Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Time-varying spectral analysis for comparison of HRV and PPG variability during tilt table test

In this work we assessed the possibility of using the pulse rate variability (PRV) extracted from photoplethysmography signal as an alternative measurement of the HRV signal in non-stationary conditions. The study is based on the analysis of the changes observed during tilt table test in the heart rate modulation of 17 young subjects. Time-varying spectral properties of both signals were compared by time-frequency (TF) and TF coherence analysis. In addition, the effect of replacing PRV with HRV in the assessment of the changes of the autonomic modulation of the heart rate was considered. Time-frequency analysis revealed that: the TF spectra of both signals were highly correlated (0.99 ± 0.01); the difference between the instantaneous power, in LF and HF bands, obtained from HRV and PRV was small (<10−3 s−2) and their temporal patterns were highly correlated (0.98±0.04 and 0.95±0.06 in LF and HF bands respectively); TF coherence in LF and HF bands was high (0.97±0.04 and 0.89±0.08, respectively). Finally, the instantaneous power in LF band was observed to significantly increase during head-up tilt by both HRV and PRV analysis. These results suggest that, although some small differences in the time-varying spectral indices extracted from HRV and PRV exist, mainly in the HF band associated with respiration, PRV could be used as an acceptable surrogate of HRV during non-stationary conditions, at least during tilt table test.
MONOS specific interface state generation/recovery mechanisms and their impact on reliability properties

Mechanisms of interface-state generation/recovery in MONOS memories were investigated. We found that the interface states are mostly due to Si-H bonds breakage, and that additional reactive species, which could be attributable to above-stacked SiN layer, are supplied to the interface during baking and passivate interface states, leading to the strengthened bond structure against electrical stress. These findings indicate that reliability properties can be improved by applying appropriate electrical stress and baking owing to replacement of Si-H to stronger bond.
Source (or Part of the following Source): Type Article Title Population Based Epidemiology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Using Capture-recapture Methodology Author(s) Population Based Epidemiology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Using Captureerecapture Methodology

Copyright It is not permitted to download or to forward/distribute the text or part of it without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), other than for strictly personal, individual use, unless the work is under an open content licence (like Creative Commons). UvA-DARE is a service provided by the library of the University of Amsterdam (http://dare.uva.nl) ABSTRACT Background Variation in the incidence rate in epidemiological studies on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may be due to a small population size and under ascertainment of patients. The previously reported incidence decline in the elderly and a decrease in the male:female ratio in postmenopausal age groups have yet to be confirmed. Methods ALS epidemiology in a large population based register in The Netherlands was studied between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2009, and applied captureerecapture methodology in separate age and gender groups to adjust for the number of unobserved patients. Results 1217 incident patients were observed, and a captureerecapture incidence of 2.77 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI 2.63 to 2.91). Prevalence on 31 December 2008 was 10.32 per 100 000 individuals (95% CI 9.78 to 10.86). The incident cohort had a higher median age at onset (63.0 vs 58.1 years) and more bulbar onset patients (30.0% vs 19.1%) compared with the prevalent cohort. Incidence and prevalence peaked in the 70e74 year age group followed by a rapid decline in older age. The male:female ratio in the premenopausal age group (1.91, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.79) was not significantly higher than that in the postmenopausal age group (1.50, 95% CI 1.34 to 1.67). Conclusion The marked difference in patient characteristics between incident and prevalent cohorts underscores the importance of including incident patients when studying susceptibility or disease modifying factors in ALS. The incidence decline in the elderly may suggest that ALS is not merely the result of ageing. Absence of a significant postmenopausal drop in the male:female ratio suggests that the protective role of female sex hormones in ALS is limited.
Using parallel texts to improve recall in IE.

Our experiments show that applying known IE techniques to independent parallel texts describing the same information and merging the results brings significant improvements in performance. Recall summed over six botanical descriptions of several plant species is more than triple the average for each text individually. We analyse these results, and describe the processing techniques used. This leads us to the concept of “greedy extraction”, where the information template is not frozen before processing, but can incorporate new information found in the text(s).
Comparative physiology of allopatric Populus species: geographic clines in photosynthesis, height growth, and carbon isotope discrimination in common gardens

Populus species with wide geographic ranges display strong adaptation to local environments. We studied the clinal patterns in phenology and ecophysiology in allopatric Populus species adapted to similar environments on different continents under common garden settings. As a result of climatic adaptation, both Populus tremula L. and Populus balsamifera L. display latitudinal clines in photosynthetic rates (A), whereby high-latitude trees of P. tremula had higher A compared to low-latitude trees and nearly so in P. balsamifera (p = 0.06). Stomatal conductance (gs) and chlorophyll content index (CCI) follow similar latitudinal trends. However, foliar nitrogen was positively correlated with latitude in P. balsamifera and negatively correlated in P. tremula. No significant trends in carbon isotope composition of the leaf tissue (δ13C) were observed for both species; but, intrinsic water-use efficiency (WUEi) was negatively correlated with the latitude of origin in P. balsamifera. In spite of intrinsically higher A, high-latitude trees in both common gardens accomplished less height gain as a result of early bud set. Thus, shoot biomass was determined by height elongation duration (HED), which was well approximated by the number of days available for free growth between bud flush and bud set. We highlight the shortcoming of unreplicated outdoor common gardens for tree improvement and the crucial role of photoperiod in limiting height growth, further complicating interpretation of other secondary effects.
Expression of microRNAs in diffuse large B cell lymphoma is associated with immunophenotype, survival and transformation from follicular lymphoma

MicroRNAs are naturally occurring small RNA species that regulate gene expression and are frequently abnormally expressed in cancers. However, the role of microRNAs in lymphoma is poorly understood. Therefore, we undertook a comprehensive study of microRNA expression in two of the most common lymphomas: diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (n= 80) and follicular lymphoma (FCL) (n= 18) using microarrays containing probes for 464 human microRNAs. Unsupervised cluster analysis revealed distinct expression patterns between these two lymphomas and specific microRNA signatures (including members of the miR‐17–92 cluster) were derived that correctly predicted lymphoma type in >95% of cases. Furthermore, we identified microRNAs in de novo DLBCL (n= 64) associated with germinal centre‐like and non‐germinal centre‐like immunophenotypes, international prognostic index status and event‐free survival in CHOP and rituximab (R)‐CHOP treated patients. Despite the indolent nature of FCL a significant proportion of cases undergo high‐grade transformation to more aggressive DLBCL. In order to see if transformation is associated with changes in microRNA expression we compared transformed DLBCL cases (n= 16) with de novo DLBCL, as well as FCL cases that underwent subsequent transformation (n= 7) with FCL cases that had not transformed at a median follow‐up of 60 months (n= 11). Differential expression of 12 microRNAs correctly predicted >85% of transformed versus de novo DLBCL cases; six microRNAs (miR‐223, 217, 222, 221 and let‐7i and 7b) were found which could similarly predict or transformation in FCL (P< 0.05). These data suggest that microRNAs have potential as diagnostic and prognostic markers in these lymphomas and may be used to identify FCL patients at risk of high‐grade transformation.
Noncanonical Translation Initiation of the Arabidopsis Flowering Time and Alternative Polyadenylation Regulator FCA[C][W]

This study shows that translation of the flowering time regulator FCA initiates at a CUG, rather than at an AUG, codon and that specific sequences within the 5′ untranslated region are required for this noncanonical translation initiation. Our bioinformatic analyses suggest that there are at least 10 other Arabidopsis genes that initiate translation at CUG codons. The RNA binding protein FCA regulates the floral transition and is required for silencing RNAs corresponding to specific noncoding sequences in the Arabidopsis thaliana genome. Through interaction with the canonical RNA 3′ processing machinery, FCA affects alternative polyadenylation of many transcripts, including antisense RNAs at the locus encoding the floral repressor FLC. This potential for widespread alteration of gene regulation clearly needs to be tightly regulated, and we have previously shown that FCA expression is autoregulated through poly(A) site choice. Here, we show distinct layers of FCA regulation that involve sequences within the 5′ region that regulate noncanonical translation initiation and alter the expression profile. FCA translation in vivo occurs exclusively at a noncanonical CUG codon upstream of the first in-frame AUG. We fully define the upstream flanking sequences essential for its selection, revealing features that distinguish this from other non-AUG start site mechanisms. Bioinformatic analysis identified 10 additional Arabidopsis genes that likely initiate translation at a CUG codon. Our findings reveal further unexpected complexity in the regulation of FCA expression with implications for its roles in regulating flowering time and gene expression and more generally show plant mRNA exceptions to AUG translation initiation.
Current pattern of secondary glaucoma

Objective: To determine the pattern of secondary glaucoma in Nepal Eye Hospital. Material and Methods: A retrospective hospital based analysis of medical records of patients attending Nepal Eye Hospital Glaucoma clinic over a period of 1 years (Jan 2013 - Jan 2014) was done in order to know the pattern of secondary glaucoma to launch a preventive measure to decrease the burden of glaucoma blindness. Results: A total of 59 patients with secondary glaucoma were seen during a period of one year. Out of 59 patients of secondary glaucoma 35 (59.28%) were male and 24 (40.66%) were female with male and female ratio to be 1.46:1. Neovascular glaucoma comprised of 52.54%, Lens induced glaucoma 20.34%, Uveitic glaucoma 8.4%, Pseudoexfoliation syndrome 6.75%, Angle recession glaucoma 3.39%, Steroid induced glaucoma 3.39%, Pigmentary glaucoma 1.69%, Pseudophakic glaucoma 1.69% and Glaucomatoiridocyclitic crisis 1.69%. A large number of patients had profound loss of vision and 81.35% patients had presenting visual acuity of less than 3/60. Conclusion: Secondary glaucoma is a significant problem due to its impact on visual acuity. Identification of etiology of secondary glaucoma along with preventive measures must be undertaken to decrease this burden of blindness in Nepal.
Prolonged immune deficiency following allogeneic stem cell transplantation: risk factors and complications in adult patients

To evaluate the long‐term immune reconstitution after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT), we prospectively screened standard immune parameters in a series of 105 patients, at a median time of 15 months after SCT. Analysing lymphoid phenotypes, in vitro immune functions and immunoglobulin levels, we found that, more than 1 year post SCT, cellular and humoral immunity was still altered in a significant number of patients. CD4+ T cells were < 200/µl in one third of patients, and the CD4/CD8 ratio was still reversed in 78% of patients. Almost all patients showed positive T‐cell responses against mitogens, but antigen‐specific proliferation assays identified 20% to 80% of non‐responders. B‐cell counts were reconstituted in 61% of the patients, but levels of total immunoglobulins were still low in 59%. In multivariate analyses, human leucocyte antigen (HLA) disparity between donor and recipient and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease were the leading causes affecting immune reconstitution. Interestingly, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections were strongly associated with normal CD8+ T‐cell counts. Studying the impact of impaired immune reconstitution on the rate of infections occurring in the 6 years following screening, we identified three parameters (low B‐cell count, inverted CD4/CD8 ratio, and negative response to tetanus toxin) as significant risk factors for developing such late infections.
Energy-efficient approximate multiplier design using bit significance-driven logic compression

Approximate arithmetic has recently emerged as a promising paradigm for many imprecision-tolerant applications. It can offer substantial reductions in circuit complexity, delay and energy consumption by relaxing accuracy requirements. In this paper, we propose a novel energy-efficient approximate multiplier design using a significance-driven logic compression (SDLC) approach. Fundamental to this approach is an algorithmic and configurable lossy compression of the partial product rows based on their progressive bit significance. This is followed by the commutative remapping of the resulting product terms to reduce the number of product rows. As such, the complexity of the multiplier in terms of logic cell counts and lengths of critical paths is drastically reduced. A number of multipliers with different bit-widths (4-bit to 128-bit) are designed in SystemVerilog and synthesized using Synopsys Design Compiler. Post-synthesis experiments showed that up to an order of magnitude energy savings, and reductions of 65% in critical delay and almost 45% in silicon area can be achieved for a 128-bit multiplier compared to an accurate equivalent. These gains are achieved with low accuracy losses estimated at less than 0.00071 mean relative error. Additionally, we demonstrate the energy-accuracy trade-offs for different degrees of compression, achieved through configurable logic clustering. In evaluating the effectiveness of our approach, a case study image processing application showed up to 68.3% energy reduction with negligible losses in image quality expressed as peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR).
Capturing Relativized Complexity Classes without Order

We consider the problem of obtaining logical characterisations of oracle complexity classes. In particular, we consider the complexity classes LOGSPACENP and PTIMENP. For these classes, characterisations are known in terms of NP computable Lindström quantifiers which hold on ordered structures. We show that these characterisations are unlikely to extend to arbitrary (unordered) structures, since this would imply the collapse of certain exponential complexity hierarchies. We also observe, however, that PTIMENP can be characterised in terms of Lindström quantifers (not necessarily NP computable), though it remains open whether this can be done for LOGSPACENP.
Prediction of terrorist attacks based on GA-BP neural network

Terrorism is a common threat to mankind. Combating terrorism is also the responsibility that every country should assume. In the face of the development trend of terrorism, in-depth quantitative analysis of data related to terrorist attacks will help deepen people’s understanding of terrorism and provide valuable information support for counter-terrorism, and effectively improve the pertinence and efficiency of the anti-terrorism struggle. This paper designs a risk assessment and prediction system for terrorist attacks. The mathematical model calculates the relative risk index of each type of target by factor analysis. The evaluation indicators include three factors: “threat”, “vulnerability” and “consequence”. Mathematical model uses neural network to evaluate and predict risk index. However, because the BP neural network is easy to fall into the local best, it is difficult to jump out. Therefore, the genetic algorithm (GA) optimizes the initial weight threshold of the BP neural network to enhance the prediction accuracy. Finally, the simulation experiments of 21 main targets are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the model, so as to carry out accurate strategy analysis.
Classification of extremely red objects in the Hubble Ultra Deep Field

We present a quantitative study of the classification of Extremely Red Objects (EROs). The analysis is based on the multi-band spatial- and ground-based observations (HST/ACS- BV iz , HST/NICMOS- JH , VLT- JHK ) in the Hubble Ultra Deep Field (UDF). Over a total sky area of 5.50 arcmin 2 in the UDF, we select 24 EROs with the color criterion ( i - K ) Vega > 3.9 , corresponding to ( I - K ) Vega >4.0 , down to K Vega = 22 . We develop four methods to classify EROs into Old passively evolving Galaxies (OGs) and Dusty star-forming Galaxies (DGs), including ( i - K ) vs. ( J - K ) color diagram, spectral energy distribution fitting method, Spitzer MIPS 24 μm image matching, and nonparametric measure of galaxy morphology, and found that the classification results from these methods agree well. Using these four classification methods, we classify our EROs sample into 6 OGs and 8 DGs to K Vega K Vega K Vega K Vega i, z and HST/NICMOS- J,H bands.We find that the morphological parameters of galaxies in our sample depend on the wavelength of observation, which suggests that caution is necessary when comparing single wavelength band images of galaxies at a variety of redshifts.
A drug utilisation study of antidepressants in children and adolescents using the General Practice Research Database

Aims: To characterise prescribing patterns of antidepressants (ATDs) to children and adolescents aged ⩽18 years in the UK. Methods: Subjects issued at least one ATD prescription between 1 January 1992 and 31 December 2001 were identified from the UK General Practice Research Database. Prescribing patterns, annual prevalence, morbidity patterns, and time to discontinuation of ATD use were identified. Results: A total of 24 976 subjects received 93 091 prescriptions; 51 868 (55.7%), 38 429 (41.3%), and 2708 (2.9%) prescriptions were for tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and other ATDs respectively. ATD prevalence increased 1.7-fold from 1992 to 2001. TCA prevalence decreased by 30% from 3.6 to 2.5 per 1,000; SSRI prevalence increased 10 times from 0.5 to 4.6 per 1,000. In new ATD users aged ⩽10 years, the most common diagnosis associated with TCA use was nocturnal enuresis (75.1%); in those aged ⩾15 years, it was depression (45.8%). Depression was also associated with SSRI use (69.0%). For new users with depression, the median treatment durations for TCAs and SSRIs were 30 and 58 days respectively. TCA users were more likely to terminate treatment than SSRI users (TCAs v fluoxetine: 1.40, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.47; non-fluoxetine SSRIs v fluoxetine: 1.01, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.07). Conclusions: SSRIs have gained popularity for the treatment of depression compared with TCAs. TCAs are still used despite their lack of efficacy in prepubertal depression and their moderate effect in adolescents. However, >50% of subjects discontinue treatment after two months, with TCA users stopping earlier than SSRI users.
Fair Profit Allocation in the Spectrum Auction Using the Shapley Value

Microeconomics-inspired spectrum auctions can effectively improve the spectrum utilization for wireless networks to satisfy the ever increasing service demands. Considering the spatial reuse, the bidding nodes without mutual interference are grouped as virtual bidders competing for the spectrum bands, which turns a multi-winner spectrum auction into a traditional single-winner auction. To make the participating nodes bid truthfully, strategy-proof auctions are exploited to allocate the vacant spectrum bands. However, how to fairly allocate the profits of the virtual bidder among the winning bidders is still an imperative problem to solve. In this paper, we propose a Shapley Value based profit allocation (SPA) to distribute the profit among the bidding nodes according to their marginal contributions, which are both from helping the virtual bidder to win the auction and from generating the revenue during the auction period. Our simulation and analysis show that SPA can effectively integrate the contributions from the two stages in the spectrum auction and fairly allocate the profit among the winning bidders.
Effect of Patient-Optimized Doses of Tamsulosin on Erectile Function in Men With Erectile Dysfunction and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Purpose To investigate the relationship of improvement in erectile function (EF) with improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and to assess the contribution of tamsulosin dose to the improvement of EF apart from the indirect influence of LUTS improvement in men with LUTS and erectile dysfunction (ED). Materials and Methods Fifty patients received tamsulosin 0.2 mg/d for the first 4 weeks and were subsequently divided into two groups by patient-reported outcomes. Nonescalators were maintained starting dose and escalators increased to 0.4 mg for the remaining 8 weeks. International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and underwent uroflowmetry were evaluated at baseline, and weeks 4 and 12. Results LUTS parameters were significantly improved in both groups but insignificant between the 2 groups. The degree of the improvement in the total IPSS and in the voiding, storage, and quality of life (QoL) subscores were significantly correlated with the degree of the improvement in EF; this was especially prominent in patients successfully treated LUTS. The escalators experienced a significantly greater increase in IIEF-5 scores than did the nonescalators (3.3 vs. 1.5). Conclusions Dose escalation provided similar LUTS improvement in patients with refractory to starting dose. The improvements of LUTS were correlated with the improvement of EF. The increase in the IIEF-5 score was significantly higher in escalators. These findings imply that tamsulosin may contribute to the improvement in EF through the improvement of LUTS and QoL and direct relaxation of the corpus cavernosum in a dose-dependent fashion.