Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Implications of Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients Undergoing Vascular Surgery

Background:The prognostic value of heart failure symptoms on postoperative outcome is well acknowledged in perioperative guidelines. The prognostic value of asymptomatic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction remains unknown. This study evaluated the prognostic implications of asymptomatic LV dysfunction in vascular surgery patients assessed with routine echocardiography. Methods:Echocardiography was performed preoperatively in 1,005 consecutive vascular surgery patients. Systolic LV dysfunction was defined as LV ejection fraction less than 50%. Ratio of mitral-peak velocity during early and late filling, pulmonary vein flow, and deceleration time was used to diagnose diastolic LV dysfunction. Troponin-T measurements and electrocardiograms were performed routinely perioperatively. Multivariate regression analyses evaluated the relation between LV function and the study endpoints, 30-day cardiovascular events, and long-term cardiovascular mortality. Results:Left ventricular dysfunction was diagnosed in 506 (50%) patients of which 80% were asymptomatic. In open vascular surgery (n = 649), both asymptomatic systolic and isolated diastolic LV dysfunctions were associated with 30-day cardiovascular events (odds ratios 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4–3.6 and 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–2.9, respectively) and long-term cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratios 4.6, 95% CI 2.4–8.5 and 3.0, 95% CI 1.5–6.0, respectively). In endovascular surgery (n = 356), only symptomatic heart failure was associated with 30-day cardiovascular events (odds ratio 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–2.9) and long-term cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio 10.3, 95% CI 5.4–19.3). Conclusions:This study demonstrated that asymptomatic LV dysfunction is predictive for 30-day and long-term cardiovascular outcome in open vascular surgery patients. These data suggest that preoperative risk stratification should include not only solely heart failure symptoms but also routine preoperative echocardiography to risk stratify open vascular surgery patients.
On opportunistic spectrum access in radar bands: Lessons learned from measurement of weather radar signals

The need for extra spectrum and the fact that a large amount of spectrum below 6 GHz is allocated to radar systems has motivated regulatory bodies and researchers to investigate the feasibility of dynamic spectrum access in radar bands. To design efficient wireless communication schemes that coexist with radar systems, it is essential that the wireless community thoroughly understand the operations of these systems in different bands. This article studies incumbent operations and usage patterns in the 5 GHz band, where weather radar systems dominate, dynamic frequency selection is employed as a sharing mechanism, and recent works have explored the possibility to temporally share the spectrum with such radar systems. We present a measurement-based study of spectrum usage by a weather radar in Finland. Our measurement results show that the weather radar's scan patterns are quasi-periodic, and that use of sensing may not reliably detect radar signals due to its quasi-periodic scanning patterns and different vertical scanning angles. Finally, we present a framework for a database-assisted temporal sharing coexistence mechanism that takes into account the real occupancy behavior of the radar.
Effect of Soldering Temperature on Wetting and Optical Density of Dip Coated Sn and Sn-3.5Ag Solders

The effects of soldering temperature on wetting characteristics and optical density of dip coated Sn and Sn–3.5Ag solders on Cu substrate were investigated. The wettability of solders was assessed by the wetting balance tester. The temperature of the solder bath varied in the range of 250–300°C. With the increase in temperature, a slight decrease in the surface tension of solders was noticed. The wetting tests demonstrated an increased solderability of pure Sn with temperature compared to Sn-3.5Ag solder. The optimum solderability of each solder was obtained at 270°C. The optical density of both the solders was also found to be highest at 270°C. It is reported that wettability and optical density of a solder are related to each other and can be tailored by varying the soldering temperature.
Fast convergence scheme for potential-based routing in wireless sensor networks

In the electrostatics-inspired methods, a potential function determines the routing mechanism for transportation of nodes' traffic. In a potential-based routing, it is essential to calculate the potential function at the location of nodes. The best existing algorithm proposed for distributed potential calculation makes use of Jacobi iterations. These iterations are well-known for their slow convergence which makes them useless for practical applications. Our proposed method aims at improving the convergence rate of potential calculation. We propose a novel method inspired by wave propagation in physical media by making analogy between a simple path network and a single stub transmission line. We generalize our method to make it applicable to all possible network topologies. Analysis results show that the required number of iterations reduces significantly to O(N) for the path network of N nodes, compared to O(N2) for Jacobi iterations.
The bridge of iconicity: from a world of experience to the experience of language

Iconicity, a resemblance between properties of linguistic form (both in spoken and signed languages) and meaning, has traditionally been considered to be a marginal, irrelevant phenomenon for our understanding of language processing, development and evolution. Rather, the arbitrary and symbolic nature of language has long been taken as a design feature of the human linguistic system. In this paper, we propose an alternative framework in which iconicity in face-to-face communication (spoken and signed) is a powerful vehicle for bridging between language and human sensori-motor experience, and, as such, iconicity provides a key to understanding language evolution, development and processing. In language evolution, iconicity might have played a key role in establishing displacement (the ability of language to refer beyond what is immediately present), which is core to what language does; in ontogenesis, iconicity might play a critical role in supporting referentiality (learning to map linguistic labels to objects, events, etc., in the world), which is core to vocabulary development. Finally, in language processing, iconicity could provide a mechanism to account for how language comes to be embodied (grounded in our sensory and motor systems), which is core to meaningful communication.
Preparation of Polyaniline-Modified TiO2 Nanoparticles by In Situ Chemical Oxidative Polymerization and their Photocatalytic Activity for the Degradation of Methyl Orange under Natural Light

Polyaniline-modified nanocrystalline TiO2 composites were successfully prepared by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization and used as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of methyl orange under natural light. The nanocomposites were characterized by Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction and UV-Vis spectra. Results show that polyaniline-modified nanocrystalline TiO2 composites exhibit significantly higher photocatalytic activity than that of neat TiO2 on degradation of methyl orange under natural light. In addition, the conductivity of polyaniline-modified TiO2 nanoparticles was also investigated and has reached 2.65 × 10-1 S cm-1 at room temperature.
Gradient/sensitivity Estimation in Discrete-Event Simulation

We consider methods for simultaneously estimating the gradient (resp. sensitivity) of J with respect to a continuous (resp. discrete) parameter /spl theta/. While one can always estimate a derivative (or sensitivity) by performing two distinct simulations at different values of /spl theta/ (and forming the estimate (J/spl theta/', - J/spl theta/2)/(/spl theta/' - /spl theta/)), here we focus on methods which compute estimates from a single sample path (though multiple replications can be used to reduce variance and compute confidence intervals). When applicable, these single run methods are often computationally more efficient. They also have applications beyond simulation (e.g. in on-line optimization and control).
The Long Term Effect of Current and New Interventions on the New Case Detection of Leprosy: A Modeling Study

Background Although the number of newly detected leprosy cases has decreased globally, a quarter of a million new cases are detected annually and eradication remains far away. Current options for leprosy prevention are contact tracing and BCG vaccination of infants. Future options may include chemoprophylaxis and early diagnosis of subclinical infections. This study compared the predicted trends in leprosy case detection of future intervention strategies. Methods Seven leprosy intervention scenarios were investigated with a microsimulation model (SIMCOLEP) to predict future leprosy trends. The baseline scenario consisted of passive case detection, multidrug therapy, contact tracing, and BCG vaccination of infants. The other six scenarios were modifications of the baseline, as follows: no contact tracing; with chemoprophylaxis; with early diagnosis of subclinical infections; replacement of the BCG vaccine with a new tuberculosis vaccine ineffective against Mycobacterium leprae (“no BCG”); no BCG with chemoprophylaxis; and no BCG with early diagnosis. Findings Without contact tracing, the model predicted an initial drop in the new case detection rate due to a delay in detecting clinical cases among contacts. Eventually, this scenario would lead to new case detection rates higher than the baseline program. Both chemoprophylaxis and early diagnosis would prevent new cases due to a reduction of the infectious period of subclinical cases by detection and cure of these cases. Also, replacing BCG would increase the new case detection rate of leprosy, but this effect could be offset with either chemoprophylaxis or early diagnosis. Conclusions This study showed that the leprosy incidence would be reduced substantially by good BCG vaccine coverage and the combined strategies of contact tracing, early diagnosis, and treatment of infection and/or chemoprophylaxis among household contacts. To effectively interrupt the transmission of M. leprae, it is crucial to continue developing immuno- and chemoprophylaxis strategies and an effective test for diagnosing subclinical infections.
Grapheme-color synaesthesia is associated with a distinct cognitive style

In this study we investigated whether synaesthesia is associated with a particular cognitive style. Cognitive style refers to preferred modes of information processing, such as a verbal style or a visual style. We reasoned that related to the enriched world of experiences created by synaesthesia, its association with enhanced verbal and visual memory, higher imagery and creativity, synaesthetes might show enhanced preference for a verbal as well as for a visual cognitive style compared to non-synaesthetes. In Study 1 we tested a large convenience sample of 1046 participants, who classified themselves as grapheme-color, sound-color, lexical-gustatory, sequence-space, or as non-synaesthetes. To assess cognitive style, we used the revised verbalizer-visualizer questionnaire (VVQ), which involves three independent cognitive style dimensions (verbal style, visual-spatial style, and vivid imagery style). The most important result was that those who reported grapheme-color synaesthesia showed higher ratings on the verbal and vivid imagery style dimensions, but not on the visual-spatial style dimension. In Study 2 we replicated this finding in a laboratory study involving 24 grapheme-color synaesthetes with objectively confirmed synaesthesia and a closely matched control group. Our results indicate that grapheme-color synaesthetes prefer both a verbal and a specific visual cognitive style. We suggest that this enhanced preference, probably together with the greater ease to switch between a verbal and a vivid visual imagery style, may be related to cognitive advantages associated with grapheme color synaesthesia such as enhanced memory performance and creativity.
Use of Transgenic Parasites and Host Reporters To Dissect Events That Promote Interleukin-12 Production during Toxoplasmosis

ABSTRACT The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii has multiple strategies to alter host cell function, including the injection of rhoptry proteins into the cytosol of host cells as well as bystander populations, but the consequence of these events is unclear. Here, a reporter system using fluorescent parasite strains that inject Cre recombinase with their rhoptry proteins (Toxoplasma-Cre) was combined with Ai6 Cre reporter mice to identify cells that have been productively infected, that have been rhoptry injected but lack the parasite, or that have phagocytosed T. gondii. The ability to distinguish these host-parasite interactions was then utilized to dissect the events that lead to the production of interleukin-12 p40 (IL-12p40), which is required for resistance to T. gondii. In vivo, the use of invasion-competent or invasion-inhibited (phagocytosed) parasites with IL-12p40 (YET40) reporter mice revealed that dendritic cell (DC) and macrophage populations that phagocytose the parasite or are infected can express IL-12p40 but are not the major source, as larger numbers of uninfected cells secrete this cytokine. Similarly, the use of Toxoplasma-Cre parasite strains indicated that dendritic cells and inflammatory monocytes untouched by the parasite and not cells injected by the parasite are the primary source of IL-12p40. These results imply that a soluble host or parasite factor is responsible for the bulk of IL-12p40 production in vivo, rather than cellular interactions with T. gondii that result in infection, infection and clearance, injection of rhoptry proteins, or phagocytosis of the parasite.
Extraction of pores from microtomographic reconstructions of intact soil aggregates

Segmentation of features is often a necessary step in the analysis of volumetric data. The authors have developed a simple technique for extracting voids from irregular volumetric data sets. In this work they look at extracting pores from soil aggregates. First, they identify a threshold that gives good separability of the object from the background. They then segment the object, and perform connected components analysis on the pores within the object. Using their technique pores that break the surface can be segmented along with pores completely contained in the initially segmented object.
Interactive Multimodal Biofeedback for Task-Oriented Neural Rehabilitation

task is customizable. Overall, the system delivers an engaging training experience. Preliminary results of a pilot study involving stroke patients demonstrate the potential of the system to improve patients' reaching performance. 1 I. INTRODUCTION n neuromotor rehabilitation, biofeedback systems have most often been associated with non-purposeful, single-joint movements. While isolated muscle activity may improve, functional improvements are rarely noted [1]. Therefore, it has been suggested that biofeedback therapy aimed at enhancing motor function should be task-oriented [2]. Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging and promising approach for task-oriented biofeedback therapy [2, 3]. The approach is ecologically valid [4]. Furthermore, it has been shown that task learning in a VR can be transferred to real-world task performance [5]. Traditionally, biofeedback devices have utilized unimodal sensory signals (e.g. visual or auditory). Multimodal sensory signaling, whereby a patient's attention is drawn to the task through various sensory inputs, may be more advantageous for neuromotor rehabilitation [6]. One concern of such a system is that multiple sources of biofeedback may create problems with sensory overload especially in a patient population who may have high attentional demands just for the initiation of a motor task. In order to promote motor learning, a biofeedback system should be interactive in that the user should be provided with information that could be used to improve subsequent movements. The primary goal of this project was to design a system through which task practice and biofeedback are integrated
Modeling and simulation of inverse time overcurrent relay using Matlab/Simulink

Overcurrent relay is an important relay used to protect transmission and distribution feeders, transformer, bus coupler etc. It can be used as main or backup protection relays. The modeling of overcurrent relay and other protection relays is important in the research on the effects of network parameters and configurations on the operation of these relays. This research deal with modeling and simulation of inverse time overcurrent relay using commonly used Matlab/Simulink software. The developed model was tested with single line to ground fault and phase to phase fault with various fault locations and fault resistances to evaluate phase and earth detectors in sensing the fault current. Simulations results show the feasibility of the software to be used to develop the relay.
Online autonomous auction model based on agent

Auction is a typical commercial activity. Online autonomous auction based on agent is a rising research field in electronic commerce and has a broad application foreground. Most researches focus on the mechanisms and strategies of auction but neglect the study of other key issues in building online autonomous auction system, such as locating the auction hall and the cooperation between trade partners. So the paper investigates these questions based on mobile agent technology and game theory. In the paper an autonomous online auction model is brought forward and implemented, which supports two auction mechanisms of first price sealed-bid auction and double auction, and the linear bidding strategy of the two auction mechanisms is also given.
E-collaboration Platform for the Development of Rural Areas and Enterprises

This paper presents the basic assumptions of the Collaboration@Rural project (C@R) supported by the EUpsilas 6th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. Apart from discussing primary objectives of the project-focused on supporting the development of rural areas by providing network-based collaboration environment-it also shows basic assumptions of a 3-layer reference model serving as the foundation for C@R architecture. As an example of service rendered available within such network collaboration environment, the implementation of a notification service components is presented herein.
A nodal domain theorem and a higher-order Cheeger inequality for the graph $p$-Laplacian

We consider the nonlinear graph $p$-Laplacian and its set of eigenvalues and associated eigenfunctions of this operator defined by a variational principle. We prove a nodal domain theorem for the graph $p$-Laplacian for any $p\geq 1$. While for $p>1$ the bounds on the number of weak and strong nodal domains are the same as for the linear graph Laplacian ($p=2$), the behavior changes for $p=1$. We show that the bounds are tight for $p\geq 1$ as the bounds are attained by the eigenfunctions of the graph $p$-Laplacian on two graphs. Finally, using the properties of the nodal domains, we prove a higher-order Cheeger inequality for the graph $p$-Laplacian for $p>1$. If the eigenfunction associated to the $k$-th variational eigenvalue of the graph $p$-Laplacian has exactly $k$ strong nodal domains, then the higher order Cheeger inequality becomes tight as $p\rightarrow 1$.
Visual measurement of a 3-D plane pose by a cylindrical structured light

A simple and reliable method for measuring the depth and orientation of a local area of an object surface is proposed. The prototype system consists of a camera, a He-Ne laser, and a beam expander for producing a cylindrical beam. The cylindrical beam is actively projected onto the surface of the object, and the distortion of the light pattern is fitted into ellipse. Without computation of 3-D range data, the depth and orientation of object surface are directly determined by ellipse parameters. In a noisy environment, this method reliably offers 3-D information even if the light pattern is partially missing. The measurement error and its source are discussed and experimental results are shown. Due to its simplicity and reliability, this method may be implemented for various robotic tasks requiring 3-D information on the relationship of the robot's end effector to its task environment.
Prosodic Analysis of a Corpus of Tales

This paper presents a prosodic analysis of a corpus of 12 tales, read by one male speaker. The work is part of a project which aims at providing storytelling capacities to a humanoid robot. One main point is to improve text-to-speech synthesis expressivity according to a semi-automatic analysis of a given tale. Automatic tagging and prosodic stylization were applied to the corpus. The extracted parameters are described and analyzed according to relevant elements of the tales’ structure. The results show that changes of pitch and intensity registers, use of glide tones or devoicing are relevant to impersonate prototypical characters and to modify expressivity according to the different structural parts of each tale. These prosodic results will contribute to enhance the expressivity of a non-uniform-unit text-to-speech synthesizer.
Structure From Motion for Real-time 3 D Head Pose Recovery

This paper presents a robust and recursive means of tracking and modeling faces in near-field video sequences. An Extended Kalman Filter is coupled with a generic wire-frame face model and a correlation based 2D tracking process, providing a recursive means of recovering simple camera geometry, head pose and object structure. Head pose parameters are used to animate the texture-mapped face model and the estimated structure is fed back to constrain feature tracking in the next frame.
NPHS2 variation in Chinese southern infants with late steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome

Abstract NPHS2 mutations are responsible for autosomal recessive familial steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) with minor glomerular abnormalities or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), which is characterized by early childhood onset and rapid progression to chronic renal insufficiency. This gene mutation is also responsible for an adolescent onset form of autosomal recessive familial FSGS with heavy proteinuria. Many infants with late steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (late SRNS) are prone to an implicated clinical and therapeutic course. The etiopathogenesis and the long-term prognosis of late SRNS remain obscure. Considering the similar steroid resistance between late and initial SRNS, analysis of NPHS2 variation was performed in 70 sporadic Chinese infants with late SRNS and 70 controls in the present study to investigate the possible role of NPHS2 gene in late SRNS. The variation analysis revealed three polymorphisms (288C > T heterozygous in exon 2, 954T > C heterozygous and homozygous, and 1038A > G heterozygous in exon 8) in 22 out of 70 patients studied. In conclusion, NPHS2 gene mutations are not a major cause of chronic renal insufficiency caused by late SRNS in Chinese southern infants.