Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multirate digital signal processing

There has been a great deal of material in the area of discrete-time transforms that has been published in recent years. This book does an excellent job of presenting important aspects of such material in a clear manner. The book has 11 chapters and a very useful appendix. Seven of these chapters are essentially devoted to the Fourier series/transform, discrete Fourier transform, fast Fourier transform (FFT), and applications of the FFT in the area of spectral estimation. Chapters 8 through 10 deal with many other discrete-time transforms and algorithms to compute them. Of these transforms, the KarhunenLoeve, the discrete cosine, and the Walsh-Hadamard transform are perhaps the most well-known. A lucid discussion of number theoretic transforms i5 presented in Chapter 11. This reviewer feels that the authors have done a fine job of compiling the pertinent material and presenting it in a concise and clear manner. There are a number of problems at the end of each chapter, an appreciable number of which are challenging. The authors have included a comprehensive set of references at the end of the book. In brief, this book is a valuable contribution to the general areas of signal processing and communications. It can be used for a graduate level course in perhaps two ways. One would be to cover the first seven chapters in great detail. The other would be to cover the whole book by focussing on different topics in a selective manner. This book by Elliott and Rao is extremely useful to researchers/engineers who are working in the areas of signal processing and communications. It i s also an excellent reference book, and hence a valuable addition to one’s library
Surgical treatment of moyamoya disease in pediatric age.

BACKGROUND Moyamoya is a progressive occlusive cerebrovascular disease which affects the distal internal carotid artery and its main branches, and is characterized, from a clinical point of view, by a variety of ischemic manifestations ranging from transient ischemic attacks (TIA) to stroke. Although considered until recently as almost specific of Japanese population, it can also affect individuals of different origin, and there is an increasing interest for this rare disease in Western medical literature. Nonetheless papers dealing with moyamoya disease in pediatric age are still very rare and almost exclusively limited to isolated case reports. These considerations prompted us to review our experience with the diagnosis and treatment of such unusual disease. METHODS Nine children (seven months to nine years of age) presented with clinical manifestations of occlusive cerebrovascular disease (TIAs or stroke), epilepsy, and/or psychomotor retardation. Neuroradiological investigation, and in particular cerebral angiography, demonstrated the classical pattern of moyamoya disease. Eight of these children underwent cerebral revascularization utilizing the encephalomyosynangiosis (EMS) technique, with a total of 14 operations (six on both sides, two on one side). RESULTS There was no mortality neither major morbidity related to surgery. One patient with renovascular hypertension, died at home approximately six months after a successful operation, probably from cerebral hemorrhage. In all the cases postoperative angiography revealed a marked improvement in cerebral circulation. However, in spite of the apparently normalized cerebral blood flow, clinical manifestations were affected less significantly. In fact, there was only minimal if any improvement in children operated on with an already established hemiplegia; whereas improvement in motor ability was obtained in those presenting with hemiparesis or TIAs, as well as in epilepsy and psychomotor retardation. CONCLUSIONS On the grounds of our results we conclude that cerebral revascularization (by means of a simple operation like the EMS) in children with moyamoya disease is worthwhile, provided that the operation be performed before irreversible cerebral damage is established; however, even under these circumstances the operation can at least stop the progression of the disease.
The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Acentrogobius sp. (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) and phylogenetic studies of Gobiidae

Abstract At present, few morphological descriptions are available for Acentrogobius species and there exist some confused issues on the species classification and phylogeny. In this study, we first determined and described the complete mitochondrial genome of Acentrogobius sp. The complete mitogenome sequence is 17 083 bp in length, containing 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, a putative control region (CR), and a light-strand replication origin (OL). The overall base composition is 28.9% A, 26.2% T, 28.5% C, and 16.4% G, with a slight AT bias (55.1%). To furthermore validate the new determined sequences, phylogenetic trees involving all the Gobiidae species available in GenBank database were constructed. These results are expected to provide useful molecular data for species identification and further phylogenetic studies of Gobiiformes.
Look Away!: A History of the Confederate States of America

Look Away! : A History of the Confederate States of America | 2003 | 0743234995, 9780743234993 | Simon and Schuster, 2003 | 496 pages | William C. Davis | William C. Davis, "one of the best and most prolific historians of the American Civil War" (James M. McPherson, author of Battle Cry of Freedom), offers a definitive portrait of the Confederacy unlike any other. Drawing on decades of writing and research among an unprecedented number of archives, ranging from the 800-odd newspapers in operation during the war to the personal writings of more than 100 leaders and common citizens, Davis reveals the Confederacy through the words of the Confederates themselves. Look Away! recounts all the epic sagas -as well as those little-known and long-forgotten -about a desperate government that socialized the salt industry, rangers and marauders who preyed on their fellow Confederates, and the systematic breakdown of law and order in some states. A dramatic, definitive account of one of our nation's most searing episodes, Look Away! shows us a South divided against itself, unable to stand. file download bovut.pdf
Clinical and laboratory observations in Clostridium difficile colitis.

Pseudomembranous colitis is a severe gastrointestinal disease that was originally described in 1893 ( 1). A variety of risk factors has been identified, but most of the cases reported during the past three decades have been ascribed to antimicrobial agents. Recent studies have identified Clostridium d fficile as the putative agent in the vast majority of cases of antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis. Initial studies employed the hamster model of antibiotic-induced cecitis and the more recent work has applied these observations to the clinical setting. During the course of this work the responsible agent has been detected, the development of a sensitive and specific assay for C. d fJIcile toxin has been developed, and therapeutic trials demonstrating efficacy of oral vancomycin or cholestyramine have been completed. The purpose of the present report is to review some of the recent observations from this laboratory regarding C. d fJIcile and antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis.
Biosimilars: Key regulatory considerations and similarity assessment tools

A biosimilar drug is defined in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance document as a biopharmaceutical that is highly similar to an already licensed biologic product (referred to as the reference product) notwithstanding minor differences in clinically inactive components and for which there are no clinically meaningful differences in purity, potency, and safety between the two products. The development of biosimilars is a challenging, multistep process. Typically, the assessment of similarity involves comprehensive structural and functional characterization throughout the development of the biosimilar in an iterative manner and, if required by the local regulatory authority, an in vivo nonclinical evaluation, all conducted with direct comparison to the reference product. In addition, comparative clinical pharmacology studies are conducted with the reference product. The approval of biosimilars is highly regulated although varied across the globe in terms of nomenclature and the precise criteria for demonstrating similarity. Despite varied regulatory requirements, differences between the proposed biosimilar and the reference product must be supported by strong scientific evidence that these differences are not clinically meaningful. This review discusses the challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies in the development of biosimilars.
Social Capital and Homeless Youth: Influence of Residential Instability on College Access.

This article examines the experiences homeless youth face and the influence of social networks on their education. Using a social capital framework, we analyze the experiences that are different for poor youth in general and those homeless. Data used include interviews with 123 homeless youth and more than 40 policymakers, school counselors, and after-school program coordinators. Youth identified three aspects of their lives that influence network development associated with college access: mobility and stability, meeting basic needs, and anonymity and shame. The temporary nature of their residential stability requires a systemic response by educational institutions.
Two-mode clustering methods: astructuredoverview

In this paper we present a structured overview of methods for two-mode clustering, that is, methods that provide a simultaneous clustering of the rows and columns of a rectangular data matrix. Key structuring principles include the nature of row, column and data clusters and the type of model structure or associated loss function. We illustrate with analyses of symptom data on archetypal psychiatric patients.
Demanda turística internacional por el turismo naturaleza en Costa Rica: Indicadores socio-demográficos y de condición de viaje

espanolEn Costa Rica, la demanda por actividades turisticas exhibe un posicionamiento relativo del turismo naturaleza. La presente investigacion analiza la intencion de demanda del turista internacional por turismo naturaleza, segun variables sociodemograficas y de condicion de viaje. El estudio comprende las modalidades caminata por senderos, visita a volcanes, observacion de flora y fauna, observacion de aves y canopy. Se sustenta en la base de datos del Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT)4, de la Encuesta Aerea del primer trimestre del ano 2007 a turistas no residentes mayores de 18 anos, y que salieron por el aeropuerto Juan Santamaria. Se encontro que las condiciones viajar con familia, en pareja y procedencia del turista, tienen potencial influencia favorable en la intencion de demanda en la mayor parte de esas actividades. Los resultados permiten esbozar una estrategia que orienta las politicas y acciones en materia de turismo naturaleza en el pais. EnglishIn Costa Rica, the demand for tourist activities shows a tendency for nature-based tourism. The present research work analyzes the international demand for this type of tourism according to socio-demographic and travel condition variables. The study includes hiking/trekking, visits to volcanoes, observation of flora and fauna, bird watching and canopy. Data are taken from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), from the Air Survey (Encuesta Aerea) to non-resident tourists over the age of 18 who left from the Juan Santamaria Airport during the first quarter of 2007. The travel variables family group, couple and origin, show a potentially favorable influence on demand for most of these activities. The results obtained allow us to outline a strategy to orientate policies and activities of nature-based tourism in Costa Rica.
Automotive Millimeterwave Radar History and present Status

The possibility to apply millimeterwaves for various applications in the commercial arena has a long history, as the impressive advantages being offered by such systems have been known for more than 3 decades. Furthermore, the necessity of turning their attention away from the military sector towards commercial products has caused more and more companies to look into millimeterwave communications and automotive radar. Advantageously, this was accompanied by the advent of low-cost integration procedures, i.e. Hybrid- and Monolithic-Integration Techniques, respectively, as well as surpassing advances in the area digital signal processing. Thus millimeterwave systems have found an ever increasing interest, due to their specific advantages, as well as the severe shortage of frequencies available for new services. The two most important application areas today are: short-haul transmission links for wireless infrastructure systems at 23, 38 or 58 GHz, a very valuable market already, and automotive radar sensors - simple collision warning devices and intelligent cruise control sensors at 24 and 77 GHz as well - having a very large market potential for the near future.
Treatment of Active Unicameral Bone Cysts with Percutaneous Injection of Demineralized Bone Matrix and Autogenous Bone Marrow

Background: The treatment of unicameral bone cysts varies from open bone-grafting procedures to percutaneous injection of corticosteroids or bone marrow. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of percutaneous injection of a mixture of demineralized bone matrix and autogenous bone marrow for the treatment of simple bone cysts. Methods: Twenty-three patients with an active unicameral bone cyst were treated with trephination and injection of allogeneic demineralized bone matrix and autogenous bone marrow. The patients were followed for an average of fifty months (range, thirty to eighty-one months), at which time pain, function, and radiographic signs of resolution of the cyst were assessed. Results: The average time until the patients had pain relief was five weeks, and the average time until the patients returned to full, unrestricted activities was six weeks. Bone-healing at the site of the injection was first seen radiographically at three to six months. No patient had a pathologic fracture during this early bone-healing stage. Cortical remodeling was seen radiographically by six to nine months, and after one year the response was usually complete, changing very little from then on. Five patients required a second injection because of recurrence of the cyst, and all five had a clinically and radiographically quiescent cyst after an average of thirty-six additional months of follow-up. Seven of the twenty-three patients had incomplete healing manifested by small, persistent radiolucent areas within the original cyst. None of these cysts increased in size or resulted in pain or fracture. Conclusions: Percutaneous injection of allogeneic demineralized bone matrix and autogenous bone marrow is an effective treatment for unicameral bone cysts.
Human resources, mobility and the systems approach to innovation

The papers collected in this volume are part of the OECD National Innovation Systems project, which seeks to explore the possibilities for the quantification of systems approaches to innovation. Systems approaches see innovation as a complex collective phenomenon, characterised by interactions between economic agents in the shaping context of infrastructures and institutions. One persistent area of interest in systems approaches has been the institutions and organisations responsible for education at all levels: it has been strongly argued that the interactions between these institutions and industry, in both their educational and knowledge creation functions, have been fundamental in shaping innovation capabilities and economic performance (see David and Foray, 1995, for an influential statement). The chapters in this volume certainly do not treat all of the research and educational issues that are of interest within the systems approach, although they are focused on a key building block for any system-based or economy-wide attempt to analyse education, skills and attainments. This building block is the indicator and analysis issues that arise in seeking to map the structure of human resources, and the mobility of capabilities via labour markets and other forms of personnel exchange.
Quantitative Immunoassay To Measure Plasma and Intracellular Atazanavir Levels: Analysis of Drug Accumulation in Cultured T Cells

ABSTRACT We have developed an enzyme immunoassay to measure atazanavir (ATV) levels in plasma and cells. Anti-ATV polyclonal antibodies were raised in rabbits by using a synthetic ATV derivative coupled to bovine serum albumin as the immunogen, and the enzyme tracer was prepared by chemically coupling the ATV derivative with acetylcholinesterase. These reagents were used to develop a sensitive competitive enzyme immunoassay performed in microtitration plates, and the lowest limit of quantification was 150 pg/ml, which is about 10 times more sensitive than previously published techniques. The plasma assay was performed, after a simple methanol extraction, with a minimum of 30 μl of plasma. This assay showed good precision and efficiency, since the rates of recovery from human plasma and cell extracts spiked with ATV ranged form 93 to 113%, with coefficients of variation of less than 10%. ATV concentrations were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells incubated with various ATV concentrations and in CEM cells in the absence or presence of antiretroviral drugs and drug transporter inhibitors. The results indicated a dose-dependent uptake (intracellular concentration/extracellular concentration ratio range, 0.04 to 19). A significant increase in the accumulation of ATV was noticed in the presence of P-glycoprotein and MRP1 inhibitors (dipyridamole, inter alia). Interestingly, efavirenz significantly increased the baseline accumulation of ATV, whereas nevirapine induced a marked reduction. This new enzyme immunoassay for measuring plasma and intracellular ATV levels was fully validated and provides an inexpensive and useful tool for routine therapeutic drug monitoring. Moreover, in vitro results suggested the implication of drug transporters and interactions with other antiviral drugs that should be further explored in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.
Using the computed tomography in comparison to the orthogonal radiography based treatment planning in high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy in cervical uteri cancer patients; a single institution feasibility study.

INTRODUCTION Brachytherapy is an integral part in the treatment of cervical uteri cancer patients. Orthogonal treatment planning is the standard mode of calculation based on reference points. Introduction of the innovative 3-D computer based treatment planning allows accurate calculation based on volumetric information as regards the target volume and organs at risk (OAR). Also provide dose volume histogram (DVH) for proper estimation of the dose in relation to the volume. AIM To correlate and compare the information obtained from the two approaches for high dose rate brachytherapy of cervical uteri cancer; the orthogonal conventional method and the computerized tomography (CT) three dimensions (3D) based calculation method in relation to the target and organ at risk (OAR). METHODS From 6 patients of cervical uteri cancer, 21 applications with orthogonal planning using the Brachy Vision treatment planning system version 7.3. 10 were performed. In 10 applications; comparison between orthogonal and CT based planning was done. In orthogonal planning; the dose to point A, rectum and bladder were defined according to the American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) recommendation. From the CT based planning the target volume and dose volume histogram lpar;DVH) were calculated for the clinical target volume (CTV), rectum and bladder. From these two sets, information was obtained and compared and mean values were derived. RESULTS For dose prescription at point A, an average of 63.5% of CTV received the prescribed dose. The mean ICRU dose to the bladder point is 2.9 Gy+/-1.2 SD (Standard Deviation) and 17% of the bladder volume derived from CT was encompassed by 2.9 Gy isodose line. The mean ICRU dose at the rectum point is 3.4 Gy+/-1.2 SD and 21% of the rectum volume from CT was encompassed by 3.4 Gy isodose line. The maximum dose to the rectum and the bladder derived from the CT and compared to the maximal dose at ICRU is 1.7 and 2.8 times higher than the orthogonal reference points; with the corresponding p value of (p=0.53 and p=0.005) for the rectum and the bladder respectively. CONCLUSIONS CT based treatment planning for HDR brachytherapy of cervical uteri cancer is reliable and more accurate in definition and calculation of the dose to the target as well as the critical organs. It allows dose calculation based on the actual volume rather than points or bony landmarks.
What causes differences in achievement in Zimbabwe's secondary schools?

The authors found that students who attended high-fee-paying (trust) schools, elite urban governments schools, and mission schools scored better in mathematics and English achievement than did students in the less-well-endowed government schools and those established by local councils. Much of the variation in the student achievement was attributable to the schools the student attended. Examination results were higher in schools with a high proportion of trained teachers, with a good supply of textbooks, and with a stable faculty (high teacher retention). But once researcher control for these factors, contrary to expectations, some underendowed local council and government schools are more effective at boosting achievement than their counterparts with more resources. So, textbooks and teachers are important in raising achievement, but more research is needed into what characteristics differentiate high-achieving schools from low-achieving schools.
A perceptual computing-based approach for peer assessment

Peer assessment is useful for assessing an individual's contribution in a collaborative learning task. It is commonly used in institutions of higher education as normally each class has a large number of students. Peer assessment allows students to assess their group members' contributions. It also helps the instructor to arrive at an assessment that reflects individual's effort in a collaborative learning task. In this paper, a perceptual computing (Per-C)-based peer assessment procedure is investigated. The assessment adopts vague and imprecise words in the evaluation process. Per-C is selected because it allows uncertainties of words to be considered in the decision making process. A real case study is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the use of Per-C in peer assessment is important.
Deterministic linear prediction methods for blind channel estimation based on dual concept of zero-forcing equalization

This paper investigates a class of second-order blind channel estimation algorithms based on deterministic linear prediction, which includes double-sided as well as forward and backward single-sided, for single input multiple output (SIMO) finite impulse response (FIR) channels. By introducing the dual problem of well-known zero-forcing equalization concept, we first derive a double-sided deterministic linear prediction (D-DLP) algorithm that has, good channel estimation performance with the knowledge of exact channel order. By further exploiting the interference subspace cancellation technique and the triangular block-Toeplitz structure of a portion of the channel filtering matrix (upper-left or lower-right part), we obtain the forward and backward single-sided deterministic linear prediction (FS-DLP and BS-DLP) algorithms that can work in the absence of knowledge of channel order with a cost of relatively poor channel estimate. Moreover, a channel order estimation method is also studied based on results from both FS-DLP and BS-DLP. Simulation examples are finally presented to demonstrate the potential of the proposed methods.