Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving the spatial resolution of epiretinal implants by increasing stimulus pulse duration

Retinal implants that deliver longer pulses of electrical current may markedly improve image sharpness for blind individuals. Sharper sight with sustained stimuli As their photoreceptors degenerate, people with retinitis pigmentosa lose their vision. The retinal implants now in clinical use can help; these devices respond to light and deliver an electrical stimulus directly to the remaining cells in the retina and thereby to the visual centers of the brain. But current technology only enables patients to sense the presence or absence of light or, for some, large objects. Weitz et al. show that increasing the duration of the stimulus to the residual cells can markedly improve performance. Experiments in isolated retinas from an animal model reveal why this works: longer stimuli do not inadvertently activate passing axons (which can muddy the signal). In one patient with an epiretinal implant, longer-duration stimuli allowed visualization of distinct focal spots of light. Retinal prosthetic implants are the only approved treatment for retinitis pigmentosa, a disease of the eye that causes blindness through gradual degeneration of photoreceptors. An array of microelectrodes triggered by input from a camera stimulates surviving retinal neurons, with each electrode acting as a pixel. Unintended stimulation of retinal ganglion cell axons causes patients to see large oblong shapes of light, rather than focal spots, making it difficult to perceive forms. To address this problem, we performed calcium imaging in isolated retinas and mapped the patterns of cells activated by different electrical stimulation protocols. We found that pulse durations two orders of magnitude longer than those typically used in existing implants stimulated inner retinal neurons while avoiding activation of ganglion cell axons, thus confining retinal responses to the site of the electrode. Multielectrode stimulation with 25-ms pulses can pattern letters on the retina corresponding to a Snellen acuity of 20/312. We validated our findings in a patient with an implanted epiretinal prosthesis by demonstrating that 25-ms pulses evoke focal spots of light.
Orbital optic glioma in neurofibromatosis.

To the Editor. —In the article by Seiff et al, 1 the left optic nerve appears to be more than "mildly enlarged," especially posteriorly, in the 3-year-old patient described. In their Fig 4, the anterior portion of the left optic nerve shows the same central core as the right optic nerve. The physiologically enlarged optic nerve on the left, with a peculiar kink, is probably not physiologic but represents a case of bilateral optic nerve glioma. Regardless of the final interpretation, however, the presumably normal nerve on the left in Fig 4 shows the same T 2 -weighted axial image as the nerve on the right.
Caring for the burden of COPD

How delivery of care affects the subsequent progress of COPD patients In the five years since the publication of the first Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (GOLD) report,1 awareness of COPD has increased appreciably. The early hope that the problem of COPD would recede as smoking numbers fell has not been realised, partly because of the ageing population in developed countries and the increase in tobacco consumption and air pollution in developing economies.2 This problem is strikingly illustrated by the high prevalence of COPD recorded in the PLATINO study from South America which used carefully standardised techniques to make comparisons between five large South American cities where the prevalence of COPD varied from 7.8% to 19%. 3 The problem of COPD is therefore rather larger than many had anticipated, but we are not short of effective responses to it. Intensive smoking cessation programmes can produce long term benefits, although it may take many years before these become evident,4 while simply changing the form of heating used in developing countries can have more immediate effects.5 Several authoritative guidelines have evaluated different management strategies and produced coherent programmes for their implementation.6,7 We now have safe long acting inhaled bronchodilator drugs that work throughout the day,8 while inhaled corticosteroids not only reduce the risk of exacerbation9 but may impact on mortality.10 Combining long acting β agonists and inhaled corticosteroids is more effective than either treatment alone,11 and the treatment effects are apparent earlier than previously thought.12 Pulmonary rehabilitation produces important clinical benefits in those who complete the programme13 and may help reduce hospital admissions.14 Oxygen therapy can improve exercise performance15 but is not needed …
Measurement of growth and density of dendrite crystals

Growing ice particles and mixed phase particles in the atmosphere, such as melting snow or freezing drops, have complex shapes and internal density distributions due to variable environmental conditions encountered during fall. Particle mean density may be expressed as mass spread over an equivalent sphere defined by projected particle extremities, the equivalent for a planar crystal or in terms of an equivalent melted diameter. The variety of particle shapes and sizes present unique problems in characterizing their densities. Different density distributions may be inferred from particle images and measured by particle capture and real time evaporation. Direct measurements of density are made by a cloudscope, an instrument that captures and sublimes particles while video recording from the rear of an optical surface. Measurements made by a high-resolution instrument have uncertainties of 0.01 g cm. Densities of atmospheric particles are measured from the tropical upper troposphere in both Pacific and Atlantic environments and range from 0.03 to 0.91 g cm with an average of 0.41 g cm. There is evidence of riming of faceted atmospheric particles through exposure of residual facets following evaporation. Many particles showed variable densities, with a low density outer shell surrounding a higher density inner core; openness of the structure is quantified through the rate of change of the area of ice as it sublimes.
Dynamic modeling of the electric transportation network

We introduce a model for the dynamic self-organization of the electric grid. The model is characterized by a conserved magnitude, energy, that can travel following the links of the network to satisfy nodes' load. The load fluctuates in time causing local overloads that drive the dynamic evolution of the network topology. Our model displays a transition from a fully connected network to a configuration witha non-trivial topology and wh ere global failures are suppressed. The most efficient topology is characterized by an exponential degree distribution, in agreement with the topology of the real electric grid. The model intrinsically presents self- induced break-down events, which can be thought as representative of real black-outs.
The value of robotic systems in stroke rehabilitation

In this paper, we discuss robot-mediated neurorehabilitation as a significant emerging field in clinical medicine. Stroke rehabilitation is advancing toward more integrated processes, using robotics to facilitate this integration. Rehabilitation approaches have tremendous value in reducing long-term impairments in stroke patients during hospitalization and after discharge, of which robotic systems are a new modality that can provide more effective rehabilitation. The function of robotics in rehabilitative interventions has been examined extensively, generating positive yet not completely satisfactory clinical results. This article presents state-of-the-art robotic systems and their prospective function in poststroke rehabilitation of the upper and lower limbs.
2D laser-based probabilistic motion tracking in urban-like environments

All over the world traffic injuries and fatality rates are increasing every year. The combination of negligent and imprudent drivers, adverse road and weather conditions produces tragic results with dramatic loss of life. In this scenario, the use of mobile robotics technology onboard vehicles could reduce casualties. Obstacle motion tracking is an essential ability for car-like mobile robots. However, this task is not trivial in urban environments where a great quantity and variety of obstacles may induce the vehicle to take erroneous decisions. Unfortunately, obstacles close to its sensors frequently cause blind zones behind them where other obstacles could be hidden. In this situation, the robot may lose vital information about these obstructed obstacles that can provoke collisions. In order to overcome this problem, an obstacle motion tracking module based only on 2D laser scan data was developed. Its main parts consist of obstacle detection, obstacle classification, and obstacle tracking algorithms. A motion detection module using scan matching was developed aiming to improve the data quality for navigation purposes; a probabilistic grid representation of the environment was also implemented. The research was initially conducted using a MatLab simulator that reproduces a simple 2D urban-like environment. Then the algorithms were validated using data samplings in real urban environments. On average, the results proved the usefulness of considering obstacle paths and velocities while navigating at reasonable computational costs. This, undoubtedly, will allow future controllers to obtain a better performance in highly dynamic environments.
Social aspects of multiple sclerosis for Iranian individuals

Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to determine the social aspects of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Iranian individuals. Methods: A qualitative case study approach was used for this study, which is a part of a larger qualitative study about health care delivery system of MS. Participants were selected on the basis of purposive sampling method. Semi-structured interviews regarding the social aspects of MS were conducted with 18 MS patients, 6 family members and 7 health care providers. Besides interviews with the participants, documents related to the aim of the study, including weblogs, MS magazines, special websites of individuals with MS and news agencies. Data analysis was performed using the qualitative content analysis technique. Results: Data obtained has been categorised into five main categories, including confronting stigma symbols, the outcome of stigma, walling-in due to stigma, disturbance in normal life and concern about job. Conclusion: There are multiple social effects of MS on the afflicted individuals, which affect various dimensions of their life. Policy makers and health care providers must also consider these effects of MS on other dimensions of the individuals’ life. Implications for Rehabilitation Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease which restricts social life for patients, in addition to physical impacts. Individuals with MS experienced stigma as well as problems with employment and marital life, due to improper information about MS in society. We recommend that health care workers offer proper information about MS to patients and their family members to minimise the social problems faced by them. We recommend that mass media offers proper information about MS to people in society to disseminate the correct picture of MS. We recommend that the rehabilitation team offers psychological support to patients and their families for their empowerment, to facilitate dealing with the impacts of the disease. We recommend that health care providers teach the family members about patient support and communication skills.
Extremal polygon containment problems

Given a convex polygonal object P and an environment consisting of polygonal obstacles, we seek a placement for the largest copy of P that does not intersect any of the obstacles, allowing translation, rotation and scaling. We employ the parametric search technique of Megiddo [Me], and the fixed size polygon placement algorithms developed by Leven and Sharir [LS, LS1], to obtain an algorithm that runs in time O(knλ4(kn) log(kn) log log(kn)). We also present several other efficient algorithms for restricted variants of the extremal polygon containment problem, using the same ideas. These variants include: placement of the largest homothetic copies of one or two convex polygons in another convex polygon and placement of the largest similar copy of a triangle in a convex polygon.
Virtual monochromatic spectral imaging with fast kilovoltage switching: improved image quality as compared with that obtained with conventional 120-kVp CT.

PURPOSE To compare image quality obtained in phantoms with virtual monochromatic spectral (VMS) imaging with that obtained with conventional 120-kVp computed tomography (CT) for a given radiation dose. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three syringes were filled with a diluted contrast medium (each syringe contained a contrast medium with a different iodine concentration [5, 10, or 15 mg of iodine per milliliter]), and a fourth syringe was filled with water. These syringes were placed in a torso phantom meant to simulate the standard human physique. The phantom was examined with a CT system and use of the fast kilovoltage switching (80 and 140 kVp) and conventional (120 kVp) modes. Image noise and contrast-to-noise (CNR) ratio were analyzed on VMS images and 120-kVp CT images. RESULTS Image noise on VMS images in the range of 67-72 keV was significantly lower than that on the 120-kVp CT images (P < .014). Image noise was lowest at 69 keV and was 12% lower when compared with that on 120-kVp CT images. CNR on the VMS images was highest at 68 keV. CNR on the VMS images obtained at 68 keV in the syringes filled with diluted contrast material (5, 10, and 15 mg of iodine per milliliter) was 28%, 31%, and 30% higher, respectively, compared with that on the 120-kVp CT images (P < .001). CONCLUSION VMS imaging at approximately 70 keV yielded lower image noise and higher CNR than did 120-kVp CT for a given radiation dose. VMS imaging has the potential to replace 120-kVp CT as the standard CT imaging modality, since optimal VMS imaging may be expected to yield improved image quality in a patient with standard body habitus.
A 3.54 nJ/bit-RX, 0.671 nJ/bit-TX Burst Mode Super-Regenerative UWB Transceiver in 0.18-$\mu{\rm m}$ CMOS

Non-coherent ultra-wideband (UWB) transceiver employing energy detector suffers from degradation in output SNR due to the squarer. A burst mode super-regenerative UWB transceiver which can recover the received signal to rail-to-rail with relatively fewer post-amplification stages is proposed. Unlike other super-regenerative receiver architectures that use oscillator, the proposed architecture employs a positive feedback loop to achieve the super-regeneration of received signal and thus eliminates the need for external resonator or quench signal. The transceiver is suitable for low data rate sensor networks application covering spectrum of 3-5 GHz. Manufactured in CMOS 0.18-μm technology, the transceiver occupies an area of 2.2 mm × 2 mm. By exploiting the duty cycle and the transceiver on-time through the burst mode operation for a given data rate of 1 Mbps, it can achieve transmitter energy efficiency of 0.671 nJ/bit and receiver energy efficiency of 3.54 nJ/bit.
Role of Microparticles in the Hemostatic Dysfunction in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

Serious bleeding and thrombotic complications are frequent in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and are major causes of morbidity and mortality. Microparticles (MP) have been used to study the risk and pathogenesis of thrombosis in many malignant disorders. To date, from published articles, this approach had not been applied to APL. In this article, the hemostatic dysfunction in this disorder is briefly reviewed. A study design to address this problem using MP is described. MP bearing tissue factor, profibrinolytic factors (tissue plasminogen activator and annexin A2), and the antifibrinolytic factor plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 were measured using flow cytometry. The cellular origin of the MP was identified by specific cell surface markers. Comparison of the various populations of MP was made between samples collected at the time of diagnosis with those collected at molecular remission. Preliminary data suggest that this approach is feasible.
Hypoactive sexual desire in women

ObjectiveThis review aims to describe low sexual desire (1) as a construct within theoretical models of female sexual response, (2) as a sexual disorder with evolving or competing nosology between the DSM-IV-TR and the DSM 5, and (3) as a clinical condition that healthcare providers need to manage, and the current status of treatment options. MethodsWe conducted a literature review of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of low sexual desire/hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). ResultsThe prevalence rate of low sexual desire is high, reaching 43%, whereas that of HSDD comes close to 10%. The DSM 5 categories of female sexual disorders include female sexual interest/arousal disorder, which is a combination of the DSM-IV-TR disorders HSDD and female sexual arousal disorder. Treatment paradigms vary and are individualized based on the biopsychosocial components of desire that are compromised in a woman. The two primary approaches to treating HSDD are psychotherapy/sex therapy (individual or couples) and pharmacotherapy. To date, there are no Food and Drug Administration–approved pharmacologic treatments. However, four investigational drugs are in mid- to late-stage clinical trial development. ConclusionsLow sexual desire is the most prevalent sexual problem in women and should be assessed and treated by healthcare professionals. Currently, there are only modest evidence-based nonpharmacologic treatment options and no approved pharmacologic options. Despite these treatment limitations, healthcare providers can address many of the sexual health concerns of women.
ERIM R EPORT S ERIES R ESEARCH IN M ANAGEMENT

A term map is a map that visualizes the structure of a scientific field by showing the relations between important terms in the field. The terms shown in a term map are usually selected manually with the help of domain experts. Manual term selection has the disadvantages of being subjective and labor-intensive. To overcome these disadvantages, we propose a methodology for automatic term identification and we use this methodology to select the terms to be included in a term map. To evaluate the proposed methodology, we use it to construct a term map of the field of operations research. The quality of the map is assessed by a number of operations research experts. It turns out that in general the proposed methodology performs quite well.
Information Capacity of the Space Division Multiple Access Mobile Communication System

An expression for the Shannon capacity lower bound of the space division multiple access (SDMA) mobile communication channel with interference is shown. The bound is tightly approaching the Shannon capacity of the orthogonal SDMA system over Gaussian channel with no interference. The information capacity of the SDMA system with adaptive MMSE receivers is presented as well. The SDMA system with MMSE receivers achieves at least 50% of the orthogonal SDMA system capacity for the input signal to noise ratio of practical interest in cellular mobile communications (10–30dB).
Children and instant messaging Silvina

Children deal with computers very differently than adults do. Their relationship with their machines goes far beyond practical utility. Most children use computers for at least two recreational purposes: entertainment and establishing contact with peers, through instant messaging programs such as MSN Messenger. Kids as young as eight years old sit in front of their monitors to “chat,” or to converse online, sometimes for hours. Often, they use the keyboard, the web cam and audio devices simultaneously. But, while most children report great enjoyment of instant messaging programs, several features pose a number of usability problems that relate to the very distinct ways they use it. This exploratory study examines how children deal with this form of communication, how they personalize their settings, what they like and dislike and which usability problems interfere with or frustrate them as they chat using MSN Messenger. Eighteen middle class children from ages eight to twelve participated in the study held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which was based on observation, chat conversations between the authors and the children, and semi-structured interviews, transcribed and analyzed using discourse analysis techniques.
A new measuring and identification approach for time-varying bioimpedance using multisine electrical impedance spectroscopy

The bioimpedance measurement/identification of time-varying biological systems Z(ω, t) by means of electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is still a challenge today. This paper presents a novel measurement and identification approach, the so-called parametric-in-time approach, valid for time-varying (bio-)impedance systems with a (quasi) periodic character. The technique is based on multisine EIS. Contrary to the widely used nonparametric-in-time strategy, the (bio-)impedance Z(ω, t) is assumed to be time-variant during the measurement interval. Therefore, time-varying spectral analysis tools are required. This new parametric-in-time measuring/identification technique has experimentally been validated through three independent sets of in situ measurements of in vivo myocardial impedance. We show that the time-varying myocardial impedance Z(ω, t) is dominantly periodically time varying (PTV), denoted as ZPTV(ω, t). From the temporal analysis of ZPTV(ω, t), we demonstrate that it is possible to decompose ZPTV(ω, t) into a(n) (in)finite sum of fundamental (bio-)impedance spectra, the so-called harmonic impedance spectra (HIS) Zk(ω)s with . This is similar to the well-known Fourier series of a periodic signal, but now understood at the level of a periodic system’s frequency response. The HIS Zk(ω)s for actually summarize in the bi-frequency (ω, k) domain all the temporal in-cycle information about the periodic changes of Z(ω, t). For the particular case k = 0 (i.e. on the ω-axis), Z0(ω) reflects the mean in-cycle behavior of the time-varying bioimpedance. Finally, the HIS Zk(ω)s are directly identified from noisy current and voltage myocardium measurements at the multisine measurement frequencies (i.e. nonparametric-in-frequency).
Learning Graph Matching Substitution Weights Based on the Ground Truth Node Correspondence

In pattern recognition, it is usual to compare structured objects through attributed graphs in which nodes represent local parts and edges relations between them. Thus, each characteristic in the local parts is represented by different attributes on the nodes or edges. In this framework, the comparison between structured objects is performed through a distance between attributed graphs. If we want to correctly tune the distance and node correspondence between graphs, we need to add some weights on the node and edge attributes to gauge the importance of each local characteristic while defining the distance measure between graphs. In this paper, we present a method to learn the weights of each node and edge attribute such that the distance between the ground truth correspondence between graphs and the automatically obtained correspondence is minimized.