Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Overview of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Research and Testbed at PeRL

This article provides a general overview of the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) research thrusts being pursued within the Perceptual Robotics Laboratory (PeRL) at the University of Michigan. Founded in 2007, PeRL’s research centers on improving AUV autonomy via algorithmic advancements in environmentally based perceptual feedback for real-time mapping, navigation, and control. Our three major research areas are (1) real-time visual simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), (2) cooperative multi-vehicle navigation, and (3) perceptiondriven control. Pursuant to these research objectives, PeRL has developed a new multi-AUV SLAM testbed based upon a modified Ocean-Server Iver2 AUV platform. PeRL upgraded the vehicles with additional navigation and perceptual sensors for underwater SLAM research. In this article, we detail our testbed development, provide an overview of our major research thrusts, and put into context how our modified AUV testbed enables experimental real-world validation of these algorithms.
Designing and testing the quadrafilar helical antenna

Due to its approximately hemispherical radiation pattern, the quadrafilar helical antenna is commonly used in a wide variety of radio systems, especially in satellite communications. This paper is focused on appropriate design of this antenna in order to obtain the desired performance, like cardioid shaped radiation pattern and excellent circular polarization with a high axial ratio. Also, the antenna was examined numerically with 4NEC2 and tested in a radio laboratory.
Multi-Action Recognition via Stochastic Modelling of Optical Flow and Gradients

In this paper we propose a novel approach to multi-action recognition that performs joint segmentation and classification. This approach models each action using a Gaussian mixture using robust low-dimensional action features. Segmentation is achieved by performing classification on overlapping temporal windows, which are then merged to produce the final result. This approach is considerably less complicated than previous methods which use dynamic programming or computationally expensive hidden Markov models (HMMs). Initial experiments on a stitched version of the KTH dataset show that the proposed approach achieves an accuracy of 78.3%, outperforming a recent HMM-based approach which obtained 71.2%.
In-patient hospice: A qualitative study with Portuguese patients, family and staff

ABSTRACT The present study aims to provide insights on the role of in-patient hospices, which are sometimes described as disconnecting spaces. Researchers complement participant observation with in-depth interviews with 10 hospice patients, 20 family members, and 20 members of hospice staff. The findings suggest that the hospice provides a space where patients could enjoy the company of their loved ones without concerns regarding the dying process. The study reveals that the hospice offers a proper alternative to the home setting even in countries characterized by a strong familialistic culture like Portugal.
Towards real-time music auto-tagging using sparse features

Unsupervised feature learning algorithms such as sparse coding and deep belief networks have been shown a viable alternative to hand-crafted feature design for music information retrieval. Nevertheless, such algorithms are usually computationally expensive. This paper investigates techniques to accelerate sparse feature extraction and music classification. To study the trade-off between computational efficiency and accuracy, we compare state-of-the-art, dense audio features with sparse features computed using 1) sparse coding with a random dictionary, 2) randomized clustering forest, and 3) an extension of randomized clustering forest to temporal signals. For classifier training and prediction, we compare support vector machines with linear or non-linear kernel functions. We conduct evaluation on music auto-tagging for 140 genre/style tags using a subset of 7,799 songs of the CAL10k data set. Our result leads to an 11-fold speed increase with 3.45% accuracy loss comparing to dense features. With the proposed sparse features, the feature extraction and auto-tagging operations can be finished in 1 second per song, with 0.1302 tagging accuracy in mean average precision.
3D-AD: 3D-autism dataset for repetitive behaviours with kinect sensor

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a disorder that affects communication, social skills or behaviours of some people. Children or adults with ASD often have some common repetitive behaviours or self-stimulatory behaviours. These behaviours usually refer to specific behaviours such as flapping, rocking, spinning, etc. This work investigates these behaviours and provides a benchmark dataset for researchers. In our knowledge, this dataset is the first 3D-dataset available online1 in the area of 3D recognitions of complex and repetitive behaviours of autistic people. The 3D-Autism Dataset (3D-AD) is captured with Kinect sensor. We explore different categories of autistic repetitive behaviours: static and dynamic ones, simple and complex ones. Experiments have been done using dynamic time warping to detect these behaviours.
The AML1/MTG8 Fusion Transcript in t(8;21) Positive AML and its Implication for the Detection of Minimal Residual Disease

The reciprocal translocation t(8;21)(q22;q22) is one of the most frequent chromosomal aberrations in acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML). At the molecular level, this aberration rearranges the gene for the AML1-transcription factor on chromosome 21, which is essential for normal hematopoiesis, to the MTG8 gene on chromosome 8, thereby leading to a specific AML1/MTG8 fusion mRNA. This fusion gene is involved in leukemogenesis presumably by interfering with normal AML1-dependent transcriptional regulation. AML patients with t(8;21) have a favourable response to chemotherapy and a relatively good prognosis after intensive consolidation treatment with high dose AraC or autologous stem cell transplantation. RT-PCR for the specific AML1/MTG8 fusion transcripts can be used for the sensitive detection of residual leukemic cells during and after therapy. However, since a considerable proportion of these patients shows a positive PCR result even in long-term complete hematological remission, the prognostic value of qualitative PCR methods is doubtful. In contrast, quantitative PCR methods might be able to identify patients with a high risk of relapse by serial quantification of minimal residual disease (MRD). Because of its high degree of standardisation and automation, the recently developed real time PCR method can be used for the valid and reproducible detection of MRD in large prospective trials. This technology offers the potential to define the antileukemic efficiency of different treatment elements and the prognostic value of MRD in patients with t(8;21) positive AML.
Preanalytical quality improvement: in quality we trust

Abstract Total quality in laboratory medicine should be defined as the guarantee that each activity throughout the total testing process is correctly performed, providing valuable medical decision-making and effective patient care. In the past decades, a 10-fold reduction in the analytical error rate has been achieved thanks to improvements in both reliability and standardization of analytical techniques, reagents, and instrumentation. Notable advances in information technology, quality control and quality assurance methods have also assured a valuable contribution for reducing diagnostic errors. Nevertheless, several lines of evidence still suggest that most errors in laboratory diagnostics fall outside the analytical phase, and the pre- and postanalytical steps have been found to be much more vulnerable. This collective paper, which is the logical continuum of the former already published in this journal 2 years ago, provides additional contribution to risk management in the preanalytical phase and is a synopsis of the lectures of the 2nd European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM)-Becton Dickinson (BD) European Conference on Preanalytical Phase meeting entitled “Preanalytical quality improvement: in quality we trust” (Zagreb, Croatia, 1–2 March 2013). The leading topics that will be discussed include quality indicators for preanalytical phase, phlebotomy practices for collection of blood gas analysis and pediatric samples, lipemia and blood collection tube interferences, preanalytical requirements of urinalysis, molecular biology hemostasis and platelet testing, as well as indications on best practices for safe blood collection. Auditing of the preanalytical phase by ISO assessors and external quality assessment for preanalytical phase are also discussed.
Q-learning Based p-pesistent CSMA MAC Protcol for Secondary User of Cognitive Radio Networks

We consider a reinforcement learning based p-persistent CSMA protocol for cognitive radio secondary user when the primary user operates with the conventional CSMA/CA scheme. The learning scheme is applied to adjust the value of transmission opportunity p to reduce the idle time of channel and also avoid excessive collisions compared with fixed p scheme. Then the proposed method can keep the throughput of the primary user and the channel utilization rate can be improved by sharing the primary user and secondary user traffic. The simulation results show that the secondary user can utilize the available channel efficiently at the cost of additional delay of primary user.
Underestimated and unreported prolonged QTc by automated ECG analysis in patients on methadone: can we rely on computer reading?

Background Recognition of prolonged corrected QT (QTc) interval is of particular importance, especially when using medications known to prolong QTc interval. Methadone can prolong the QTc interval and has the potential to induce torsades de pointes. Objective The objective of this study is to investigate the accuracy of computerized ECG analysis in correctly identifying and reporting QTc interval in patients on methadone. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of ECGs in the Muse electronic database of patients on methadone who are above 18 years old between January 2012 and December 2013 at an urban community hospital. ECGs were analyzed by the Marquette 12SL ECG Analysis Program (GE Healthcare) reviewed by a cardiologist. Results A total of 826 ECGs of patients on methadone were examined manually for the QTc interval, of which 625 (75.7%) had QTc less than 470 ms, 149 (18%) had QTc between 470-499 ms and 52 (6.3%) had QTc more than 499 ms. QTc between 470-499 ms was underestimated by machine in 19 (12.8%) ECGs and QTc more than 499 ms was underestimated in 10 (19.6%) when compared to manually calculated QTc. QTc prolongation was underreported in 63 ECGs (48.5%) of those whose QTc between 470-499 ms and in 1 ECG (2.4%) of those whose QTc was more than 499 ms. Conclusions QTc can be underestimated or unreported by the computer analysis. Physicians not only should calculate QTc manually but also examine the actual QTc value displayed on the report before concluding that this parameter is normal, especially in patients who are at risk of QTc prolongation.
Low pH, Aluminum, and Phosphorus Coordinately Regulate Malate Exudation through GmALMT1 to Improve Soybean Adaptation to Acid Soils1[W][OA]

Malate exudation is important for soybean adaptation to acid soils, and is coordinately regulated by pH, aluminum, and phosphate through a malate transporter. Low pH, aluminum (Al) toxicity, and low phosphorus (P) often coexist and are heterogeneously distributed in acid soils. To date, the underlying mechanisms of crop adaptation to these multiple factors on acid soils remain poorly understood. In this study, we found that P addition to acid soils could stimulate Al tolerance, especially for the P-efficient genotype HN89. Subsequent hydroponic studies demonstrated that solution pH, Al, and P levels coordinately altered soybean (Glycine max) root growth and malate exudation. Interestingly, HN89 released more malate under conditions mimicking acid soils (low pH, +P, and +Al), suggesting that root malate exudation might be critical for soybean adaptation to both Al toxicity and P deficiency on acid soils. GmALMT1, a soybean malate transporter gene, was cloned from the Al-treated root tips of HN89. Like root malate exudation, GmALMT1 expression was also pH dependent, being suppressed by low pH but enhanced by Al plus P addition in roots of HN89. Quantitative real-time PCR, transient expression of a GmALMT1-yellow fluorescent protein chimera in Arabidopsis protoplasts, and electrophysiological analysis of Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing GmALMT1 demonstrated that GmALMT1 encodes a root cell plasma membrane transporter that mediates malate efflux in an extracellular pH-dependent and Al-independent manner. Overexpression of GmALMT1 in transgenic Arabidopsis, as well as overexpression and knockdown of GmALMT1 in transgenic soybean hairy roots, indicated that GmALMT1-mediated root malate efflux does underlie soybean Al tolerance. Taken together, our results suggest that malate exudation is an important component of soybean adaptation to acid soils and is coordinately regulated by three factors, pH, Al, and P, through the regulation of GmALMT1 expression and GmALMT1 function.
Maternal Short-Chain Fructooligosaccharide Supplementation Influences Intestinal Immune System Maturation in Piglets

Peripartum nutrition is crucial for developing the immune system of neonates. We hypothesized that maternal short-chain fructooligosaccharide (scFOS) supplementation could accelerate the development of intestinal immunity in offspring. Thirty-four sows received a standard or a scFOS supplemented diet (10 g scFOS/d) for the last 4 weeks of gestation and the 4 weeks of lactation. Colostrum and milk immunoglobulins (Ig) and TGFβ1 concentrations were evaluated on the day of delivery and at d 6 and d 21 postpartum. Piglet intestinal structure, the immunologic features of jejunal and ileal Peyer's patches, and mesenteric lymph node cells were analysed at postnatal d 21. Short-chain fatty acid concentrations were measured over time in the intestinal contents of suckling and weaned piglets. Colostral IgA (P<0.05) significantly increased because of scFOS and TGFβ1 concentrations tended to improve (P<0.1). IFNγ secretion by stimulated Peyer's patch and mesenteric lymph node cells, and secretory IgA production by unstimulated Peyer's patch cells were increased (P<0.05) in postnatal d 21 scFOS piglets. These differences were associated with a higher proportion of activated CD25+CD4α+ T cells among the CD4+ helper T lymphocytes (P<0.05) as assessed by flow cytometry. IFNγ secretion was positively correlated with the population of activated T lymphocytes (P<0.05). Total short-chain fatty acids were unchanged between groups during lactation but were higher in caecal contents of d 90 scFOS piglets (P<0.05); specifically propionate, butyrate and valerate. In conclusion, we demonstrated that maternal scFOS supplementation modified the intestinal immune functions in piglets in association with increased colostral immunity. Such results underline the key role of maternal nutrition in supporting the postnatal development of mucosal immunity.
Integrating Mediators and Moderators in Research Design

The purpose of this article is to describe mediating variables and moderating variables and provide reasons for integrating them in outcome studies. Separate sections describe examples of moderating and mediating variables and the simplest statistical model for investigating each variable. The strengths and limitations of incorporating mediating and moderating variables in a research study are discussed as well as approaches to routinely including these variables in outcome research. The routine inclusion of mediating and moderating variables holds the promise of increasing the amount of information from outcome studies by generating practical information about interventions as well as testing theory. The primary focus is on mediating and moderating variables for intervention research but many issues apply to nonintervention research as well.
SensoryPaint: a multimodal sensory intervention for children with neurodevelopmental disorders

Multimodal and natural user interfaces offer an innovative approach to sensory integration therapies. We designed and developed SensoryPaint, a multimodal system that allows users to paint on a large display using physical objects, body-based interactions, and interactive audio. We evaluated the impact of SensoryPaint through two user studies: a lab-based study of 15 children with neurodevelopmental disorders in which they used the system for up to one hour, and a deployment study with four children with autism, during which the system was integrated into existing daily sensory therapy sessions. Our results demonstrate that a multimodal large display, using whole body interactions combined with tangible interactions and interactive audio feedback, balances children's attention between their own bodies and sensory stimuli, augments existing therapies, and promotes socialization. These results offer implications for the design of other ubicomp systems for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and for their integration into therapeutic interventions.
MR colonography in patients with incomplete conventional colonoscopy.

PURPOSE To assess dark-lumen magnetic resonance (MR) colonography for the evaluation of colonic segments in patients in whom conventional colonoscopy could not be completed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Institutional review board approval and written informed consent were obtained. Within 24 hours of incomplete conventional colonoscopy, 37 patients (22 women, 15 men; age range, 25-63 years) underwent MR colonography. Contrast material-enhanced T1-weighted three-dimensional images were collected after rectal administration of water for colonic distention. Data from MR colonography were evaluated by two radiologists. With a three-point scale, image quality was characterized in terms of colonic distention (1 = good; 2 = moderate, diagnostic; and 3 = poor, nondiagnostic) and presence of artifacts (1 = none; 2 = moderate, diagnostic; and 3 = extensive, nondiagnostic). Depiction of colorectal disease was assessed according to the following colonic segments: cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum. RESULTS Four patients had history of colorectal cancer, and each had undergone partial colonic resection of two segments. Hence, 214 segments were evaluated. Conventional colonoscopy failed in assessment of 127 of 214 potentially visible colonic segments in the 37 patients. MR image quality was rated diagnostic in 35 patients and permitted assessment of 206 of 214 potentially visible segments. Nondiagnostic image quality in two patients was attributed to inadequate distention of prestenotic colonic segments owing to high-grade tumor stenosis. All inflammation- and tumor-induced stenoses and all five polyps identified at conventional colonoscopy in poststenotic segments were correctly detected at MR colonography. However, MR-based assessment of prestenotic segments revealed two lesions suspected of being carcinoma, five polyps, and four segments affected by colitis. CONCLUSION MR colonography proved reliable in evaluating the majority of colonic segments inaccessible with conventional colonoscopy. The identification of additional disease at MR colonography underscores the need for a second diagnostic step in the setting of incomplete conventional colonoscopy.
From prejudice to intergroup emotions : differentiated reactions to social groups

From Prejudice to Intergroup Emotions: Differentiated Reactions to Social Groups Edited by Diane Mackie and Eliot Smith 1: Beyond Prejudice: Moving from Positive and Negative Evaluations to Differentiated Reactions to Social Groups Diane M. Mackie and Eliot Smith 2: Social-Self Discrepencies and Group-Based Emotional Distress Aharon Bizman & Yoel Yinon 3: Promotion and Prevention Forms of Intergroup Bias James Y. Shah, Paige C. Brazy, & E. Tory Higgins 4: Antecedents and Consequences of Collective Guilt Nyla R. Branscombe, Bertjan Doosje, & Craig McGarty 5: Intergroup Emotions and Self-Categorization: The Impact of Perspective-Talking on Reactions to Victims of Harmful Behavior Vincent Yzerbyt, Muriel Dumont, Ernestine Gordijn, & Daniel Wigboldus 6: Intergroup Encounters and Threat: A Multi-Method Approach Jim Blascovich, Wendy Berry Mendes, & Mark D. Sneery 7: Experiencing Intergroup Emotions Theirry Devos, Lisa A. Silver, Diane M. Mackie, & Eliot R. Smith 8: Expressing Emotions and Decoding Them: In-groups and Out-groups do not Share the Same Advantages Jacques-Philippe Leyens, Stephanie Demoulin, Michel Desert, Jeroen Vaes, & Pierre Philippot 9: The Role of Affect in Determining Intergroup Behavior: The Case of Willingness to Engage in Intergroup Contact John F. Dovidio, Victoria M. Esses, Kelly R. Beach, & Samuel L. Gaertner 10: Close Encounters of the Suspicious Kind: Outgoing Paranoia in Hierarchical Trust Dilemmas Roderick M. Kramer and John T. Jost 11: The Role of Threat in Intergroup Relations Walter G. Stephan & C. Lausanne Renfro 12: Intergroup Emotions and Images Marilynn B. Brewer & Michele G. Alexander 13: They System Justification Motive in Intergroup Relations John T. Jost and Roderick M. Kramer 14: Emotions Up and Down: Intergroup Emotions Result from Perceived Status and Competition Susan T. Fiske, Amy J.C. Cuddy, & Peter Glick 15: Intergroup Emotions: A Biocultural Approach Steven L. Neuberg & Catherine A. Cottrell 16: Commentary Eliot R. Smith and Diane M. Mackiej
I/Q mismatch compensation in zero-IF OFDM receivers with application to DAB

This work addresses the I/Q mismatch problem which arises due to analog component tolerances in zero-IF OFDM receivers. The application of this work is to digital audio broadcasting (DAB). The approach is to employ a decision directed LMS-based frequency-adaptive equalizer, applied to OFDM demodulated carriers. The equalizer is trained initially using the phase reference symbols in each frame and is switched to a decision directed mode when the error reaches a defined level. In the decision directed mode, the output is taken prior to the threshold decision device in order to present to the subsequent Viterbi decoder a signal suitable for soft decisions. Simulation results demonstrate convergence within six frames; the particular convergence rate depending on choice of step-size and number of carriers per group employed. Even with large phase and amplitude imbalances, 25/spl deg/ and 5 dB respectively, in a DAB system the compensation algorithm attains a reduction in raw BER from 10/sup -1.5/ to 10/sup -5/ with a 15 dB SNR.
Selecting methodologies for the evaluation of differences in time to response between antidepressants.

BACKGROUND The delay in the therapeutic effect of antidepressants is a considerable impediment to their successful clinical use, and attention has recently been focused on antidepressant drugs that may have a faster onset of action. DATA SYNTHESIS Several methodologies exist for evaluating differences in time to response between antidepressants including the identification of the timepoint at which statistically or clinically significant differences between treatment groups emerge, pattern analysis, and survival analytical approaches. All have conceptual as well as practical advantages and disadvantages. CONCLUSION The survival analytical approach is generally considered to be the most rigorous and sensitive in detecting differences in the speed of response of antidepressants, but the other methodologies provide useful information.