Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of CD64 as a potential marker of neonatal sepsis

The aim of this study was to identify a novel immunological indicator useful for the early diagnosis (through a rapid and single determination) of neonatal sepsis (NS). Peripheral blood samples were taken from 63 neonates, who were classified into four groups: proven NS (n = 17); clinical NS (n = 14); disease without infection (n = 17); and healthy newborns (n = 15). Neutrophil expression of CD64, CD43, CD44, CD50, CD62L and Mac‐1, and plasma levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and soluble L‐selectin (sCD62L), were determined. Expression of CD64 was significantly enhanced in the group with proven sepsis and clinical NS compared to newborns without infection (p < 0.05). Eight newborns with proven or clinical sepsis, but only one with disease without infection, showed an increased percentage of CD64+ cells (diagnostic specificity = 96.8%). No significant differences were found in the expression of the other leucocyte differentiation antigens studied. As previously described, TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels were significantly elevated in newborns with proven or clinical sepsis compared to neonates without infection (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that, through a single determination, the enhanced expression of CD64 is a highly specific indicator of NS, although its diagnostic sensitivity is low (25.8%). In contrast, we found that plasma levels of IL‐1β and sCD62L, as well as the expression of Mac‐1, CD43, CD44, CD50, and CD62L, do not appear to be useful for the diagnosis of NS.
Continuous-time high-precision IR-UWB ranging-system in 90 nm CMOS

Precision ranging is a key factor for localization in wireless sensor networks. Most reported ranging solutions are limited by clock frequency or clock synchronization. With the combination of continuous-time binary value (CTBV) technique and the impulse-radio ultra-wideband (IR-UWB) technology, we have a promising approach towards high precision positioning combined with communication. In this paper, we have presented a UWB communication solution with embedded ranging by measuring the symbol round trip time without a common reference clock. A first working clockless UWB ranging transceiver realized in 90 nm CMOS technology with fully integrated digital symbol detection including a running cross-correlator is implemented. Preliminary measured results shows that two transceivers in a master-slave configuration can estimate distance with centimeter precision (≈ 1.4 cm).
Adaptive Neural Network Control of Robotic Manipulators

There has been considerable research interest in neural network control of robots, and satisfactory results have been obtained in solving some of the special issues associated with the problems of robot control in an "on-and-off" fasion. This text is dedicated to issues on adaptive control of robots based on neural networks. The text has been tailored to give a comprehensive study of robot dynamics, present structured network models for robots, and provide systematic approaches for neural network based adaptive controller design for rigid robots, flexible joint robots, and robots in constraint motion. Rigorous proof of the stability properties of adaptive neural network controllers is provided. Simulation examples are also presented to verify the effectiveness of the controllers, and practical implementation issues associated with the controllers are also discussed.
Male sexual behavior and human papillomavirus DNA: key risk factors for cervical cancer in Spain.

BACKGROUND It is now established that certain types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the sexually transmitted agents etiologically linked to cervical cancer. Studies assessing the contribution of the male's sexual behavior and genital HPV DNA status to the risk of development of cervical neoplasia in sexual partners have yielded inconsistent results. PURPOSE This study evaluates the role of men's sexual behavior and the presence of HPV DNA in the penis on the development of cervical cancer in their sexual partners in Spain, a low-risk area for cervical neoplasia. METHODS Husbands (n = 633) of women participating in two case-control studies of cervical neoplasia were interviewed to obtain information on lifestyle habits, including sexual practices. Cytologic samples were taken from the distal urethra and the surface of the glans penis of 183 husbands of case women and of 171 husbands of control women. These samples were analyzed by a polymerase chain reaction-based system using a generic probe and 25 type-specific probes for the detection and typing of HPV DNA. Serologic specimens were also obtained and analyzed for antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis, Treponema pallidum, herpes simplex virus type II, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. RESULTS The presence of HPV DNA in the husbands' penis conveyed a fivefold risk of cervical cancer to their wives (adjusted odds ratio [OR] for HPV DNA positivity = 4.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9-12.6). The risk of cervical cancer was strongly related to HPV type (adjusted OR for HPV type 16 = 9.0; 95% CI = 1.1-77.5), to the husbands' number of extramarital partners (adjusted OR = 11.0; 95% CI = 3.0-40.0; for > or = 21 women versus one), and to the number of prostitutes as extramarital sexual partners (adjusted OR = 8.0; 95% CI = 2.9-22.2; for > or = 10 women versus none). Presence of antibodies to C. trachomatis (adjusted OR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.4-4.6) and an early age at first sexual intercourse of the husband (adjusted OR = 3.2; 95% CI = 1.7-5.9; for < or = 15 years versus > or = 21 years) were also associated with cervical neoplasia in the wife. After adjustment for these variables and for the wife's pack-years of smoking, the husband's smoking was moderately associated with cervical cancer in his wife (adjusted OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.4-4.4; for > or = 26.2 pack-years versus none). CONCLUSIONS The study supports the role of men as vectors of the HPV types that are related to cervical cancer. Life-time number of female sexual partners, number of female prostitutes as sexual partners, and detection of HPV DNA in the penis of husbands are all surrogate markers of exposure to HPV during marriage. IMPLICATIONS Men who report multiple sexual partners or who are carriers of HPV DNA may be vectors of high-risk HPV types and may place their wives at high risk of developing cervical cancer. Prostitutes are an important reservoir of high-risk HPVs.
Increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in Huntington's disease.

CONTEXT Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal hereditary neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor, cognitive, and behavioral disturbances. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction could contribute to a number of HD signs and symptoms; however, no data are available on cortisol diurnal variations and secretory dynamics in HD patients. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to perform a detailed analysis of HPA axis function in HD patients in relation to clinical signs and symptoms. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Twenty-four-hour cortisol secretion was studied in eight early-stage, medication-free HD patients and eight age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched controls in a clinical research laboratory. Cortisol levels were measured every 10 min. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Multiparameter autodeconvolution and cosinor regression were applied to quantify basal, pulsatile, and total cortisol secretion rates as well as diurnal variations in cortisol levels. RESULTS Total cortisol secretion rate and the amplitude of the diurnal cortisol profile were both significantly higher in HD patients compared with controls (3490 +/- 320 vs. 2500 +/- 220 nmol/liter/24 h, P = 0.023; and 111 +/- 14 vs. 64 +/- 8 nmol/liter, P = 0.012, respectively). Cortisol concentrations in patients were particularly increased in the morning and early afternoon period. In HD patients, mean 24-h cortisol levels significantly correlated with total motor score, total functional capacity, as well as body mass index. CONCLUSIONS HPA axis hyperactivity is an early feature of HD and is likely to result from a disturbed central glucocorticoid feedback due to hypothalamic pathology. HPA axis dysfunction may contribute to some signs and symptoms in HD patients.
Using internet technology to deliver a home-based physical activity intervention for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of 2 Internet-based physical activity interventions for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS A total of 160 physically inactive patients with RA who had a computer with Internet access were randomly assigned to an Internet-based physical activity program with individual guidance, a bicycle ergometer, and group contacts (individualized training [IT] group; n = 82) or to an Internet-based program providing only general information on exercises and physical activity (general training [GT] group; n = 78). Outcome measures included quantity of physical activity (questionnaire and activity monitor), functional ability, quality of life, and disease activity (baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months). RESULTS The proportion of physically active patients was significantly greater in the IT than in the GT group at 6 (38% versus 22%) and 9 months (35% versus 11%; both P < 0.05) regarding a moderate intensity level for 30 minutes in succession on at least 5 days a week, and at 6 (35% versus 13%), 9 (40% versus 14%), and 12 months (34% versus 10%; all P < 0.005) regarding a vigorous intensity level for 20 minutes in succession on at least 3 days a week. In general, there were no statistically significant differences regarding changes in physical activity as measured with an activity monitor, functional ability, quality of life, or disease activity. CONCLUSION An Internet-based physical activity intervention with individually tailored supervision, exercise equipment, and group contacts is more effective with respect to the proportion of patients who report meeting physical activity recommendations than an Internet-based program without these additional elements in patients with RA. No differences were found regarding the total amount of physical activity measured with an activity monitor.
Obesity‐Related Hypertension: Pathogenesis, Cardiovascular Risk, and Treatment

In light of the worldwide epidemic of obesity, and in recognition of hypertension as a major factor in the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with obesity, The Obesity Society and the American Society of Hypertension agreed to jointly sponsor a position paper on obesity‐related hypertension to be published jointly in the journals of each society. The purpose is to inform the members of both societies, as well as practicing clinicians, with a timely review of the association between obesity and high blood pressure, the risk that this association entails, and the options for rational, evidenced‐based treatment. The position paper is divided into six sections plus a summary as follows: pathophysiology, epidemiology and cardiovascular risk, the metabolic syndrome, lifestyle management in prevention and treatment, pharmacologic treatment of hypertension in the obese, and the medical and surgical treatment of obesity in obese hypertensive patients.
Serial learning with wild card items by monkeys (Cebus apella): implications for knowledge of ordinal position.

We investigated monkeys' knowledge of the ordinal positions of stimuli that formed a 5-item serial list, ABCDE, by means of wild card items (W) that could substitute for items in the original series. In Experiment 1, training with wild cards was given on 3-, 4-, and 5-item series. In the last of these series, the wild card substitutions created five wild card sequences, WBCDE through ABCDW. During the final 10 sessions of training with each of two different wild cards (Items x and Y), the 3 subjects were able to successfully complete almost 60% of the wild card sequences. In Experiment 2, the two wild cards were presented on the same trial in 10 different double wild card sequences (e.g., AXCDY). The 2 monkey subjects correctly completed about 59% of the double wild card sequences during the final two training sessions. The performance levels achieved on single and on double wild card sequences, although well below that observed on the baseline sequence ABCDE (90% or better), support the view that the monkeys possessed some knowledge regarding the ordinal position of each baseline item. Consequently, an associative chain interpretation, which does not provide for knowledge of ordinal position, falls short as a complete account of the monkey's capacity for serial learning.
Clarithromycin, montelukast, and pentoxifylline combination treatment ameliorates experimental neonatal hyperoxic lung injury

Objective. We aimed to assess the efficiency of clarithromycin, montelukast, and pentoxifylline treatments, alone and in combination, in reducing hyperoxic lung injury at the histopathologic level. Methods. The experiment was carried out with 47 newborn rat pups divided into six groups during postnatal days 3 to 13. The rats belonging to group 1 were designated as the control group and kept in room air without exposure to hyperoxia. Group 2 (clarithromycin), group 3 (montelukast), group 4 (pentoxifylline), group 5 (clarithromycin + montelukast + pentoxifylline combination), and group 6 (placebo) were kept in plexiglass chamber and exposed to hyperoxia (88–92%) throughout the experiment. Alveolar surface area percentage, fibrosis, and smooth muscle actin expression were assessed in the lungs, which were resected by thoracotomy on postnatal day 14. Results. Drug treatments, when used separately, were not detected to be superior to placebo with regard to mean alveolar surface area, fibrosis, and smooth muscle actin expression. Combination treatment resulted in significantly higher mean lung area percentages and lower actin scores with respect to the placebo treatment group (64.0% vs. 50.2%, p=0.002; 0 (0–1) vs. 7 (2–12), p=0.005, respectively). Conclusions. It was determined that clarithromycin, montelukast, and pentoxifylline combination treatment is superior to placebo treatment in the newborn rat hyperoxic lung injury model. The present study indicates that combination therapy might be successful in bronchopulmonary dysplasia, which has complex pathophysiologic processes and lacks established efficient treatment strategies.
Improving Evidence Accumulation Clustering by k Nearest Neighbors

Evidence accumulation clustering (EAC) is a classical and important algorithm for the ensemble clustering problem. In the past decade, many extensions of EAC have been proposed by using different techniques. One of the crucial steps in EAC as well as its extensions is to construct the co-association (CA) matrix, which reflects the local co-occurrence between objects and, however, may suffer from outliers. In this paper, we propose to refine the conventional CA matrix by exploring the k nearest neighbors of each object. The intuition is that two objects should have higher similarity if the neighbors of one object show high similarity to those of another object. Based on the refined CA matrix, we propose an improved evidence accumulation clustering approach with neighborhood awareness. Experiments on six benchmark datasets have shown the effectiveness of our approach.
A Study of the Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Academic Achievement among Student-Teachers PRATIK UPADHYAYA

The present study is an attempt to explore the relationship between emotional intelligence and academic achievement among student-teachers. The Test of Emotional Intelligence of K.S. Misra was used to assess the emotional intelligence of student-teachers and the marks obtained by the student-teachers in theory and practical examination served as an index of academic achievement. The findings of the study revealed that emotional intelligence is positively related to academic achievement (theory & practice) and student-teachers with high emotional intelligence scored better in theory and practical examination than the student-teachers with low emotional intelligence.
Language-independent data set annotation for machine learning-based sentiment analysis

Social media platforms provide large amounts of user-generated text which can be utilized for text-based Sentiment Analysis in order to obtain insights about opinions on many aspects of life. Current approaches that are based on supervised learning require manually annotated data sets that are time-consuming to create and are specific to a single language. In this work, we present an approach to generate ground truth sentiment values for a data set from Twitter. We use a sentiment emoji lexicon and distribute known polarities of hashtags over neighbors in a graph we build on them. This approach is language-independent. Native speakers of five different languages evaluate the accuracy of the sentiment values assigned by our method on a corpus of Tweets. Our experiments show that the quality of our automatically assigned sentiment values is sufficiently high to be used for training of machine learning-based sentiment analysis.
Blind Peak-to-Average Power Ratio Reduction Technique for WiMAX RF Front-end

This paper proposes a new technique for peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) reduction using post-compensation for a RF front-end of OFDM-based transmitters. A clipping function is first applied to the base band input signal in order to optimize the efficiency of the power amplifier (PA). Then a post-compensation technique is used to correct for the clipping in-band and out-of-band noise. The injection of the error signal, computed digitally in base band and transposed to the RF frequency, at the output of the PA allowed the reduction of the error vector magnitude and adjacent channel interference ratio
Plasmodium falciparum malaria vaccines: current status, pitfalls and future directions

Currently, a vaccine against malaria has not yet been licensed. Different approaches have been explored with different immune responses, but neither has fulfilled the criteria for being approved. The most advanced candidate, RTS,S, is undergoing Phase III studies and comprises virus-like particles, liposomes and immunostimulatory molecules. Other strategies are based on the use of polymeric particles, viral vectors or virosomes. Here, the authors have summarized the clinical advances that have been made in the field of Plasmodium falciparum to date, since it is the main causal agent of severe malaria. The best strategies to further develop a vaccine against malaria have also been discussed. In fact, an appropriate formulation should be immunogenic, safe and well tolerated, and as far as possible, avoid the use of needles and require a low number of immunizations. Moreover, issues such as storage, costs and so on, have to be taken into account.
Power minimisation during field programmable gate array placement

This study discusses the implementation of two sets of techniques for minimising power within the context of a commercial field programmable gate array (FPGA) placement flow. The first aspect discussed in this work is a power-aware objective function for placement. In particular, a capacitance model for global nets is described which allows the net power in a design to be dramatically reduced. The second aspect describes augmentations to a physical re-synthesis flow, which help to reduce area and power by optimising the number of combinational and sequential cells. The results are quantified across a suite of 119 industrial benchmarks targeting the Actel® IGLOO™FPGA architecture. Power measurements show that the techniques described in this study reduce dynamic power by 13% on average, with a 6.7% average improvement in timing performance across the suite.
Combined Effects of Smoking and Hypercholesterolemia on the Risk of Stroke and Coronary Heart Disease in Japanese: The Hisayama Study

Background: Cigarette smoking is an established risk factor for stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) in Western countries. However, it is uncertain whether or not smoking raises the risk of stroke in Japanese. We examined the influence of smoking on the development of stroke and CHD and the effects of interactions between smoking and hypercholesterolemia on these outcomes in a general Japanese population. Methods: A total of 2,421 community-dwelling Japanese individuals, aged 40–79 years, with no history of cardiovascular disease, were followed up for 14 years. Results: During the follow-up, 194 total stroke and 112 CHD events occurred. Compared with never smokers, the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios for the occurrence of total stroke were 1.53 (95% confidence interval = 0.90–2.61) in former smokers, 1.90 (1.18–3.06) in current light smokers (<20 cigarettes/day) and 2.01 (1.11–3.65) in current heavy smokers (≧20 cigarettes/day). The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios for the development of CHD were 1.10 (0.56–2.15), 1.88 (1.02–3.47) and 2.31 (1.17–4.57), respectively. In regard to stroke subtypes, current smoking was an independently significant risk factor for ischemic stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Furthermore, the combination of smoking and hypercholesterolemia synergistically increased the risks of total stroke and CHD (all p for interaction <0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that smoking raises the risks of ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage and CHD occurrence in the Japanese population, and that this effect is strengthened by hypercholesterolemia.
Navigation of robotics platform using monocular visual odometry

Precise navigation of mobile robots in unknown areas is common problematic in many research papers. For navigation in outdoor areas Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is typically used. For better position estimation in Europe augmentation satellite system called European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) it is used. In US it is similar system called Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). These systems are not usable in indoor areas because the weak of signal and the low position accuracy. For indoor areas, it is necessary to use an alternative navigation system - independent on satellite navigation. In our research we are focusing on visual odometry using a monocular camera. Advanced image processing methods on camera images to achieved accurate visual odometry are applied.
Rapid Scan Views of Convectively Generated Mesovortices in Sheared Tropical Cyclone Gustav (2002)

Abstract On 9–10 September 2002, multiple mesovortices were captured in great detail by rapid scan visible satellite imagery in subtropical, then later, Tropical Storm Gustav. These mesovortices were observed as low-level cloud swirls while the low-level structure of the storm was exposed due to vertical shearing. They are shown to form most plausibly via vortex tube stretching associated with deep convection; they become decoupled from the convective towers by vertical shear; they are advected with the low-level circulation; finally they initiate new hot towers on their boundaries. Partial evidence of an axisymmetrizing mesovortex and its hypothesized role in the parent vortex spinup is presented. Observations from the mesoscale and synoptic scale are synthesized to provide a multiscale perspective of the intensification of Gustav that occurred on 10 September. The most important large-scale factors were the concurrent relaxation of the 850–200-hPa-deep layer vertical wind shear from 10–15 to 5–10 m s−1 .