Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Severity of Diabetic Foot Infection and Rate of Limb Salvage

Background: Foot infections are limb-threatening complications in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), and proper classification of the severity of diabetic foot infection (DFI) is important in determining an effective antibiotic regimen, the need for hospitalization and surgery, and the risk of amputation. Our hypothesis was that patients with severe DFI would have a longer hospitalization than those with moderate DFI. The purposed of this study was 2-fold. The first purpose was to define DFI using readily available clinical information and objective parameters outlined by consensus statements. The second purpose of this study was to assess rates of amputation and limb salvage for hospitalized patients with DFI. Methods: The database of a single academic foot and ankle program was reviewed for patients who were hospitalized for a DFI from 2006 to 2011. Inpatient and outpatient electronic medical records identified 100 patients. Severe DFI was defined as having 2 or more objective findings of systemic toxicity and/or metabolic instability at the time of initial assessment. Results: The length of stay was significantly shorter for patients with a moderate infection than for those with a severe infection (median 5 days vs 8 days, P = .021). A nonsignificant trend was observed that indicated higher rates of limb salvage in patients with moderate infections compared with patients with severe infections (94% vs 80%, P = .081). Conclusion: Patients with severe DFI had a median hospital stay that was 60% longer than that of patients with moderate DFI. In this sample, 55% of patients with a severe DFI required some type of amputation compared with 42% of patients with a moderate DFI. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective control cohort study.
Privileged information-based conditional regression forest for facial feature detection

In this paper we propose a method that utilises privileged information, that is information that is available only at the training phase, in order to train Regression Forests for facial feature detection. Our method chooses the split functions at some randomly chose internal tree nodes according to the information gain calculated from the privileged information, such as head pose or gender. In this way the training patches arrive at leaves that tend to have low variance both in displacements to facial points and in privileged information. At each leaf node, we learn both the probability of the privileged information and regression models conditioned on it. During testing, the marginal probability of privileged information is estimated and the facial feature locations are localised using the appropriate conditional regression models. The proposed model is validated by comparing with very recent methods on two challenging datasets, namely Labelled Faces in the Wild and Labelled Face Parts in the Wild.
Group-level arousal and valence recognition in static images: Face, body and context

Automatic analysis of affect has become a well-established research area in the last two decades. However, little attention has been paid to analysing the affect expressed by a group of people in a scene or an interaction setting, either in the form of the individual group member's affect or the overall affect expressed collectively. In this paper, we (i) introduce a framework for analysing an image that contains multiple people and recognizing the arousal and valence expressed at the group-level; (ii) present a dataset of images annotated along arousal and valence dimensions; and (iii) extract and evaluate a multitude of face, body and context features. We conduct a set of experiments to classify the overall affect expressed at the group-level along arousal (high, medium, low) and valence (positive, neutral, negative) using k-Nearest Neighbour classifier and integrate the information provided by the face, body and context features using decision level fusion. Our experimental results show the viability of the proposed framework compared to other in-the-wild recognition works - we obtain 54% and 55% recognition accuracy for individual arousal and valence dimensions, respectively.
Large-scale Affective Content Analysis: Combining Media Content Features and Facial Reactions

We present a novel multimodal fusion model for affective content analysis, combining visual, audio and deep visual-sentiment descriptors from the media content with automated facial action measurements from naturalistic responses to the media. We collected a dataset of 48,867 facial responses to 384 media clips and extracted a rich feature set from the facial responses and media content. The stimulus videos were validated to be informative, inspiring, persuasive, sentimental or amusing. By combining the features, we were able to obtain a classification accuracy of 63% (weighted F1-score: 0.62) for a five-class task. This was a significant improvement over using the media content features alone. By analyzing the feature sets independently, we found that states of informed and persuaded were difficult to differentiate from facial responses alone due to the presence of similar sets of action units in each state (AU 2 occurring frequently in both cases). Facial actions were beneficial in differentiating between amused and informed states whereas media content features alone performed less well due to similarities in the visual and audio make up of the content. We highlight examples of content and reactions from each class. This is the first affective content analysis based on reactions of 10,000s of people.
Minimal positive realizations for a class of transfer functions

It is a standard result in linear-system theory that an nth-order rational transfer function of a single-input single-output system always admits a realization of order n. In some applications, however, one is restricted to realizations with nonnegative entries (i.e. a positive system), and it is known that this restriction may force the order N of realizations to be strictly larger than n. In this brief we present a class of transfer functions where positive realizations of order n do exist. With the help of our result we give improvements on some earlier results in positive-system theory.
The genomic landscape of rapid repeated evolutionary adaptation to toxic pollution in wild fish

Mapping genetic adaptations to pollution Many organisms have evolved tolerance to natural and human-generated toxins. Reid et al. performed a genomic analysis of killifish, geographically separate and independent populations of which have adapted recently to severe pollution (see the Perspective by Tobler and Culumber). Sequencing multiple sensitive and resistant populations revealed signals of selective sweeps for variants that may confer tolerance to toxins, some of which were shared between resistant populations. Thus, high genetic diversity in killifish seems to allow selection to act on existing variation, driving rapid adaptation to selective forces such as pollution. Science, this issue p. 1305; see also p. 1232 Genetic diversity in Atlantic killifish has allowed for convergent evolution of pollution tolerance. Atlantic killifish populations have rapidly adapted to normally lethal levels of pollution in four urban estuaries. Through analysis of 384 whole killifish genome sequences and comparative transcriptomics in four pairs of sensitive and tolerant populations, we identify the aryl hydrocarbon receptor–based signaling pathway as a shared target of selection. This suggests evolutionary constraint on adaptive solutions to complex toxicant mixtures at each site. However, distinct molecular variants apparently contribute to adaptive pathway modification among tolerant populations. Selection also targets other toxicity-mediating genes and genes of connected signaling pathways; this indicates complex tolerance phenotypes and potentially compensatory adaptations. Molecular changes are consistent with selection on standing genetic variation. In killifish, high nucleotide diversity has likely been a crucial substrate for selective sweeps to propel rapid adaptation.
Using new communication technologies and social media interaction to improve the motivation of users to exercise

The number of communication technologies and devices from which users can access information has rapidly increased. Moreover, users now have the chance to interact through social media channels, in order to share what they like and what they are experiencing in their everyday life. Both these aspects influence the design and development of Human-Computer Interaction applications that aim at motivating users to exercise more. In fact, the possibility to manage the exercising activity from different types of devices and the possibility to interact with other users, can increase the motivation of a user to exercise more. This paper presents a persuasive web application for sport and health, designed to motivate people in their exercising activity. The innovative aspect of our application is the possibility to use on a web browser some features previously available only through a mobile application. Moreover, it allows a richer interaction with the Facebook social network. Preliminary results show how different types of devices and new communication networks can be integrated, in order to improve the user experience and motivate users to a more active lifestyle.
Comparison of Sagittal Subluxation in Two Different Three-Component Total Ankle Replacement Systems

Background: Malalignment following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has been reported in 4% to 45% of patients. However, all reports to date have been related to coronal deformity. This study compared sagittal malalignment between the Mobility and Hintegra total ankle systems and assessed the positional stability of the implant components over time. Methods: The study included 50 cases each of total ankle replacement arthroplasty with the Hintegra and Mobility total ankle systems performed between May 2008 and June 2010. The Mobility group included 24 men and 25 women, and the mean age was 60.3 years (range, 50.7-70.0 years). The Hintegra group included 25 men and 25 women, and the mean age was 59.8 years (range, 50.8-68.7 years). The 2 groups did not differ in terms of gender (P = .76) or age (P = .77). Three independent observers with different levels of training evaluated the radiographs and performed the measurements independently. Each observer evaluated the radiographs twice at a 6-week interval to determine the intraobserver reliability, and the anteroposterior offset ratio was evaluated. Results: The anteroposterior offset ratio intra- and interobserver reliabilities all showed good or excellent levels of agreement in the Hintegra total ankle system and the Mobility total ankle system. With respect to the stability of sagittal translation of the talus, the Mobility system (0.08 ± 0.07 immediately, 0.0 ± 0.07 at 6 weeks postoperatively, and 0.01 ± 0.07 at 1 year postoperatively) was better than the Hintegra system (0.20 ± 0.08 immediately, 0.18 ± 0.11 at 6 weeks postoperatively, and 0.15 ± 0.10 at 1 year postoperatively) (P < .0001). Conclusions: The Mobility system had less sagittal malalignment of the talus than the Hintegra system. Consequently, when treating ankles in patients with osteoarthritis using the Hintegra system, one must pay careful attention to sagittal malalignment during surgery. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative series.
A novel single-stage power-factor-correction circuit with high-frequency resonant energy tank for DC-link inverters

This paper presents a novel method of power-factor correction (PFC) using a high-frequency resonant energy tank for the dc-link inverter. The proposed approach has advantages over conventional PFC techniques in terms of a lower current stress and lower switching losses. The developed PFC circuit is implemented on a series-load resonant inverter for illustrative purposes. The experimental results validate the theoretical analyses. The PFC circuit can achieve a power factor of almost one with a very low harmonic distortion.
Facilitating the creation of K-12 interactive learning objects using a multi device web tool

This paper presents the experience of designing and implementing an educational content creator adapted to mobile devices in a K-12 environment. Two main issues have been detected when designing this tool. The first one is the screen size, which will limit the contents' size and the quantity of contents presented at the same time in the screen. The second issue is related to the touch screens these devices have, which changes the whole user experience. Four types of resources can be generated with this tool considering these issues. Firstly, a virtual microscope where the user can select a sample and study it in detail through the microscope. Secondly, a quiz where the user has to join words to their corresponding definitions or images. Thirdly, a virtual chemistry experiment where the user has to drag and drop pipettes to complete chemical formulas. And finally, a generic flashcard that presents a background image and several “hot zones” where the user can touch and see additional contents that the teacher has previously tagged. Details about the technologies and details related to its implementation are described in the paper.
Clock-Logic Domino Circuits for High-Speed and Energy-Efficient Microprocessor Pipelines

We present a design methodology for synchronous single-rail domino logic circuits, where inverting and nonmonotonic logic functions can be integrated into a pipeline with almost zero overhead relative to classic domino counterparts. This logic family, called clock-logic (CL) domino, is functionally complete while tolerating skew and minimizing the number of clock phases that must be distributed. Simulation results for a CL domino algorithmic logic unit (ALU) at 1 GHz under high skew conditions, shows a power reduction of 41% over the same ALU implemented in dual-rail skew-tolerant domino logic. This power reduction incurs no performance penalty over dual-rail techniques, although in some cases additional design effort is required
Interconnect-Aware Design of Fast Large Fan-In CMOS Multiplexers

In this brief, a design strategy to minimize the delay of high-fan-in CMOS multiplexers (MUXes) based on the heterogeneous-tree approach is proposed. A preliminary circuit analysis is carried out that takes interconnect parasitics into account, and analytical design criteria are then derived by assuming that the MUX switches are made up of pass transistors or transmission gates, as is often done in practical cases. The design criteria turn out to be very simple (even more than those in [1] which did not consider the effect of interconnects) and independent of the adopted technology. In addition, an approximate delay expression is given to predict the achievable speed performance before actually carrying out the optimized design. The results are validated through post-layout simulations on a 90-nm CMOS process.
A CMOS Low-Dropout Regulator With Current-Mode Feedback Buffer Amplifier

Current feedback amplifiers (CFAs) provide fast response and high slew rate with Class-AB operation. Fast response, low-dropout regulators (LDRs) are critical for supply regulation of deep-submicron analog baseband and RF system-on-chip designs. An LDR with an CFA-based second stage driving the regulation field-effect transistor is presented. The low dropout (LDO) achieves an output noise spectral density of 67.7 nV radicHz, and PSR of 38 dB, both at 100 kHz. In comparison to an equivalent power consumption voltage feedback buffer LDO, the proposed CFA-based LDO settles 60% faster, achieving 0.6- settling time for a 25-mA load step. The LDO with CFA buffer is designed and fabricated on a 0.25- CMOS process with five layers of metal, occupying 0.23- silicon area.
Reliability and Validity of 6 Measures of Pain, Function, and Disability for Ankle Arthroplasty and Arthrodesis

Background: Patient-reported outcome measures are increasingly used evaluating clinical care. Many measures used to assess operative hindfoot interventions vary in content, and some have not been psychometrically validated in this population. The purpose of this study was to compare measurement properties of 6 lower-extremity patient-reported outcome measures, and to evaluate their reliability and validity in light of patients’ preferences. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 42 preoperative and 100 postoperative patients completed 6 lower-extremity outcome measures on 2 occasions: Foot Function Index (FFI), Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS), patient-reported items of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Questionnaire (AOFAS), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA), as well as measures of preference, and symptoms. Results: Internal consistency was good to excellent for all scales and subscales (α = .84-.97; ICC [2,1] = .81-.96). Correlations between scales ranged from . 50 (WOMACStiffness and FFIActivity Limitations) to . 92 (LEFS and SMFAOverall, WOMACPain and AOSOverall, FFIOverall and AOFASOverall). Higher correlations occurred within instruments (r = .97 AOSPain and AOSOverall) and between similar subscales from different instruments (r = .91 WOMACPain and AOSPain). Construct validity showed moderate to high correlations to global ratings of Pain, Stiffness, and difficulty performing Daily Activities. The highest correlations (r > .75) occurred between Pain and AOSOverall (r = .84), stiffness and WOMACStiffness (r = .81), and Daily Activities and AOSDisability (r = .87). Patients rated instruments by preference. FFI, WOMAC, LEFS, and SMFA rated favorably for length. FFI, WOMAC, LEFS, and AOFAS rated high for understandability. FFI was rated by postoperative patients as most likely to capture change due to surgery. SMFA rated the best overall. Conclusions: Direct comparison of instruments revealed similarity between scales in construct validity and reliability. Patient preferences supported the use of these scales. Foot-specific instruments offered no clear advantage over lower-extremity instruments. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.
Plant-soil feedbacks and mycorrhizal type influence temperate forest population dynamics

Soil biota and plant diversity Soil biota, including symbionts such as mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, as well as fungal and bacterial pathogens, affect terrestrial plant diversity and growth patterns (see the Perspective by van der Putten). Teste et al. monitored growth and survival in Australian shrubland plant species paired with soil biota from plants of the same species and from other plants that use different nutrient acquisition strategies. Plant-soil feedbacks appear to drive local plant diversity through interactions between the different types of plants and their associated soil biota. Bennett et al. studied plant-soil feedbacks in soil and seeds from 550 populations of 55 species of North American trees. Feedbacks ranged from positive to negative, depending on the type of mycorrhizal association, and were related to how densely the same species occurred in natural populations. Science, this issue p. 134, p. 173; see also p. 181 A large-scale study of North American trees reveals how different soil-associated fungi can either help or hinder tree growth. Feedback with soil biota is an important determinant of terrestrial plant diversity. However, the factors regulating plant-soil feedback, which varies from positive to negative among plant species, remain uncertain. In a large-scale study involving 55 species and 550 populations of North American trees, the type of mycorrhizal association explained much of the variation in plant-soil feedbacks. In soil collected beneath conspecifics, arbuscular mycorrhizal trees experienced negative feedback, whereas ectomycorrhizal trees displayed positive feedback. Additionally, arbuscular mycorrhizal trees exhibited strong conspecific inhibition at multiple spatial scales, whereas ectomycorrhizal trees exhibited conspecific facilitation locally and less severe conspecific inhibition regionally. These results suggest that mycorrhizal type, through effects on plant-soil feedbacks, could be an important contributor to population regulation and community structure in temperate forests.
Plantar Loading Forces While Walking in a Below-Knee Cast With an Attached Loadbearing Frame

Background: We measured loading forces across different points of the plantar foot surface to examine how different types of casts affect load distribution through the foot and ankle. The patella tendon-bearing (PTB) or Sarmiento cast is the current “gold-standard” casting method for offloading force through the foot and ankle. We aimed to determine if a rocker bottom frame attached to a below-knee cast (Beagle Böhler Walker) would be as effective or better at reducing load distribution during full weightbearing. Method: We applied TekScan FlexiForce A201 force sensors to the first and fifth metatarsal heads and the plantar surface of the calcaneus of 14 healthy volunteers. All volunteers had force measurements taken without a cast applied and then with a traditional Sarmiento cast, a standard below-knee cast, and a below-knee cast with the Böhler Walker frame fitted. Results: Compared with a standard below-knee cast, the Böhler Walker frame reduced the mean peak force through the head of the first metatarsal by 58.9% (P < .0001), 73.1% through the head of the fifth metatarsal (P < .0001), and 32.2% (P < .0001) through the calcaneus. The Sarmiento cast demonstrated a mean percentage reduction in peak force of 8.6% (P = .39) and 4.4% (P = .87) through the first and fifth metatarsal heads, respectively, but increased the mean peak force by 5.9% (P = .54) through the calcaneus. Conclusion: Using a Böhler Walker frame applied to a below-knee cast significantly reduced weight transfer through the foot compared with a Sarmiento cast or standard below-knee cast. Clinical Relevance: This reduction in force through the foot could mean early weightbearing would be safer in patients with a wide variety of foot and ankle pathologies such as ankle fractures or operative fixations. This may reduce the incidence of immobility-dependent morbidity.
Isolated Subtalar Distraction Arthrodesis Using Porous Tantalum

Background: During reconstructive procedures of the hindfoot, a structural graft is often needed to fill gaps. To eliminate donor site morbidity and limited availability of autografts, porous tantalum was used. Methods: Eighteen patients who underwent subtalar joint distraction arthrodesis by means of trabecular metal augment were reviewed retrospectively. The results were evaluated clinically, with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and were assessed radiologically. The mean follow-up period was 18 months. Results: Computed tomography showed sound fusion. There was a marked increase in AOFAS scores and a decrease in VAS scores. Arthrodesis was achieved in all cases with no major postoperative complications. Radiographically, there was a marked increase in all measured parameters (talocalcaneal angle, talocalcaneal height, talar declination angle), and the intraoperatively achieved correction was maintained at the last follow-up visit. Conclusion: Our data suggest that porous tantalum may be used as a structural graft option for subtalar arthrodesis. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.