in a small French catchment

The hydraulic properties of the topsoil control the partition of rainfall into infiltration and runoff at the soil surface. They must be characterized for distributed hydrological modelling. This study presents the results of a field campaign documenting topsoil hydraulic properties in a small French suburban catchment (7 km2) located near Lyon, France. Two types of infiltration tests were performed: single ring infiltration tests under positive head and tension‐disk infiltration using a mini‐disk. Both categories were processed using the BEST—Beerkan Estimation of Soil Transfer parameters—method to derive parameters describing the retention and hydraulic conductivity curves. Dry bulk density and particle size data were also sampled. Almost all the topsoils were found to belong to the sandy loam soil class. No significant differences in hydraulic properties were found in terms of pedologic units, but the results showed a high impact of land use on these properties. The lowest dry bulk density values were obtained in forested soils with the highest organic matter content. Permanent pasture soils showed intermediate values, whereas the highest values were encountered in cultivated lands. For saturated hydraulic conductivity, the highest values were found in broad‐leaved forests and small woods. The complementary use of tension‐disk and positive head infiltration tests highlighted a sharp increase of hydraulic conductivity between near saturation and saturated conditions, attributed to macroporosity effect. The ratio of median saturated hydraulic conductivity to median hydraulic conductivity at a pressure of − 20 mm of water was about 50. The study suggests that soil texture, such as used in most pedo‐transfer functions, might not be sufficient to properly map the variability of soil hydraulic properties. Land use information should be considered in the parameterizations of topsoil within hydrological models to better represent in situ conditions, as illustrated in the paper. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RT / 16 / 2012 Exploring Parallelism in Transactional Workloads

Multicores are now standard in most machines, which means that many programmers are faced with the challenge of how to take advantage of all the potential parallelism. Transactional Memory (TM) promises to simplify this task. Yet, at the same time, TM inhibits the programmer from fully exploring the latent parallelism in his application. In particular, it does not allow a transaction to contain parallel code. This fact limits the expressiveness of TM as a synchronization mechanism. Many applications contain large operations that must be performed atomically. These large sections may entail writing to shared data, which typically leads to many conflicts in optimistic concurrency control mechanisms such as those used by most TM systems. Yet, sometimes these operations could be executed faster if their latent parallelism was used efficiently, by allowing a transaction to be split in several parts that execute concurrently. In this paper we provide this increased flexibility by using parallel nesting. Moreover, we propose to overcome inherently sequential highly-conflicting workloads with the new expressiveness provided by TM. We additionally show that the use of conflict-aware scheduling provides an effective solution to maximize the benefits of parallel nesting. Finally, we show how the implementation of these ideas in a lock-free multi-version STM outperforms the original version on several known benchmarks by up to 2.8 times.
Invariant representations of images for better learning

We study the problem of obtaining representations of images which are invariant to transformation of the image under rotations, towards improving supervised learning. We show that using simple ideas from group representation theory we get invariant representations of images. Oﬀ the shelf learning algorithms perform much better on such representations. We develop on ideas by Cohen and Welling [1] to construct these invariant representations.
A New Approach for Learning Discriminative Dictionary for Pattern Classification

Dictionary learning (DL) for sparse coding based classification has been widely researched in pattern recognition in recent years. Most of the DL approaches focused on the reconstruction performance and the discriminative capability of the learned dictionary. This paper proposes a new method for learning discriminative dictionary for sparse representation based classification, called Incoherent Fisher Discrimination Dictionary Learning (IFDDL). IFDDL combines the Fisher Discrimination Dictionary Learning (FDDL) method, which learns a structured dictionary where the class labels and the discrimination criterion are exploited, and the Incoherent Dictionary Learning (IDL) method, which learns a dictionary where the mutual incoherence between pairs of atoms is exploited. In the combination, instead of considering the incoherence between atoms in a single shared dictionary as in IDL, we propose to incorporate the incoherence between pairs of atoms within each sub-dictionary, which represent a specific object class. This aims to increase discrimination capacity between basic atoms in sub-dictionaries. The combination allows one to exploit the advantages of both methods and the discrimination capacity of the entire dictionary. Extensive experiments have been conducted on benchmark image data sets for Face recognition (ORL database, Extended Yale B database, AR database) and Digit recognition (the USPS database). The experimental results show that our proposed method outperforms most of state-of-the-art methods for sparse coding and DL based classification, meanwhile maintaining similar complexity.
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Cardiovascular Patients: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a life-threatening immune-mediated platelet activation condition that can cause arterial and venous thromboembolism. The triggering complex, platelet factor 4/heparin antibody, has several unique immunologic characteristics that have not been well elucidated until recently. In patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass graft surgery, the prevalence of platelet factor 4/heparin antibody is significantly higher than that in the general population. The acuity and graveness of the thromboembolic phenomenon requires early diagnosis and empirical initiation of treatment, even before confirmatory test results are available. Also, although multiple therapeutic modalities exist, the safety and efficacy of each option depends upon the clinical setting. Therefore, this review will focus on the updated pathophysiology of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, new diagnostic criteria, and the various treatment options for cardiovascular patients with different conditions.
Position paper: proposal for a core curriculum for a European Sports Cardiology qualification

Sports cardiology is a new and rapidly evolving subspecialty. It aims to elucidate the cardiovascular effects of regular exercise and delineate its benefits and risks, so that safe guidance can be provided to all individuals engaging in sports and/or physical activity in order to attain the maximum potential benefit at the lowest possible risk. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) advocates systematic preparticipation cardiovascular screening in an effort to identify competitive athletes at risk of exercise-related cardiovascular events and sudden cardiac death. However, the implementation of preparticipation screening is hindered because of lack of structured training and as a result lack of sufficient expertise in the field of sports cardiology. In 2008 the European Society of Cardiology published a core curriculum for the general cardiologist, in which sports cardiology was incorporated within the topic ‘Rehabilitation and Exercise Physiology’. However, the exponential rise in knowledge and the growing demand for expertise in the field of sports cardiology dictates the need to systematically structure the knowledge base of sports cardiology into a detailed curriculum. We envisage that the curriculum would facilitate more uniform training and guideline implementation throughout Europe, and safeguard that evaluation and guidance of competitive athletes or individuals who wish to engage in leisure-time sports activities is performed by physicians with expertise in the field. The current manuscript provides a comprehensive curriculum for sports cardiology, which may serve as a framework upon which universities and national and international health authorities will develop the training, evaluation and accreditation in sports cardiology.
BoogiePL: A typed procedural language for checking object-oriented programs

This note defines BoogiePL, an intermediate language for program analysis and program verification. The language is a simple coarsely typed imperative language with procedures and arrays, plus support for introducing mathematical functions and declaring properties of these functions. BoogiePL can be used to represent programs written in an imperative source language (like an object-oriented .NET language), along with a logical encoding of the semantics of such a source language. From the resulting BoogiePL program, one can then generate verification conditions or perform other program analyses such as the inference of program invariants. In this way, BoogiePL also serves as a programming-notation front end to theorem provers. BoogiePL is accepted as input to Boogie, the Spec# static program verifier.
A novel privacy preserving decision tree induction

Data mining algorithms extract knowledge from very large data. In most cases the large data has to be shared among multiple users where security plays a vital role. This paper deals with an efficient privacy preserving decision tree construction by reducing communication and computation cost while performing secure cardinality of scalar product during tree induction. The algorithm scales well with more number of parties.
Moon jellyfish, Aurelia aurita, in the Gulf of Gdansk: threatening predator or not?

1) Department of Marine Ecosystem Functioning, Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdansk, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, PL-81-378 Gdynia, Poland (*corresponding author’s e-mail: dominika. brulinska@ug.edu.pl) 2) Department of Ecology, Maritime Institute in Gdańsk, ul. Długi Targ 41/42, PL-80-830 Gdańsk, Poland 3) Department of Marine Plankton Research, Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdansk, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, PL-81-378 Gdynia, Poland
Adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control for uncertain multi-input multi-output discrete-time systems using a set of noisy measurements

This paper is concerned with the design of an adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control (AFSMC) for uncertain nonlinear multi-input multi-output (MIMO) dynamic systems using a set of noisy measurements. The dynamic systems to be considered here are described by a discrete-time nonlinear state equation with mismatched uncertainties, and the states are measured by the restriction of measurement sensors and the contamination of independent random noises. The estimates for the unmeasurable states and the uncertainties are obtained by using the weighted extended Kalman filter. In the design of the proposed AFSMC, the adaptive switching factor characterising the switching control is designed using the fuzzy inference approach where the unknown gain of the switching control is assumed to be a positive definite matrix. It is proved that under some conditions the estimation errors will converge to zero as the time tends to infinity, and the states are ultimately bounded under the action of the proposed AFSMC. The effectiveness of the proposed method is indicated through the simulation experiment of an active suspension system for a half-car model.
Similarities in nucleotide sequence between serum and faecal human parvovirus DNA

SUMMARY Two DNA clones were obtained from faecal specimens containing a parvovirus-like small round virus from a 1977 outbreak of gastroenteritis, and their nucleotide sequences were determined and found to be essentially identical with parts of the published sequence of serum parvovirus B19 and with a B19 isolate (JB) partially sequenced in this study. The clones corresponded mainly to genome regions coding for non-structural proteins, but also include a sequence of some 160 bp coding for structural proteins. Southern blotting experiments with a full-length B19 probe revealed a virion-sized 5·5 kbp DNA band in specimens from gastroenteritis cases in both 1977 and 1986. Thus the nucleotide sequence and hybridization results suggest that the virus seen in these studies is very similar to B19. Further work is necessary to clarify the antigenic relationship of these viruses.
Assessment of subendocardial vs. subepicardial left ventricular twist using tagged MRI images.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to determine the normal value of 3D left ventricular (LV) twist in subendocardial, mid-wall and subepicardial layers, as well as to study the effects of aging on 3D LV twist by tagged MR motion tracking techniques. Three dimensional motion detection based on 3D tagged MR images is robust to out-of-plane motion error; while 2D motion detection is inherently unable to analyze the 3D cardiac motion and may lead to inaccurate results. METHODS The 3D LV volumetric images were acquired in 52 normal adult subjects (aged 21-82) and were analyzed by using 3D HARmonic phase (HARP) technique. HARP technique provided the 3D displacement fields and the displacements were utilized to compute the rotational values. LV twist was defined as apical rotation relative to the basal rotation, in the 3D coordinates. The LV twist values of subendocardial, mid-wall and subepicardial layers were analyzed separately. The measured parameters in this study were: peak apical rotation, peak basal rotation, and peak LV twist. RESULT Looking at the apex, the normal LV maintains a clockwise rotation in the LV basal plane and a counterclockwise rotation in the LV apical plane. In general, the apical and basal rotation values increase during the aging process, leading to an increased value of LV twist. Peak epicardial LV twist is (10.4±2.6 degrees) which is lower than the mid-wall LV twist (11.3±2.2 degrees) and endocardial LV twist (12.1±2.6 degrees) in the young group (21-35 years old). Also, peak epicardial LV twist is (12.2±2.6 degrees) which is lower than the mid-wall LV twist (14.4±2.8 degrees) and endocardial LV twist (14.7±2.5 degrees) in the middle aged group (21-35 years old). In a similar way, peak epicardial LV twist is (14.8±2.9 degrees) which is lower than the mid-wall LV twist (15.7±3.6 degrees) and endocardial LV twist (16.7±3.0 degrees) in the old group (50-65 years old). Regarding the older group (more than 65 years old), peak epicardial LV twist is (15.9±3.1 degrees) which is lower than the mid-wall LV twist (16.2±3.4 degrees) and endocardial LV twist (18.3±3.0 degrees). CONCLUSIONS It is feasible to measure the subepicardial, mid-wall and subendocardial twist in tagged MR images. The twist value gradually increases in the aging process. Outside layers have greater twist values compared to the inside layers.
Serologic analysis of white-tailed deer sera for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western immunoblotting

White-tailed deer serum samples were collected in the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn. , metropolitan area during the fall and winter months from 1989 to 1992 and analyzed for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiologic agent of Lyme borreliosis. Ninety-eight percent of the serum samples were collected from regions where currently the vector tick, Ixodes dammini, is nonexistent. Antibodies to B. burgdorferi were detected in 2.2% of 508 samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and their presence was confirmed by Western immunoblot analysis. Western immunoblotting yielded mean numbers of reactive bands of 0.1 and 6.0 for samples that were negative and positive for antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The molecular weights of the antigens in many of the reactive bands from positive samples were similar to the molecular weights of antigens reactive with samples from humans with Lyme borreliosis. An antibody response to the major outer surface proteins A and B was not detected. Serologic analysis of deer sera may provide a valuable method for surveillance programs designed to monitor the spread of B. burgdorferi in nature.
Fail Safe Operation of Audio Frequency Track Circuits for Railway Signalling

4 prgoundan@cewit.org. in Abstract— An Audio Frequency Track Circuit (AFTC), a recent addition to railway signalling, confirms the absence of a train in a section of track. While the basic concept is established, several issues relating to proper operation of the AFTC need theoretical study. Installation practices like structure bonds and cross bonds, could lead to failure of AFTC operation, especially in the presence of breaks. An analysis is carried out, to study these influences on AFTC performance. Conjectured fault scenarios are identified which could lead to failure of the system, on the side of safety or otherwise. A three-wire model of the track with PSpice as a simulation tool is used for analysis and the reduction in margin due to structure and cross bonds is also established.
An assessment of the use of Implanon® in three community services

Aims The aims of the study were three-fold, namely to assess continuation rates with Implanon® fitted in clients from three contraception and sexual health services; to identify factors associated with early removal of Implanon®; and to assess clinician compliance with recommended practice in counselling and insertion. Methods Retrospective review of client records, and comparison with audit criteria. Postal survey. Main findings One hundred and ninety women had Implanon® inserted in the study period. Continuation rates were between 84% and 88% at 6 months and 67% and 78% at 12 months. There were no pregnancies or procedure complications. The main reasons for removal were identified as intolerance of recognised side effects or a change of mind about wanting contraception. Younger women were more likely to have the device removed early. There was evidence of excellent or good recording of many criteria for best practice in counselling and insertion. The assessment highlighted certain issues around counselling and insertion that services needed to consider further. Conclusions The three services have been reassured that they are providing a good standard of care to clients requesting Implanon® and that their 'real life' 6- and 12-month continuation rates are reasonable.
Imperceptibly Off-Center Goalkeepers Influence Penalty-Kick Direction in Soccer

Thepenaltykickgeneratesavarietyofstrongemotionsinsoccer (Carroll, Ebrahim, Tilling, Macleod, & Smith, 2002), and places the goalkeeper at such a disadvantage that only approximately 18% of penalty kicks are saved (Kropp & Trapp, 1999). We asked whether a goalkeeper can, by standing marginally left or right of goal center, bias a penalty taker implicitly to kick to the side with greater area, thus allowing the goalkeeper to dive in that direction to make a save. We show that the penalty taker is unlikely to be mindful that the goalkeeper is off center, but nevertheless can identify the side with greater area and will be more likely to direct the penalty kick to that side than to the other side. Observation of 200 video clips of penalty kicks, including those in World Cups, African Nations Cups, European Championships, and Union of European Football Association (UEFA) Champions League matches, indicated that goalkeepers stood marginally left or right of goal center on 96% of occasions. The meandisplacementofthegoalkeeperwas9.95cm,resultingina
Physical activity and sedentary behaviors among Finnish youth.

PURPOSE There is general concern about the low level of physical activity and the high amount of time devoted to sedentary behavior among adolescents. This study aimed to determine the proportion of young Finns meeting the current guidelines for youth physical activity (>or= 60 min of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity per day) and TV viewing (< 2 h.d(-1)) and to examine associations between physical activity and different sedentary behaviors. METHODS The study population consisted of 6928 boys and girls, members of the northern Finland birth cohort 1986 who, in 2001-2002, at age 15-16 yr, responded to a mailed questionnaire inquiring about their time spent in moderate to vigorous (MVPA), light (LPA), and commuting (CPA) physical activity, and different sedentary behaviors. RESULTS Fifty-nine percent of the boys and 50% of the girls reported 60 min or more of total physical activity per day. Only 23% of boys and 10% of girls reported 60 min of MVPA per day. Forty-eight percent of boys and 44% of girls reported more than 2 h of daily TV viewing. High amounts of TV viewing and computer use were associated with lower levels of physical activity in both genders. CONCLUSION Many adolescents exceeded the recommended level of TV viewing and did not meet current recommendations for health-related physical activity. The inverse associations of physical activity with TV viewing and computer use suggest that measures aimed to reduce sedentary behaviors may, at least partly, increase physical activity among youth.
Printing of Recyclable Robots

Recent advances in 3D printing are revolutionizing manufacturing, enabling the fabrication of structures with unprecedented complexity and functionality. Yet biological systems are able to fabricate systems with far greater complexity using a process that involves assembling and folding a linear string. Here, we demonstrate a 1D printing system that uses an approach inspired by the ribosome to fabricate a variety of specialized robotic automata from a single string of source material. This proof-ofconcept system involves both a novel manufacturing platform that configures the source material using folding and a computational optimization tool that allows designs to be produced from the specification of high-level goals. We show that our 1D printing system is able to produce three distinct robots from the same source material, each of which is capable of accomplishing a specialized locomotion task. Moreover, we demonstrate the ability of the printer to use recycled material to produce new designs, enabling an autonomous manufacturing ecosystem capable of repurposing previous iterations to accomplish new tasks.
Combined PET/MR Imaging — Technology and Applications

The combination of PET and MR in one imaging device has certain advantages over conventional imaging modalities. These include: no additional radiation dose from the MR, superior soft tissue contrast and a multitude of tracers for PET. Certain technical challenges exist when designing a PET/MR system. On the one hand these stem from the presence of the strong MR magnetic field and the addition of PET components to the MR system. Different approaches are presented to overcome these technical obstacles ranging from long optical fibers to systems that use semiconductor light detectors for photon counting. The applications of combined PET/MR are profound in the field of oncology and allow imaging of the four main processes in cancer formation: apoptosis resistance, angiogenesis, proliferation and metastasis. PET/MR has also many clinical and research applications in neurology and cardiology. Alternative techniques such as image fusion, hyperpolarized imaging, 17 O imaging and whole body diffusion are discussed in respect to their relevance regarding PET/MR. Simultaneous multifunctional and anatomical imaging using PET/MR has a great potential to impact biomedical imaging in research and clinic.