Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acinetobacter Infections and Outcomes at an Academic Medical Center: A Disease of Long-Term Care

Background. Our study aims to describe the epidemiology, microbial resistance patterns, and clinical outcomes of Acinetobacter infections at an academic university hospital. This retrospective study analyzed all inpatient clinical isolates of Acinetobacter collected at an academic medical center over 4 years. The data were obtained from an Academic tertiary referral center between January 2008 and December 2011. All consecutive inpatients during the study period who had a clinical culture positive for Acinetobacter were included in the study. Patients without medical records available for review or less than 18 years of age were excluded. Methods. Records were reviewed to determine source of isolation, risk factors for acquisition, drug resistance patterns, and clinical outcomes. Repetitive sequence-based polymerase chain reaction of selected banked isolates was used to determine patterns of clonal spread in and among institutions during periods of higher infection rates. Results. Four hundred eighty-seven clinical isolates of Acinetobacter were found in 212 patients (in 252 admissions). Patients with Acinetobacter infections were frequently admitted from healthcare facilities (HCFs) (59%). One hundred eighty-three of 248 (76%) initial isolates tested were resistant to meropenem. One hundred ninety-eight of 249 (79.5%) initial isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR). Factors associated with mortality included bacteremia (odds ratio [OR] = 1.93, P = .024), concomitant steroid use (OR = 2.87, P < .001), admission from a HCF (OR = 6.34, P = .004), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 3.17, P < .001). Conclusions. Acinetobacter isolates at our institution are frequently MDR and are more common among those who reside in HCFs. Our findings underline the need for new strategies to prevent and treat this pathogen, including stewardship efforts in long-term care settings.
Exact Heisenberg operator solutions for multiparticle quantum mechanics

Exact Heisenberg operator solutions for independent ‘sinusoidal coordinates’ as many as the degree of freedom are derived for typical exactly solvable multi-particle quantum mechanical systems, the Calogero systems based on any root system. These Heisenberg operator solutions also present the explicit forms of the annihilation-creation operators for various quanta in the interacting multi-particle systems. At the same time they can be interpreted as multi-variable generalisation of the three term recursion relations for multi-variable orthogonal polynomials constituting the eigenfunctions.
A Modular Approach to Knowledge Transfer Between Reinforcement Learning Agents *

Reinforcement learning is a general approach to learning reactive control policies. It is an unsupervised learning technique, making it a candidate for use in system that adapts to changing tasks and environment by autonomously devising a new strategy. Unfortunately, reinforcement learning methods are slow to converge to a solution, rendering them impractical in most cases. The key shortcoming of most reinforcement learning systems is that they lack the ability to incorporate prior knowledge into the learning process. This is wasteful of any previously learned information that is related to the target task. This paper investigates a scheme for incorporating such prior knowledge into a reinforcement learning agent. The methodology, called Skill Advice Guided Exploration (SAGE), allows multiple, possibly conflicting, sources of knowledge to be incorporated simultaneously. Knowledge is abstracted as action selection advice within this framework. Accordingly, no assumptions must be made about the internal representations of the information, allowing knowledge sources to be as diverse as a human and a robot. Furthermore, a SAGE-based system can adapt according to new knowledge acquired during learning and is robust to incorrect information. The potential of this methodology is demonstrated on a set of discrete learning tasks. Results are presented showing that a SAGE-based system given correct information can outperform other approaches and that incorrect knowledge does not prevent the task from being learned. The benefits and limitations of this work are discussed as are possible extensions * Prepared in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Recursive singular value decomposition based parameter estimation for thermal efficiency on-line monitoring of the cement clinker manufacturing process

The cement clinker manufacturing process is a complex process of the conversion and consumption of thermal energy. An energy balance analytical model that can be used for on-line identification is established, aiming at solving the problem that the thermal efficiency can't be on-line monitored. Considering the input matrix is close to a singular matrix under steady-state condition, a recursive singular value decomposition (RSVD) identification algorithm that can overcome the ill-conditioned problem in linear regression algorithm is adopted for the on-line estimation of model parameters. In order to avoid the parameter vectors entering complex field in the recursive process, the initial values of the recursive algorithm are improved. The simulation results based on historical data show that the established model and the improved identification algorithm can effectively calculate the thermal efficiency of the cement clinker manufacturing process.
A fast Hough transform for segment detection

The authors describe a new algorithm for the fast Hough transform (FHT) that satisfactorily solves the problems other fast algorithms propose in the literature-erroneous solutions, point redundance, scaling, and detection of straight lines of different sizes-and needs less storage space. By using the information generated by the algorithm for the detection of straight lines, they manage to detect the segments of the image without appreciable computational overhead. They also discuss the performance and the parallelization of the algorithm and show its efficiency with some examples.
Intrinsic Indicator of Photodamage during Label-Free Multiphoton Microscopy of Cells and Tissues

Multiphoton imaging has evolved as an indispensable tool in cell biology and holds prospects for clinical applications. When addressing endogenous signals such as coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) or second harmonic generation, it requires intense laser irradiation that may cause photodamage. We report that increasing endogenous fluorescence signal upon multiphoton imaging constitutes a marker of photodamage. The effect was studied on mouse brain in vivo and ex vivo, on ex vivo human brain tissue samples, as well as on glioblastoma cells in vitro, demonstrating that this phenomenon is common to a variety of different systems, both ex vivo and in vivo. CARS microscopy and vibrational spectroscopy were used to analyze the photodamage. The development of a standard easy-to-use model that employs rehydrated cryosections allowed the characterization of the irradiation-induced fluorescence and related it to nonlinear photodamage. In conclusion, the monitoring of endogenous two-photon excited fluorescence during label-free multiphoton microscopy enables to estimate damage thresholds ex vivo as well as detect photodamage during in vivo experiments.
Hippocampus and two‐way active avoidance conditioning: Contrasting effects of cytotoxic lesion and temporary inactivation

Hippocampal lesions tend to facilitate two‐way active avoidance (2WAA) conditioning, where rats learn to cross to the opposite side of a conditioning chamber to avoid a tone‐signaled footshock. This classical finding has been suggested to reflect that hippocampus‐dependent place/context memory inhibits 2WAA (a crossing response to the opposite side is inhibited by the memory that this is the place where a shock was received on the previous trial). However, more recent research suggests other aspects of hippocampal function that may support 2WAA learning. More specifically, the ventral hippocampus has been shown to contribute to behavioral responses to aversive stimuli and to positively modulate the meso‐accumbens dopamine system, whose activation has been implicated in 2WAA learning. Permanent hippocampal lesions may not reveal these contributions because, following complete and permanent loss of hippocampal output, other brain regions may mediate these processes or because deficits could be masked by lesion‐induced extra‐hippocampal changes, including an upregulation of accumbal dopamine transmission. Here, we re‐examined the hippocampal role in 2WAA learning in Wistar rats, using permanent NMDA‐induced neurotoxic lesions and temporary functional inhibition by muscimol or tetrodotoxin (TTX) infusion. Complete hippocampal lesions tended to facilitate 2WAA learning, whereas ventral (VH) or dorsal hippocampal (DH) lesions had no effect. In contrast, VH or DH muscimol or TTX infusions impaired 2WAA learning. Ventral infusions caused an immediate impairment, whereas after dorsal infusions rats showed intact 2WAA learning for 40–50 min, before a marked deficit emerged. These data show that functional inhibition of ventral hippocampus disrupts 2WAA learning, while the delayed impairment following dorsal infusions may reflect the time required for drug diffusion to ventral hippocampus. Overall, using temporary functional inhibition, our study shows that the ventral hippocampus contributes to 2WAA learning. Permanent lesions may not reveal these contributions due to functional compensation and extra‐hippocampal lesion effects. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sato Processes in Default Modelling

Abstract In reduced form default models, the instantaneous default intensity is the classical modelling object. Survival probabilities are then given by the Laplace transform of the cumulative hazard defined as the integrated intensity process. Instead, recent literature tends to specify the cumulative hazard process directly. Within this framework we present a new model class where cumulative hazards are described by self-similar additive processes, also known as Sato processes. Furthermore, we analyse specifications obtained via a simple deterministic time change of a homogeneous Lévy process. While the processes in these two classes share the same average behaviour over time, the associated intensities exhibit very different properties. Concrete specifications are calibrated to data on all the single names included in the iTraxx Europe index. The performances are compared with those of the classical Cox–Ingersoll–Ross intensity and a recently proposed class of intensity models based on Ornstein–Uhlenbeck-type processes. It is shown that the time-inhomogeneous Lévy models achieve comparable calibration errors with fewer parameters and with more stable parameter estimates over time. However, the calibration performance of the Sato processes and the time-change specifications are practically indistinguishable.
Applications of Robust Optimization in Signal Processing: Beamforming and Power Control Fall 2012

In this presentation, we study the applications of robust optimization in signal processing: robust beamforming in array and power control in wireless networks. First, the background of beamforming and the traditional diagonal loading (DL) method are introduced. Then, the robust beamforming designs are proposed by considering the worst-case distortionless and probabilistic constraints of the steering vector, respectively. It is shown that the robust beamforming design can be formulated as a seconder order cone programming (SOCP) problem or a semidenite programming (SDP) problem, and then can be solved eciently. In the last, the robust power control problem in cognitive radio networks can be formulated as a SOCP problem by considering the worst-case uncertainties in the wireless channel gains.
Bridging the Gaps Between the Histopathological and Demographic Risk Factors of Preterm Birth in a Unique Miami Inner-City Population

We aim to identify the link between placental histological findings and obstetric reports to determine possible risk factors of spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). We prospectively ascertained birth records and outcomes from all deliveries in our hospital in 1 year. Records were used to determine and stratify for either full-term or preterm [spontaneous or indicated (I)] deliveries. We analyzed for risk factor association using χ2 tests and common odds ratio estimates (SPSS v21.0). Our cohort totaled 6088 deliveries: 236 IPTB, 43 SPTB, and 5809 term births. Largely Hispanic, we determined race, parity, prenatal care access, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and BMI to be highly associated with SPTB (p < 0.01). Histologically, placentas of women with SPTB were twice as likely to have chronic villitis. We found that chronic villitis is associated with SPTB. Results of this study can be used in increasing the understanding of SPTB.
Implementation of Decision Modules

Separation of concerns can have different forms. The well accepted concern is an object behavior usually specified as a life cycle module. In this paper, we define another type of concern, a decision module, and identify it in requirements and models. Separation of decision modules in programs may improve traceability of requirements and simplify code analysis. We present the results of our experiments with implementation of decision modules. We implement the modules using object composition, reflection, the publisher-subscriber design pattern and aspects. We present the possibilities of different implementation forms and illustrate our observations of pros and cons with an example of a document submission system.
Distributed Generation Micro-Grid Operation: Control and Protection

Performing intentional islanding or micro-grid operation of distributed generators (DGs) can improve the power system service quality and increase the power system reliability. Despite the benefits micro-grid operation can bring to the power system, many challenges and technical issues constraint its operation. This paper addresses two main challenges associated with the operation of micro-grids: voltage/frequency control and protection. The main aim of this paper is three-fold. First, a control strategy for inverter based DGs is proposed to control both voltage and frequency during islanded operation. Secondly, a protection scheme is proposed to protect both the lines and DGs during islanded operation. Lastly, both the control scheme and the protection scheme are coordinated to avoid nuisance tripping of the DGs and non-critical loads. The study is performed using a digital computer simulation approach PSCAD/EMTDC
Interactive rendering of atmospheric scattering effects using graphics hardware

To create realistic images using computer graphics, an important element to consider is atmospheric scattering, that is, the phenomenon by which light is scattered by small particles in the air. This effect is the cause of the light beams produced by spotlights, shafts of light, foggy scenes, the bluish appearance of the earth's atmosphere, and so on. This paper proposes a fast method for rendering the atmospheric scattering effects based on actual physical phenomena. In the proposed method, look-up tables are prepared to store the intensities of the scattered light, and these are then used as textures. Realistic images are then created at interactive rates by making use of graphics hardware.
The Constructive Lift Monad

The lift monad is the construction which to a poset freely adjoins a bottom element to it, or equivalently (from the classical viewpoint), the construction which freely adjoins suprema for subsets with at most one element. In constructive mathematics (i.e. inside a topos), these two constructions are no longer equivalent, since the equivalence is based on the boolean reasoning that a set with at most one element either is a singleton {x}, or is empty. Likewise based on boolean reasoning is the proof of two important properties of the lift monad T : 1) If a poset C has filtered suprema, then so does TC. 2) Every poset with a bottom element ? is "free", i.e. comes about by applying T to some poset (namely the original poset less the bottom). Both these properties fail to hold constructively, if the lift monad is interpreted as "adding a bottom"; see Remark below. If, on the other hand, we interpret the lift monad as the one which freely provides supremum for each subset with at most one element (which is what we shall do), then the first property holds; and we give a necessary and sufficient condition that the second does. Finally, we shall investigate the lift monad in the context of (constructive) locale theory. I would like to thank Bart Jacobs for guiding me to the literature on Z-systems; to Gonzalo Reyes for calling my attention to Barr's work on totally connected spaces; to Steve Vickers for some pertinent correspondence. I would like to thank the Netherlands Science Organization (NWO) for supporting my visit to Utrecht, where a part of the present research was carried out, and for various travel support from BRICS.
Sensitivity of clinical and behavioural tests of spatial neglect after right hemisphere stroke

Objectives: The lack of agreement regarding assessment methods is responsible for the variability in the reported rate of occurrence of spatial neglect after stroke. The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity of different tests of neglect after right hemisphere stroke. Methods: Two hundred and six subacute right hemisphere stroke patients were given a test battery including a preliminary assessment of anosognosia and of visual extinction, a clinical assessment of gaze orientation and of personal neglect, and paper and pencil tests of spatial neglect in the peripersonal space. Patients were compared with a previously reported control group. A subgroup of patients (n=69) received a behavioural assessment of neglect in daily life situations. Results: The most sensitive paper and pencil measure was the starting point in the cancellation task. The whole battery was more sensitive than any single test alone. About 85% of patients presented some degree of neglect on at least one measure. An important finding was that behavioural assessment of neglect in daily life was more sensitive than any other single measure of neglect. Behavioural neglect was considered as moderate to severe in 36% of cases. A factorial analysis revealed that paper and pencil tests were related to two underlying factors. Dissociations were found between extrapersonal neglect, personal neglect, anosognosia, and extinction. Anatomical analyses showed that neglect was more common and severe when the posterior association cortex was damaged. Conclusions: The automatic rightward orientation bias is the most sensitive clinical measure of neglect. Behavioural assessment is more sensitive than any single paper and pencil test. The results also support the assumption that neglect is a heterogeneous disorder.
Stanford Center for International Development Household Location and Schools in Metropolitan Areas with Heterogeneous Suburbs: Tiebout, Alonso, and Government Policy Household Location and Schools in Metropolitan Areas with Heterogeneous Suburbs: Tiebout, Alonso, and Government Policy

An important element in considering school finance policies is that households are not passive but instead respond to policies. Household behavior is especially important in considering how households affect the spatial structure of metropolitan areas where different jurisdictions incorporate bundles of advantages and disadvantages. This paper adds richness to existing urban models by incorporating multiple workplace locations, alternative public services by jurisdiction (school qualities), and voter-determined school expenditure. In our general equilibrium model of residential location and community choice, households base optimizing decisions on commuting costs, school quality, and land rents. The resulting equilibrium has heterogeneous communities in terms of income and tastes for schools. This basic model is used to analyze a series of conventional policy experiments, including school district consolidation and district power utilization. The important conclusion within our range of simulations is that welfare falls for all families with the restrictions on choice that are implied by these approaches.
Museum objects and Instagram: agency and communication in digital engagement

Abstract In recent years, museums have focused on engaging the public in their collections, exhibitions and programming as they reimagine themselves in the light of changes in technology and visitor expectations. This article spotlights public engagement with museum objects from the perspective of museum visitors, specifically how they engage with objects through the visual social media platform of Instagram. It draws on a case study of Instagram users who visited one popular, urban, Australian museum of contemporary art. We argue that visitor engagement with museum objects on Instagram is informed by agency and authority on the part of the user, and a primary motivation to communicate shared experiences using photography. Findings include a significant focus on objects despite public concerns that social media use in museum spaces is leading to a decreased public engagement in this area. Implications stemming from the research include specific insights for museum practice and understandings that have a potential to impact communication, engagement, and contemporary cultural practices generally.
Power-aware design of protected IP-over-WDM Networks with sleep-mode devices

Recently, great efforts have been made to reduce power consumption in optical networks. The adoption of the Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) technique is expected to enable greener data transport, especially considering the envisioned increase of traffic requirements. One main approach used to achieve power savings consists in aggregating, especially during low-load periods, traffic flows in a few network links, so that power can be saved by switching-off some devices within the network. However, the need to ensure network resiliency against link and/or node failures imposes that some resources, reserved to protect connections, become available immediately after a failure occurs. Thus, it is crucial for the network to be able to set some devices into low-power sleep-mode, such that they can be rapidly re-activated. In this paper we focus on the power-efficiency of protected IP-over-WDM networks and compare two different protection strategies, namely Dedicated-Link and Dedicated-Path Protection (DLP and DPP, respectively), when low-power sleep-mode for devices used for protection is enabled. A mathematical modelization for a power-aware design with sleep-mode for DLP and DPP is proposed that allows us to show that substantial power savings, up to about 20%, can be achieved through sleep-mode. Power savings, up to 10-15%, are also obtained with respect to the case of a power-unaware design with sleep-mode. Finally, we show that, by employing sleep-mode for backup resources, it is possible to protect all the connection requests for a small additional power expenditure compared to the unprotected network scenario.