Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Ocean Prediction using Ensemble Kalman Filter Techniques

Abstract : LONG-TERM GOALS. To apply optimal data assimilation techniques to ocean circulation models in order to improve shortrange prediction of mesoscale circulation. OBJECTIVES. The immediate scientific objective of this research project is to develop a data assimilation system, based on ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) techniques, and to apply this system to a realistic eddyresolving ocean circulation model. APPROACH. The basic elements of an ensemble-based data assimilation system include a system for collating and preparing observations, combining observations with a model now-cast, initializing and running an ensemble of forecasts and estimating model and observation errors. Each of these components are currently under development and are being systematically tested on a suite of models ranging from a simple linear model (Evensen 2004), to a small highly non-linear model (Lorenz and Emmanuel 1998), and finally to an idealised and realistic configuration of an ocean general circulation model (MOM4.0; Griffies et al. 2004). Under this project, we have explored the rationale for different ensemble-based assimilation algorithms and techniques; and compared the performance of different filters for a suite of small models (Oke et al. 2006; Sakov et al. 2006). Subsequently, we have developed a new formulation for the EnKF that we refer to as the deterministic EnKF (DEnKF; Sakov and Oke 2006).
A Supervised Text-Independent Speaker Recognition Approach

We provide a supervised speech-independent voice recognition technique in this paper. In the feature extraction stage we propose a mel-cepstral based approach. Our feature vector classification method uses a special nonlinear metric, derived from the Hausdorff distance for sets, and a minimum mean distance classifier. Keywords—Text-independent speaker recognition, mel cepstral analysis, speech feature vector, Hausdorff-based metric, supervised classification.
Probability Distribution Functions for the Random Forced Burgers Equation

Statistical properties of solutions of the random forced Burgers equation have been a subject of intensive studies recently (see Refs. [1–6]). Of particular interest are the asymptotic properties of probability distribution functions associated with velocity gradients and velocity increments. Aside from the fact that such issues are of direct interest to a large number of problems such as the growth of random surfaces [1], it is also hoped that the field-theoretic techniques developed for the Burgers equation will eventually be useful for understanding more complex phenomena such as turbulence. In this paper, we propose a new and direct approach for analyzing the scaling properties of the various distribution functions for the random forced Burgers equation. We will consider the problem
DIFFERENTIALLY PRIVATE DEEP LEARNING WITH TIGHT PRIVACY-COST COMPUTATION

Deep learning has been used in various applications to achieve outstanding results. Yet, massive data collection required for deep learning presents obvious privacy issues. To this end, the popular privacy framework called differential privacy has been recently applied to deep learning to protect data from the adversary. In this paper, we derive the privacy cost of differentially private deep learning. Compared with the recent result of Abadi et al. [1] in ACM CCS 2016, our expression for the privacy cost is tighter (i.e., giving a lower cost), applicable to a broader set of parameters, and more efficient to compute. Index Terms — Differential privacy, deep learning, privacy cost, Gaussian mechanism.
Plucked piezoelectric bimorphs for knee-joint energy harvesting: modelling and experimental validation

The modern drive towards mobility and wireless devices is motivating intensive research in energy harvesting technologies. To reduce the battery burden on people, we propose the adoption of a frequency up-conversion strategy for a new piezoelectric wearable energy harvester. Frequency up-conversion increases efficiency because the piezoelectric devices are permitted to vibrate at resonance even if the input excitation occurs at much lower frequency. Mechanical plucking-based frequency up-conversion is obtained by deflecting the piezoelectric bimorph via a plectrum, then rapidly releasing it so that it can vibrate unhindered; during the following oscillatory cycles, part of the mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy. In order to guide the design of such a harvester, we have modelled with finite element methods the response and power generation of a piezoelectric bimorph while it is plucked. The model permits the analysis of the effects of the speed of deflection as well as the prediction of the energy produced and its dependence on the electrical load. An experimental rig has been set up to observe the response of the bimorph in the harvester. A PZT-5H bimorph was used for the experiments. Measurements of tip velocity, voltage output and energy dissipated across a resistor are reported. Comparisons of the experimental results with the model predictions are very successful and prove the validity of the model.
Expression of Bone F o O Morphogenetic Proteins by Dupuytren ’ s Fibroblasts

Purpose: Dupuytren’s fibroblasts, or myofibroblasts, are the primary cell type in Dupuytren’s disease. Growth factors play a role in the differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts are specialized fibroblasts that display morphologic and biochemical features similar to smooth muscle cells. Cytokines, adhesion molecules, and extracellular matrix components are all thought to play a role in myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Recent research has shown that specific cytokines, such as transforming growth factor 1 (TGF1), can modulate myofibroblast expression. We hypothesize that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play a role in the modulation of Dupuytren’s fibroblasts. Methods: Dupuytren’s fibroblasts and normal palmar fascia fibroblasts (control) were analyzed for messenger RNA expression of BMPs (BMP-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, -8, -9, -10 and -11), their receptors (BMPR-IA, BMPR-IB, and BMPR-II), and their antagonists (follistatin and noggin) by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Western blot analysis and immunostaining also were used to confirm the differential expression of BMP-4. Results: With reverse-transcription PCR the expression profile for normal palmar fascia fibroblasts versus Dupuytren’s fibroblasts was found to show similar expression of BMP-1 and -11; qualitatively decreased expression of BMP-6, BMP-8, BMPR-IA, BMPR-IB, and BMPR-II in Dupuytren’s fibroblasts; and no expression of BMP-4 in Dupuytren’s fibroblasts. There was no expression of BMP-2, -3, -5, -7, -9, and -10 in both the control fibroblasts and Dupuytren’s fibroblasts. In line with the messenger RNA expression pattern BMP-4 was detected in only the control fibroblasts and not in the Dupuytren’s fibroblasts, whereas BMP-8 (chosen for comparison purposes) was detectable in both cell populations. Immunostaining for BMP-8 and BMP-4 confirmed our findings with reverse-transcription PCR and Western blot analysis. Conclusions: This study reports on the expression of BMPs in Dupuytren’s fibroblasts. We characterized the expression of BMPs in both normal palmar fascia fibroblasts and in Dupuytren’s fibroblasts through reverse-transcription PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunostaining. The most significant difference in expression profiles was in the expression of BMP-4; that is, BMP-4 was expressed in the normal fibroblasts but not in the Dupuytren’s fibroblasts. Whether BMP-4 is necessary and/or sufficient for maintaining a normal palmar fascia fibroblast phenotype is not yet known. Further studies are needed to elucidate the exact role of BMPs, and especially BMP-4, in Dupuytren’s fibroblasts. (J Hand Surg 2004;29A:809–814. Copyright © 2004 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)
Comparison of ankle brachial pressure index to arterial doppler USG in the diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease in diabetes mellitus

Background: Peripheral artery disease(PAD) is a major macrovascular complication of diabetes mellitus. Patients with diabetes mellitus have an increased prevalence of PAD. However, due to associated neuropathy, common symptoms such as claudication are often masked and such patients often diagnosed late when limb threatening ischemia has already set in. Arterial colour doppler ultrasonography and ankle brachial pressure index are easy, non- invasive and often underutilised tools for diagnosis of PAD. Methods: In the present study, 100 diabetic patients were enrolled to study the comparison of Ankle Brachial Pressure Index to arterial doppler USG in diagnosis of peripheral artery disease. Results: Colour duplex ultrasonography (CDU) was taken as gold standard. Ankle brachial index (ABI) was compared with it. Sensitivity of ABI was 92.50%, Specificity was 88.33%, Positive Predictive Value was 84.09% and Negative Predictive Value was 94.64% respectively. Conclusions: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is very common in patients with diabetes. ABI is a simple and very sensitive test to detect PAD early in these patients.
Human-oriented Infrastructures for Multi-surface Environments

From offices to public spaces, dynamic multi-surface environments that can leverage the devices that users carry with them are becoming more common. However these environments are often implicit and therefore hard to discover, as are the multi-device interactions that they support. This position paper outlines the challenges that designers of multi-surface environments face to improve service discoverability, to support interactions that leverage users' devices, and to provide software tools to design and develop cross-devices applications.
Integrative medicine approach to colon cancer

1) The GI system (along with other organs such as the lung and cervix) is unique in that it is in direct contact with potential carcinogens, as opposed to internal organs such as the pancreas or liver. As these potential carcinogens are usually part of the diet, it’s logical to suspect that dietary influences have an enormous role in the development of GI malignancies, including colon cancers. It is estimated that as many as 90% of gastric and colorectal tumors could be prevented by dietary interventions (1).
Dry deposition of reactive nitrogen to European ecosystems: a comparison of inferential models across the NitroEurope network

Inferential models have long been used to determine pollutant dry deposition to ecosystems from measurements of air concentrations and as part of national and regional atmospheric chemistry and transport models, and yet models still suffer very large uncertainties. An inferential network of 55 sites throughout Europe for atmospheric reactive nitrogen (N-r) was established in 2007, providing ambient concentrations of gaseous NH3, NO2, HNO3 and HONO and aerosol NH4+ and NO3- as part of the NitroEurope Integrated Project. Network results providing modelled inorganic Nr dry deposition to the 55 monitoring sites are presented, using four existing dry deposition routines, revealing inter-model differences and providing ensemble average deposition estimates. Dry deposition is generally largest over forests in regions with large ambient NH3 concentrations, exceeding 30-40 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1) over parts of the Netherlands and Belgium, while some remote forests in Scandinavia receive less than 2 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1). Turbulent Nr deposition to short vegetation ecosystems is generally smaller than to forests due to reduced turbulent exchange, but also because NH3 inputs to fertilised, agricultural systems are limited by the presence of a substantial NH3 source in the vegetation, leading to periods of emission as well as deposition. Differences between models reach a factor 2-3 and are often greater than differences between monitoring sites. For soluble Nr gases such as NH3 and HNO3, the non-stomatal pathways are responsible for most of the annual uptake over many surfaces, especially the non-agricultural land uses, but parameterisations of the sink strength vary considerably among models. For aerosol NH4+ and NO3-, discrepancies between theoretical models and field flux measurements lead to much uncertainty in dry deposition rates for fine particles (0.1-0.5 mu m). The validation of inferential models at the ecosystem scale is best achieved by comparison with direct long-term micrometeorological Nr flux measurements, but too few such datasets are available, especially for HNO3 and aerosol NH4+ and NO3-.
Artificial Intervertebral Disc Effective : October 1 , 2018

PLEASE NOTE: Contracts exclude from coverage, among other things, services or procedures that are considered investigational or cosmetic. Providers may bill members for services or procedures that are considered investigational or cosmetic. Providers are encouraged to inform members before rendering such services that the members are likely to be financially responsible for the cost of these services.
Reproduction and rapid growth in a deep-sea aplacophoran mollusc, Prochaetoderma yongei

Prochaetoderma yongei, an aplacophoran mollusc with a wide geographic distribution between 450 and 2200 m depth and high densities in the North American Basin, grows to adult size within 2 mo and sexual maturity w i t h 1 yr. Gametogenesis was asynchronous within individuals from a single sled-trawl sample. Periods of increased recruitment and numbers of ripe individuals occur; whether these recurrent periods are irregular or cyclic at regular intervals is not known. Males usually outnumber females in all size classes. The peak class in length-frequency distributions contains individuals less than 1 yr old. Repopulation of a disturbed area by this species may require about a decade. The rapid growth to maturity by P. yongei and its ability to colonize are attributes adapted to transient or disturbed enwonments, but its low egg numbers and lack of synchrony in egg development are not.
of Nutrition Influencing Factors on Iodine Content of Cow Milk-- Manuscript Draft

Purpose Iodine is an essential trace element for humans and animals and it is incorporated into the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which have multiple functions in energy metabolism and growth, but also as transmitter of nervous stimuli and as an important factor for brain development. Because of the small range between iodine requirements and the upper level for humans (between 1 : 2.5-3), the requirements should be met, but excesses should be avoided. One of the most important iodine sources for humans is milk of ruminants. Therefore, various influencing factors on the iodine content of milk of ruminants should be analysed in the paper. Results The iodine content of milk depends on many factors, such as iodine content and level of iodine supplementation of feed, iodine source, iodine antagonists such as glucosinolates in the feed, farm management, teat dipping with iodine containing substances, milk processing in the dairy, etc. The effects of some factors on the iodine content of milk are demonstrated and discussed. Feed iodine supplementation has the main effect on milk iodine. However, the iodine content of milk may vary considerably depending on many other influencing factors. Conclusions As a consequence of preventive consumer protection, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) proposed a reduction of the I-upper level for lactating ruminants from 5 to 2 mg/kg complete feed. Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation Dear Prof. Rechkemmer, dear Dr. Oberreuther-Moschner, Thank you very much for the evaluation of our manuscript and your helpful suggestions for improving the quality. During the last weeks we revised the manuscript taking into account all the remarks given by you and the reviewers. Now we really hope that the revised manuscript is clearly structured and meets all your requirements. Please find our responses to the comments of the reviewers below.
Cardiovascular Diseases among Agro-Allied Company Workers in Nigeria: A Case Control Study

Mortality arising from cardiovascular diseases among the workforce in developing countries has been reported to be about twice as high as the mortality in developed countries and tends to occur much earlier than in the developed countries. A nested case-control study design was employed. The mean age of the respondents was 34 ± 9.7 years. The respondents were mostly males (90.6%), 65.1% were married and 83.1% were of the Yoruba ethnicity. Majority of the respondents (67.3%) were Christians and 83.7% had secondary education and above. Age, marital status, salary grade and religion were statistically associated with CVD status (p < 0.05). Being an office worker, earning the lowest income, being less than 50 years of age were significant predictors of CVD risk factors (p<0.05). Educational and behavioural intervention need to be implemented to encourage adoption of healthy lifestyle so as to reduce the cardiovascular risk factors among workers.
A role for topoisomerase II alpha in the formation of radiation-induced chromatid breaks

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Mapping Biopharmaceutical Innovation and Diffusion: How the Second Translational Block (T2) Shapes Drug Diffusion

In the US, there is a vigorous public debate on the merits of biopharmaceutical innovations and their diffusion. There is virtual unanimity about the importance of maintaining a steady stream of biopharmaceutical innovations, to which patients should have timely access. However, the debate's participants are cognizant that the effects of innovation and diffusion on health outcomes, health care spending, and incentives for future innovation, must be weighed against one another. First, we performed a Medline literature review to map the innovation diffusion process, combining the search terms "in- novation," "diffusion," and "pharmaceutical. " Second, we conducted a survey of 190 physicians to examine their valua- tion of the innovativeness and rate of diffusion of 20 new molecular entities (NMEs). Third, we collected data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Formulary Finder to assess payers' valuation of the innovativeness of the 20 NMEs in question. Based on our literature review, we identified the key stakeholders involved in the innovation diffusion process. Further- more, we highlighted the changing landscape of translational movers and shakers, tracing the emergence of T2 barriers, emanating largely from third party payer formulary management. Our empirical analysis suggests payers are exerting influence on physicians' prescribing decisions, while the role of pa- tients and pharmaceutical firms has diminished somewhat. Payers directly affect prescribing decisions through the use of formularies, and indirectly by funding evidence-based continuing medical education.
Preventing overdose deaths in Europe

The heroin epidemics that spread across Europe in the 1980s resulted in increasing numbers of overdose deaths () among opioid users, which peaked for the first time around the turn of the millennium. A new record number for the countries reporting to the EMCDDA (28 EU Member States, Turkey and Norway) was registered in 2016, with 9 138 overdose deaths. At country level, the most recent data from a number of the countries with relatively robust reporting systems, including Ireland, Lithuania, Sweden and the United Kingdom, show an increase. The 2016 data show an increasing trend for the fourth consecutive year.
Intelligent multimedia surveillance system for safer cities

The demands for Smart City are growing in the context of the rapid urbanization in the world. In the public safety domain, law enforcement agencies are facing new challenges to protect people and properties in the cities, and they are shifting their focus from the traditional crime investigation towards preventive actions that prevent accidents and incidents before it occurs, and inter-agency collaboration that brings the situation under control swiftly when it occurs. In this paper, we discuss new challenges that cities are facing, and describe NEC's solution based on intelligent multimedia surveillance architecture for Safe Cities to tackle these challenges.
Learning to Buy Time : A Data-Driven Model For Avoiding Silence While Task-Related Information Cannot Yet Be Presented

Current dialogue systems typically do not explicitly manage time. Where attempts are made at rectifying this, this is often done with a focus on turn-taking, aiming at making the system take the turn more quickly and naturally. Here we look at another, related phenomenon: what to do when the turn has been taken, but the expected task-related content cannot yet be produced. We implemented a system that can produce what we call “time buying” acts whenever it needs to bridge time until it can present a task-level reply (in our case, flight information). The range of acts and, crucially, the sequencing of these acts (including their temporal placement) are learned from an existing corpus in which such situations were created on purpose. We evaluate this system by letting participants interact with it as well as with two baseline systems: one that only produces one type of act (namely explicitly asking the user to wait) at regular intervals, and another one that produces the full range of acts, but sequenced randomly. We find that participants rate the full system as more human-like than the other systems and that they also report enjoying interacting with it more. We conclude that “buying time” in a natural fashion is possible and beneficial for interaction quality, but only if sequencing constraints found in natural data are reproduced.
Study of load balancing protocols in MANET First

Mobile ad hoc network is a collection of wireless mobile nodes, such devices as PDAs, mobile phones, laptops etc. that are connected over a wireless medium. There is no pre-existing communication infrastructure (no access points, no base stations) and the nodes can freely move and self-organize into a network topology. Such a network can contain two or more nodes. Hence, balancing the load in a MANET is important because the nodes in MANET have limited communication resources such as bandwidth, buffer space, and battery power. Most current routing protocols for mobile Ad-hoc networks consider the shortest path with minimum hop count as optimal route without any consideration of any particular node’s traffic and thus degrading the performance by causing serious problems in mobile node like congestion, power depletion and queuing delay. Therefore it is very attractive to investigate Routing protocols which use a Routing Metric to Balance Load in Ad-hoc networks. This paper discusses various load metric and various load balancing routing protocols for efficient data transmission in MANETs.
L-tone Focus and Word-internal PFC in Kaifeng Mandarin

This investigation examines the effect of prosodic focus on Kaifeng Mandarin L-tone in disyllables through a production experiment involving eight speakers. It is revealed that based on fine-grained acoustic analysis, L-tone focus is characterized by both on-focus pitch range expansion and post-focus compression, along with an increased relative duration and intensity of the host syllable. A pre-L raising effect induced by word-final L focus is also shown to be present. These results may contribute to the cross-linguistic distribution of PFC and provide some insights into our understanding of L-tone focus in general.