Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Switched-Capacitor Charging System for an Implantable Neurological Stimulator Draft 1 Group 2

INTRODUCTION Integrated medical stimulators have been around for almost six decades, beginning with the development of the cardiac pacemaker and gaining momentum with the miniaturization of integrated circuit technologies. Year by year, researchers strive to make such devices smaller, more accurate, and more capable while consuming less power. Hence, wireless power and efficient stimulation techniques have been popular topics of research. The goal of this design is to focus on the latter. Typically, neural stimulation is accomplished via voltage controlled stimulation (VCS) or current controlled stimulation (CCS). While VCS has proved to be very efficient, complex safety measures must be implemented to avoid tissue damage. Conversely, CCS is much safer, but boasts a much lower efficiency. However, work has been done on the development of a third technique, named switched-capacitor stimulation (SCS), which uses a capacitor bank to store charge and stimulate tissue [1,2]. By utilizing efficient capacitor charging techniques [3], an SCS device could provide high power efficiency with minimal safety overhead. Below, Figure 1 exhibits a block diagram of our design. Note that the elements outside of the box are inputs and outputs of the system.
Spent Fluid Catalytic Cracking Catalyst for Improving Early Strength of Portland Cement

Spent fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst from the petrol industry has proven to be a very active pozzolanic material. This behavior leads to an additional increase in the strength of the mortar that contains this catalyst. Pozzolanic effects tend to be considered for periods above three days, whereas in shorter times, the influence of pozzolan is usually negligible. The reactivity of FCC is so high, however, that both pozzolanic effects and acceleration of cement hydration are evident in short curing times. This paper presents a study of the effect of the presence of FCC on cement hydration and the reaction products in the first 48 hours of curing time, carried out by determining flexural and compressive strength of mortars in three different tests (substitution, addition, and with accelerator). For the FCC behavior comparison, limestone, mullite, and andalusite were used. Finally, the characterization of hydrates was performed by thermogravimetry.
Bacterial and Viral Co-Infections in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ( CFS / ME ) Patients

A majority of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients have systemic bacterial and viral infections. In our study of 200 CFS patients we found a high prevalence (52%) of mycoplasmal infections. Using forensic polymerase chain reaction we also examined whether these same CFS patients showed evidence of co-infections with various mycoplasmas, Chlamydia pneumoniae and/or Human Herpes Virus-6 (HHV-6). We found that 7.5% of the patients had C. pneumoniae and 30.5% had HHV-6 infections. Since the presence of one or more infections may predispose patients to other infections, we examined the prevalence of C. pneumoniae and HHV-6 infections in mycoplasma-positive and –negative patients. Unexpectedly, we found that the incidence of C. pneumoniae or HHV-6 was similar in mycoplasma-positive and -negative patients. Also, the incidence of C. pneumoniae in HHV-6-positive and –negative patients was similar. Control subjects had low rates of mycoplasmal (6%), HHV-6 (9%) or chlamydial (1%) infections, and there were no co-infections in control subjects. Differences in bacterial and/or viral infections in CFS patients compared to control subjects were significant (P<0.001). The results indicate that a very large subset of CFS patients show evidence of bacterial and viral coinfections.
Prevalence of hypertension in a University Community in South West Nigeria

A worksite study of hypertension prevalence was carried out in a university community in Southwestern Nigeria. Overall crude prevalence was 21% in the respondent population. About 16% of these were already on treatment with medicines. The study established no significant (p>0.05) relationship between coffee consumption and hypertension. Prevalence was 32% in subjects with over 3 children, while among subjects with eye problem, diabetics and those who took local kola nuts and it was 18.6%, 1.9% and 7.4%, respectively. There is need for increased awareness of the disease and other cardiovascular risk factors within the populace and to encourage the possession or provision of self-measurement blood pressure devices. Keywords : hypertension, prevalence, university population, Nigeria African Journal of Biomedical Research Vol. 8(1) 2005: 15-19
Associating Relevant Photos to Georeferenced Textual Documents through Rank Aggregation

The automatic association of illustrative photos to paragraphs of text is a challenging cross-media retrieval problem with many practical applications. In this paper we propose novel methods to associate photos to textual documents. The proposed methods are based on the recognition and disambiguation of location names in the texts, using them to query Flickr for candidate photos. The best photos are selected with basis on their popularity, on their proximity, on temporal cohesion and on the similarity between the photo’s textual descriptions and the text of the document. We specifically tested different rank aggregation approaches to select the most relevant photos. A method that uses the CombMNZ algorithm to combine textual similarity, geographic proximity and temporal cohesion obtained the best results.
Running Software Research Programs: An Agile Approach

Agile, lean processes have become the de-facto way to operate in the domain of software intensive products. Methodologies such as the lean startup are reshaping the way new companies and even well-established enterprises seek new opportunities in their operations. In contrast, in research, little has changed during that time – organizations that fund research still expect a solid, linear research plan. In this paper, we present an attempt to challenge this model in software research, based on 7 years of experiences in two large, national, industry-led projects that followed a more agile mindset. Furthermore, we also provide an insight to key learnings and best practices of running software research in agile fashion.
Comparison of Postoperative Refractive Outcome in Phacotrabeculectomy and Phacoemulsification With Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implantation

Purpose:To compare the postoperative refractive outcomes following phacotrabeculectomy and phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. Methods:A retrospective comparative study of 90 consecutive patients (95 eyes) with cataract with or without co-existing glaucoma who had undergone uncomplicated phacotrabeculectomy or phacoemulsification by a single surgeon. The biometry prediction error was determined for each case by the difference between the actual postoperative refraction and the preoperative predicted refractive outcome, in spherical equivalent. This was followed by a comparative analysis of the mean biometry prediction error, and the number of cases with error >0.50 D or 1.00 D. All biometry measurements were performed by one of the two qualified optometrists. Results:The mean and absolute mean biometry prediction error of the 25 eyes that received phacotrabeculectomy (+0.20 D, absolute error 0.96 D) was comparable to the 70 eyes that received phacoemulsification (−0.14 D, absolute error 0.68 D), P = 0.18 (absolute error, P = 0.12). The proportion of cases with prediction error >0.50 D or 1.00 D was 60% or 40% for phacotrabeculectomy, and 44% or 17% for phacoemulsification, respectively. Phacotrabeculectomy was more likely to have a prediction error >1.00 D (P = 0.02) and a myopic shift of >0.50 D or 1.00 D (P = 0.03 or 0.02, respectively). No significant differences were found with regard to the frequency of hyperopic shift or prediction error >0.50 D. There was no significant difference in either the mean error or the frequency of the different types of error for the different biometry operators, types of glaucoma, or postoperative intraocular pressure control success status. Conclusion:Myopically shifted prediction error was significantly more frequent following posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation with phacotrabeculectomy compared with phacoemulsification, even when surgery was uncomplicated and performed by the same surgeon.
Planning and implementing user-centred design

The tutorial presents a structured approach to user centred design, based on the principles of the International Standard "Human centred design processes for interactive systems" (ISO 13407) and other related standards. A core set of practical methods which support the approach are described. These have been selected by the European Usability Support Centres on the basis of their applicability, maturity, availability, and cost-effectiveness. The tutorial gives an overview of each method, and describes criteria which can be used for selecting appropriate methods. The benefits of demonstrating conformance to ISO 13407 are explained.
Deep Grammars in a Tree Labeling Approach to Syntax-based Statistical Machine Translation

In this paper, we propose a new syntaxbased machine translation (MT) approach based on reducing the MT task to a tree-labeling task, which is further decomposed into a sequence of simple decisions for which discriminative classifiers can be trained. The approach is very flexible and we believe that it is particularly well-suited for exploiting the linguistic knowledge encoded in deep grammars whenever possible, while at the same time taking advantage of data-based techniques that have proven a powerful basis for MT, as recent advances in statistical MT show. A full system using the Lexical-Functional Grammar (LFG) parsing system XLE and the grammars from the Parallel Grammar development project (ParGram; (Butt et al., 2002)) has been implemented, and we present preliminary results on English-to-German translation with a tree-labeling system trained on a small subsection of the Europarl corpus.
Chapter 2 Semantics of Abstract Argument Systems

An abstract argument system or argumentation framework, as introduced in a seminal paper by Dung [13], is simply a pair 〈A,R〉 consisting of a set A whose elements are called arguments and of a binary relation R on A called attack relation. The set A may be finite or infinite in general, however, given the introductory purpose of this chapter, we will restrict the presentation to the case of finite sets of arguments. An argumentation framework has an obvious representation as a directed graph where nodes are arguments and edges are drawn from attacking to attacked arguments. A simple example of argumentation framework AF2.1 = 〈{a,b},{(b,a)}〉 is shown in Figure 2.1. While the word argument may recall several intuitive meanings, like the ones of “line of reasoning leading from some premise to a conclusion” or of “utterance in a dispute”, abstract argument systems are not (even implicitly or indirectly) bound to any of them: an abstract argument is not assumed to have any specific structure but, roughly speaking, an argument is anything that may attack or be attacked by another argument. Accordingly, the argumentation framework depicted in Figure 2.1 is suitable to represent many different situations. For instance, in a context of reasoning about weather, argument a may be associated with the inferential step
Gas Sensors Based on Semiconducting Nanowire Field-Effect Transistors

One-dimensional semiconductor nanostructures are unique sensing materials for the fabrication of gas sensors. In this article, gas sensors based on semiconducting nanowire field-effect transistors (FETs) are comprehensively reviewed. Individual nanowires or nanowire network films are usually used as the active detecting channels. In these sensors, a third electrode, which serves as the gate, is used to tune the carrier concentration of the nanowires to realize better sensing performance, including sensitivity, selectivity and response time, etc. The FET parameters can be modulated by the presence of the target gases and their change relate closely to the type and concentration of the gas molecules. In addition, extra controls such as metal decoration, local heating and light irradiation can be combined with the gate electrode to tune the nanowire channel and realize more effective gas sensing. With the help of micro-fabrication techniques, these sensors can be integrated into smart systems. Finally, some challenges for the future investigation and application of nanowire field-effect gas sensors are discussed.
Counter-doped MOSFETs of 4H-SiC

In this paper, we investigate the effect of counter-doping of nitrogen at the channel region of epitaxial n-channel 4H-SiC MOSFETs on the channel mobility and the threshold voltage. From this study, we have found that the channel mobility steeply improves as the nitrogen dose increases. At a dose of 2/spl times/ or 2.5/spl times/10/sup 12/ cm/sup -2/ the enhancement MOSFET has achieved an effective channel mobility of 20 cm/sup 2//Vs or a field effect mobility of 38 cm/sup 2//Vs at a peak.
Are Tau Aggregates Toxic or Protective in Tauopathies?

Aggregation of highly phosphorylated tau into aggregated forms such as filaments and neurofibrillary tangles is one of the defining pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies. Hence therapeutic strategies have focused on inhibition of tau phosphorylation or disruption of aggregation. However, animal models imply that tau-mediated dysfunction and toxicity do not require aggregation but instead are caused by soluble hyper-phosphorylated tau. Over the years, our findings from a Drosophila model of tauopathy have reinforced this. We have shown that highly phosphorylated wild-type human tau causes behavioral deficits resulting from synaptic dysfunction, axonal transport disruption, and cytoskeletal destabilization in vivo. These deficits are evident in the absence of neuronal death or filament/tangle formation. Unsurprisingly, both pharmacological and genetic inhibition of GSK-3β rescue these tau phenotypes. However, GSK-3β inhibition also unexpectedly increases tau protein levels, and produces insoluble granular tau oligomers. As well as underlining the growing consensus that tau toxicity is mediated by a highly phosphorylated soluble tau species, our findings further show that not all insoluble tau aggregates are toxic. Some tau aggregates, in particular tau oligomers, are non-toxic, and may even be protective against tau toxicity in vivo. This has serious implications for emerging therapeutic strategies to dissolve tau aggregates, which might be ineffective or even counter-productive. In light of this, it is imperative to identify the key toxic tau species and to understand how it mediates dysfunction and degeneration so that the effective disease-modifying therapies can be developed.
Whether awake coronary artery bypass grafting is contrary to fast-track surgery?

We read with interest the recent paper of Go Watanabe et al [1], regarding awake off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) under thoracic epidural anaesthesia (TEA). They compared 72 patients who underwent awake OPCAB under only TEA with 67 patients who underwent OPCAB under general anaesthesia (GA) and found that the time to drink water, the time to walk, and hospital stay were significantly shorter in awake OPCAB group. However, whether awake OPCAB is contrary to the concept of fast recovery surgery (FTS)? FTS using multimodal perioperative rehabilitation programs was introduced in the early 1990s, including preoperative optimization and information, ‘stress reduced’ surgery, efficient postoperative pain treatment, adjustment of perioperative care principles to existing evidence, and nursing care focusing on early mobilization and oral nutrition to enhance recovery, decrease morbidity and hospital stay [2]. The ultimate goal of FTS is to provide the ‘stress, pain and risk-free’ operation, its centre is to minimize stress. The reduction of stress during an elective surgical procedure, as characterized by attenuation of the neurohormonal response to the operation, not only provides a rational basis for increased recovery but also diminishes the risk of organ dysfunctions and complications [3]. During awake OPCAB, the tension and anxiety which will increase the patients’ stress and reduce the patient’s’ comfort and satisfaction are inevitable because the patients remain conscious. It is contrary to the concept of fast recovery surgery. We think the main benefit of awake OPCAB is achieved by the TEA, but not keeping conscious during operation. TEA recently gained popularity because of its potential beneficial effects on the perioperative stress response, analgesia and postoperative pulmonary function. Studies had shown that intraoperative use of TEA combined with GA will allow decreased use of opioids and permit earlier extubation [4], will alleviate perioperative stress and enable effective postoperative epidural analgesia which have favourable effects on pulmonary function parameters [5], and will have beneficial effects in cardiac risk patients [6]. In addition, there is a lack of evidence-based data that patients who have a risk of cerebral ischaemia or chronic pulmonary diseases are benefit from awake OPCAB. Whether it is the optimal method to use propofol or dexmedetomidine keeping patients sedation during OPCAB under TEA?
Impairment of the Bacterial Biofilm Stability by Triclosan

The accumulation of the widely-used antibacterial and antifungal compound triclosan (TCS) in freshwaters raises concerns about the impact of this harmful chemical on the biofilms that are the dominant life style of microorganisms in aquatic systems. However, investigations to-date rarely go beyond effects at the cellular, physiological or morphological level. The present paper focuses on bacterial biofilms addressing the possible chemical impairment of their functionality, while also examining their substratum stabilization potential as one example of an important ecosystem service. The development of a bacterial assemblage of natural composition – isolated from sediments of the Eden Estuary (Scotland, UK) – on non-cohesive glass beads (<63 µm) and exposed to a range of triclosan concentrations (control, 2 – 100 µg L−1) was monitored over time by Magnetic Particle Induction (MagPI). In parallel, bacterial cell numbers, division rate, community composition (DGGE) and EPS (extracellular polymeric substances: carbohydrates and proteins) secretion were determined. While the triclosan exposure did not prevent bacterial settlement, biofilm development was increasingly inhibited by increasing TCS levels. The surface binding capacity (MagPI) of the assemblages was positively correlated to the microbial secreted EPS matrix. The EPS concentrations and composition (quantity and quality) were closely linked to bacterial growth, which was affected by enhanced TCS exposure. Furthermore, TCS induced significant changes in bacterial community composition as well as a significant decrease in bacterial diversity. The impairment of the stabilization potential of bacterial biofilm under even low, environmentally relevant TCS levels is of concern since the resistance of sediments to erosive forces has large implications for the dynamics of sediments and associated pollutant dispersal. In addition, the surface adhesive capacity of the biofilm acts as a sensitive measure of ecosystem effects.
Biomechanical Analysis of Cuboid Osteotomy Lateral Column Lengthening for Stage II B Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity: A Cadaveric Study

Purpose. To investigate the effect of cuboid osteotomy lateral column lengthening (LCL) for the correction of stage II B adult-acquired flatfoot deformity in cadaver. Methods. Six cadaver specimens were loaded to 350 N. Flatfoot models were established and each was evaluated radiographically and pedobarographically in the following conditions: (1) intact foot, (2) flatfoot, and (3) cuboid osteotomy LCL (2, 3, 4, and 5 mm). Results. Compared with the flatfoot model, the LCLs showed significant correction of talonavicular coverage on anteroposterior radiographs and talus-first metatarsal angle on both anteroposterior and lateral radiographs (p < .05). Compared with the intact foot, the above angles of the LCLs showed no significant difference except the 2 mm LCL. In terms of forefoot pressure, medial pressure of the 2 mm LCL (p = .044) and lateral pressure of the 3, 4, and 5 mm LCLs showed statistical differences (p < .05), but lateral pressure of the 3 mm LCL was not more than the intact foot as compared to the 4 and 5 mm LCLs, which was less than medial pressure. Conclusion. Cuboid osteotomy LCL procedure avoids damage to subtalar joint and has a good effect on correction of stage II B adult-acquired flatfoot deformity with a 3 mm lengthening in cadavers.
FUNCTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF CELL SIZE IN SPINAL MOTONEURONS.

SINCE THE BEGINNINGS OF NEUROHISTOLOGY it has been recognized that neurons within the central nervous system vary widely in size, but the functional significance of this basic observation has never emerged from the realm of speculation. The largest cells have surface areas which are at least 100, perhaps 1,000, times greater than those of the smallest cells. Correspondingly, the diameters of axons in the central and peripheral portions of the nervous system range from less than . 25 p. to more than 20 c-c. This broad spectrum of physical dimensions invites a search for functional correlates. This is one of a series of studies on the problem of size as it relates to spinal motoneurons. The preceding papers (21, 25) were concerned chiefly with the peripheral part of the motoneuron and the muscle fibers it innervates. They provided experimental evidence that the diameter of a motor nerve fiber is related to the number of muscle fibers it supplies. This finding seemed to make good sense: if a motor fiber innervates many muscle fibers and forms a large motor unit, it must have sufficient axonal substance to give off a large number of terminals. The present paper is concerned with the central part of the motoneuron and the significance of its size in synaptic transmission. It asks whether the cell bodies (and dendrites) connected with large and small motor fibers have different functional properties which can be recognized by their discharge characteristics. In order to investigate this problem one must be able to distinguish the signals of a large motoneuron from those of a small one. This may be done by recording their action potentials from thin filaments of lumbar ventral roots. As Gasser (8) demonstrated, the amplitudes of nerve impulses recorded externally from peripheral nerves are directly related to the diameters of their fibers. If it may be assumed that the diameters of axons are also related to the sizes of their cell bodies, as scattered histo-