Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Source Enumeration Method Combining Gerschgorin Circle Transform and Generalized Bayesian Information Criterion in Large-scale Antenna Array

─ A new source enumeration method based on gerschgorin circle transform and generalized Bayesian information criterion is devised, for the case that the antenna array observed signals are overlapped with spatial colored noise, and the number of antennas compared with that of snapshots meet the requirement of general asymptotic regime. Firstly, the sample covariance matrix of the observed signals is calculated, and then gerschgorin circle transformation is carried out on the sample covariance matrix. With the help of the more obvious distinction between the transformed signal gerschgorin circle radius and the noise gerschgorin circle radius, the observation statistic used to establish the likelihood function of the information theoretic criterion is constructed, by using the estimated values of the transformed sample covariance matrix’s eigenvalues, and according to the idea of corrected Rao’s score test, the observed statistics used to establish the likelihood function of the ITC are constructed. Based on the statistics, the source number is estimated by employing the generalized Bayesian information criterion (GBIC). The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by experiments. Compared with the information theoretic criterion (ITC) methods and gerschgorin circle method (GDE), in Gaussian white noise, at the time M/N ≥ 1, that is the relationship between the number of antennas and that of snapshots meets the requirement of the general asymptotic regime, the proposed method can accurately estimate the source number with 100% probability, the other methods failed. Compared with the ITC methods based on eigenvalue diagonal loading and GDE, in colored noise, at the time M/N ≥ 1, the proposed method can accurately estimate the source number with 100% probability, the other methods failed. Compared with the methods based on random matrix theory, in colored noise, the proposed method can estimate the source number with 100% probability, but the estimation of other methods failed. The proposed method has wide applicability, in terms of the relationship between the numbers of antennas and snapshots, it is suitable for both general asymptotic regime and classical asymptotic system, and in terms of noise characteristics, it is suitable for both Gaussian white noise environment and colored noise environment. Index Terms ─ Colored noise, corrected Rao’s score test, general asymptotic regime, Gerschgorin circle transform, source enumeration.
Optimization-Based Planning for Autonomous Traversal of Obstacles with Mobile Ground Robots

Mobile robotic platforms which are traversing unstructured environments with challenging uneven terrain are permanently endangered of falling over. Previous research on trajectory planning methods for the prevention of vehicle tip-over is mostly limited to basic mobility systems with only few degrees of freedom (DOF). This paper proposes a novel optimization-based planning approach that enables mobile robots to autonomously traverse obstacles and rough terrain more safely. A 3D world model as provided from external sensors like Lidar is used to compute a whole-body motion plan in advance by optimizing the trajectories of each joint. Active ﬂipper tracks maximize ground contact for improved traction and, if available, manipulator arm joints are used to further improve stability metrics. Additional constraints prevent collisions with the environment and the robot itself. The presented approach makes only few assumptions about the robot’s conﬁguration and is applicable to a wide range of wheeled or tracked platforms. This is demonstrated by experimental evaluation for two different robots in simulation and for one physical robot. In four different test scenarios it is shown, that the proposed approach effectively prevents vehicle tip-over during traversal of uneven ground.
Efeito protetor de produtos naturais sobre o dano hepático induzido pelo paracetamol

As plantas e os extratos vegetais apresentam grande relevância para o tratamento de diversas enfermidades, sendo cada vez maior o interesse da populacao e da comunidade cientifica em alimentos que contenham compostos bioativos (polifenois e antocianinas), os quais apresentam propriedades antioxidantes, capazes de combater o estresse oxidativo. Estas substâncias estao relacionadas com efeitos beneficos ao organismo, contribuindo para uma continua melhoria da saude, incluindo retardo do envelhecimento e prevencao de diversas patologias. As doencas hepaticas sao consideradas um problema de saude publica em todo o mundo, com alta endemicidade, principalmente nos paises em desenvolvimento. As lesoes geralmente sao causadas por produtos quimicos e farmacos que quando utilizados demasiadamente, sem o devido controle, resultam no aumento de especies reativas de oxigenio (EROs), causando danos ao organismo. Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar, junto aos principais bancos de dados, o uso de produtos naturais que apresentam atividade hepatoprotetora e antioxidante frente ao dano hepatico induzido pelo paracetamol, o principal farmaco analgesico utilizado no Brasil. Os resultados evidenciaram que 17 especies de plantas apresentaram atividade antioxidante e hepatoprotetora frente ao dano hepatico induzido pelo paracetamol, representando fontes alternativas para o tratamento de diversas patologias relacionadas ao dano oxidativo.
Longitudinal assessment of patient dependence in Alzheimer disease.

BACKGROUND The Dependence Scale measures the amount of assistance patients with dementia require in performing daily activities. Validity and reliability of this scale have been demonstrated, but the progression throughout long periods in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) has not previously been examined. OBJECTIVE To determine the longitudinal course of patient dependence in a cohort of prospectively followed AD patients. METHODS Two hundred thirty AD patients enrolled in the Predictors Study were followed up prospectively at 6-month intervals for an average of 6.5 visits. The Dependence Scale was administered to a caregiver, and patients were assessed with the modified Mini-Mental State Examination (mMMSE) and the Blessed Dementia Rating Scale. Dependence level and the additive sum of the Dependence Scale items were considered for analysis. RESULTS Generalized estimating equations to regression analyses were used to determine that both Dependence Scale scores and dependence level significantly decline with time. By covarying mMMSE scores and self-care deficits factor scores of the Blessed Dementia Rating Scale, generalized estimating equations analysis also demonstrated that change in patient dependence was independent of global cognitive decline and other measures of activities of daily living, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the validity of the Dependence Scale and demonstrated that dependency in AD significantly declines with time independent of global cognition and other self-care deficits. The scale is a valuable instrument for outcomes research, efficacy trials, and behavioral research in AD.
Renouer avec le sujet dans le champ de la santé : proposition théorique pour un soin fondé sur l'expérience vécue

Domine par un paradigme bio-mecaniste, les systemes de sante occidentaux souffrent d’un grand nombre de problemes. L’un d’entre eux consiste tout particulierement en un manque de consideration de l’experience vecue et de toute la complexite et l’epaisseur de sens qui la caracterisent. Evoquant alors ces problemes, nous soulignons dans ce texte l’importance de plonger dans le vecu du sujet soigne, et de changer de point de vue sur son mal. A l’aide de quelques reflexions empruntees a Georges Canguilhem nous defendons ce point et proposons ensuite de nous inscrire dans une approche socio-phenomenologique inspiree des travaux d’Alfred Schutz afin d’elaborer une lecture qui puisse nous permettre de saisir les experiences vecues. Nous rehabilitons ainsi le sujet dans un prendre-soin a travers ses rapports au corps, au temps, aux autres et a l’espace, et a partir de referents identitaires qui donnent sens a son existence. L’ensemble de cette reflexion consiste en un essai de theorisation sur le prendre-soin qui va dans le sens de la collaboration professionnelle et de l’interdisciplinarite, et qui n’ignore pas la pratique concrete d’acteurs et de professionnels soucieux de personnes preoccupees par leur existence.
Local privatization, intermunicipal cooperation, transaction costs and political interests: Evidence from Spain

Several empirical studies have analyzed the factors that influence local privatization. Variables related to fiscal stress, cost reduction, political processes and ideological attitudes are the most common explanatory variables used in these studies. In this paper, we add to this literature by examining the influence of transaction costs and political factors on local governments’ choices through new variables. In addition to this, we consider the role of additional aspects, such as intermunicipal cooperation as a potential alternative to privatization in order to exploit scale economies or scope economies. We consider two relevant services: solid waste collection and water distribution. Results from our estimates show that privatization (that is, contracting out to a private firm) is less common for water distribution than for solid waste collection. Higher transaction costs in water distribution are consistent with this finding. Furthermore, we find that municipalities with a conservative ruling party privatize more often regardless of the ideological orientation of the constituency. This shows that those political interests able to influence local elections are more important in determining the form of delivery than is the basic ideological stance of the constituency. Finally, we find that intermunicipal cooperation is an alternative to local privatization.
Apoptotic insults to human HepG2 cells induced by S-(+)-ketamine occurs through activation of a Bax-mitochondria-caspase protease pathway.

BACKGROUND Ketamine is widely used as an i.v. anaesthetic agent and as a drug of abuse. Hepatocytes contribute to the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous substances. This study evaluated the toxic effects of S-(+)-ketamine and possible mechanisms using human hepatoma HepG2 cells as the experimental model. METHODS HepG2 cells were exposed to S-(+)-ketamine. Cell viability and the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GPT) were measured to determine the toxicity of S-(+)-ketamine to HepG2 cells. Cell morphology, DNA fragmentation, and apoptotic cells were analysed to evaluate the mechanism of S-(+)-ketamine-induced cell death. Amounts of Bax, an apoptotic protein, and cytochrome c in the cytoplasm or mitochondria were quantified by immunoblotting. Cellular adenosine triphosphate levels were analysed using a bioluminescence assay. Caspases-3, -9, and -6 were measured fluorometrically. RESULTS Exposure of HepG2 cells to S-(+)-ketamine increased the release of LDH and GPT, but decreased cell viability (all P<0.01). S-(+)-Ketamine time-dependently caused shrinkage of HepG2 cells. Exposure to S-(+)-ketamine led to significant DNA fragmentation and cell apoptosis (P=0.003 and 0.002). S-(+)-Ketamine increased translocation of Bax from the cytoplasm to mitochondria, but decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential and cellular adenosine triphosphate levels (all P<0.01). Sequentially, cytosolic cytochrome c levels and activities of caspases-9, -3, and -6 were augmented after S-(+)-ketamine administration (all P<0.001). Z-VEID-FMK, an inhibitor of caspase-6, alleviated the S-(+)-ketamine-induced augmentation of caspase-6 activity, DNA fragmentation, and cell apoptosis (all P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study shows that S-(+)-ketamine can induce apoptotic insults to human HepG2 cells via a Bax-mitochondria-caspase protease pathway. Thus, we suggest that S-(+)-ketamine at a clinically relevant or an abused concentration may induce liver dysfunction possibly due to its toxicity to hepatocytes.
An Evidence‐Based Analysis of the Management of Localized Prostate Cancer

PURPOSEPatients with localized prostate cancer and their doctors face complex trade-offs when deciding on treatment. In this study, we modify the “number needed to treat” method to compare radical prostatectomy with radiotherapy. METHODSA MEDLINE search was performed to identify all studies of radical protatectomy or radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Number needed to treat formulas were modified to account for not only survival but also for complications and their utilities. RESULTSThe unadjusted number needed to treat value for overall survival was 6 favoring prostatectomy (six patients have to undergo prostatectomy to have one more 10-year survivor than if they had undergone radiotherapy). Radiotherapy patients were 4 years older than prostatectomy patients. Because overall survival is strongly linked to patients' age and overall health, the numbers needed to treat for disease-specific and distant metastasis-free survival were analyzed to minimize patient selection bias. The unadjusted number needed to treat values for disease-specific and distant metastasis-free survival were 14 and 18, respectively. When number needed to treat is adjusted for complications and utilities, its value for overall survival is 14, disease-specific survival is -25, and distant metastasis free survival is -22, these last two favoring radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONSUtility-adjusted numbers needed to treat for prostatectomy and radiotherapy are greatly influenced by the likelihood of complications and the utility loss ascribed to them. When literature-reported values are used, radiotherapy is superior, but the differences in outcomes are small. With prostate-specific antigen screening and refined treatment methods, these values will change, and the modified number needed to treat can be used to evaluate, report and compare results. The consequences of treatment in terms of both survival and quality of life determine patient choice and physician recommendations.
School Children Dental Health , Dental Fear and Anxiety in relation to their Parents ’ Dental Anxiety : Comparative Study

The aims of the study were to assess children oral health risk, and their dental hygiene practices, discovering children's dental fear and anxiety, understanding children's coping mechanisms, and investigate the relationship between parental dental anxiety and their children dental fear and anxiety. Research design: A comparative cross-sectional study was used to complete this study. Setting: The study was conducted at three primary governmental schools which affiliated to the ministry of education one in Egypt (Zagazig city) and two in Saudi Arabia (Bisha city). Sample: Two hundred child aged (7-12 years and above) and their parents were included in the study from Saudi Arabia and Egypt who fulfilled the selected criteria. Tools: 1) A questionnaire sheet was used to collect the study data included socio-demographic data and oral health risk assessment tool and dental hygiene practices, 2) Dental Subscale of the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule (CFSS-DS), 3) Dental Cope Questionnaire (DCQ), and 4) Corah Dental Anxiety Questionnaire (CDAS). The study results indicated that 20% and 41% of Saudi and Egyptian children were at high oral risk, and satisfactory dental hygiene practices found in 25% of Egyptian children compared to 55% of Saudi children. 70% of Saudi and 89% of Egyptian children used less destructive coping strategies and this difference was highly statistically significant. Egyptian parents dental anxiety was highly positively correlated with child dental fear and child dental anxiety (p<.01). The study findings concluded that 50% and 37% of Saudi and Egyptian children respectively had moderate oral health risk. Significant difference was seen in the dental hygiene practices among both groups. The anxiety level of parents in the two groups was significantly different and so, influence the anxiety levels and coping strategy of their children. The study recommended that the role of both school health nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner should be activated to provide oral health screening, early risk assessment, and preventive services as well as appropriate referrals to children who are at the highest risk for childhood caries, also enhancing practices of palliative measures to decrease children’s anxiety and make them feel relaxed enough to cope with treatment ,and conducting health education programs at schools regarding dental hygiene and tooth brushing to enhance children dental health.
Expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in Splenic Dendritic Cells and Their Serum Levels in Mouse Sparganosis

Sparganosis is a tissue invading helminthiasis infecting intermediate hosts, including humans. Strong immune responses are expected to occur in early phases of infection. Thus, we investigated cytokine expressions in splenic dendritic cells and in sera after experimental infection of mice. In splenic dendritic cells, TNF-α and IL-1β expression peaked at week 1 and week 3 post-infection (PI), respectively, and also early phase (week 2 PI) depressed cytokine expression was noticed. Serum IL-1β concentration increased significantly at week 2 PI and peaked at week 6 PI, and that of TNF-α peaked at week 6 PI. These results showed that pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β, are chronologically regulated in mouse sparganosis.
Intrinsic Mechanism of Drain-Lag and Current Collapse in GaN-Based HEMTs

The intrinsic mechanism of drain-lag and current collapse in GaN-based high-electron-mobility-transistors are studied by using two-dimensional transient simulations. The simulated drain-lag characteristics are in good agreement with the reported experimental data. Dynamic pictures of trapping of hot electron under drain-pulse voltages are discussed in detail. The trapped charges may accumulate at gate edge drain side, where the electric field significantly changes, causing a notable current collapse. Quantum-well HEMT structures have been proposed and demonstrated to obtain the optimized performance.
Epidemiology and outcome of invasive fungal infections in solid organ transplant recipients

D. Neofytos, J.A. Fishman, D. Horn, E. Anaissie, C. ‐H. Chang, A. Olyaei, M. Pfaller, W.J. Steinbach, K.M. Webster, K.A. Marr. Epidemiology and outcome of invasive fungal infections in solid organ transplant recipients. Transpl Infect Dis 2010: 12: 220–229. All rights reserved
Local Adaptation Strategies of a Coastal Community during Cyclone Sidr and their Vulnerability Analysis for Sustainable Disaster Mitigation Planning in Bangladesh

Social vulnerability to disasters refers to the inability of a society and it's people to withstand adverse impacts from multiple stresses to which they are exposed. Using a combination of geographical and social research methods, this paper examines the people's (re)action and responses during cyclone Sidr 2007 at Baniasanta union of Dacope Upazila in Bangladesh. Finding shows that their adopted strategies to cope with cyclone address their vulnerability and it is necessary to integrate their local wisdom of living with unnatural situation into the future planning and development process of the coastal belt. Accordingly, the plans and development should not only be necessity, but also be accepted by the local community.
On a Supposed Dogma of Speech Perception Research: A Response to Appelbaum (1999)

In this paper we purport to qualify the claim, advanced by Appelbaum (1999) that speech perception research, in the last 70 years or so, has endorsed a view on the nature of speech for which no evidence can be adduced and which has resisted falsification through active ad hoc “theoretical repair” carried by speech scientists. We show that the author’s qualms on the putative dogmatic status of speech research are utterly unwarranted, if not misconstrued as a whole. On more general grounds, the present article can be understood as a work on the rather underdeveloped area of the philosophy and history of Linguistics.
Research on the correlation between micro force stimulation and sEMG signals

With the development in the fields of neurophysiology, clinical diagnosis of muscular degenerative diseases and medical rehabilitation, the electrophysiological reactions of muscles stimulated by micro-force have drawn the attention of scholars both at home and abroad. This paper proposes a new type of vibrotactile device, which can produce micro-stimulating force with variable magnitude, adjustable stimulation depth and presettable frequency. After the micro-stimulating force was applied on the abdominal point of the test finger of the subject, by detecting the surface electromyography(sEMG) signal of the corresponding finger extensor muscle by means of sEMG sensor, perceiving the magnitude of stimulating force by means of force sensor, detecting of surface micro-force stimulation depth by means of infrared sensor, then the effect of micro-stimulating force with different parameters applied on muscle could be explored. And so, reasonable stimulus parameters could be selected in tactile stimulation experiment. This laid the foundation of exploring the mechanisms of mechanical vibration parameters and the subjects' fatigue degree in future studies.
Distribution and repeatability of nematode faecal egg counts in dairy goats: a farm survey and implications for worm control.

The aims of this study were to characterise trichostrongyle egg excretion in dairy goat flocks under various epidemiological conditions, and to assess the relative importance of animals in their first lactation and goats with high levels of milk production on the total egg output of the flock. The repeatability of egg excretion was estimated on 4 different dates in 14 dairy goat farms in France. Egg outputs were positively skewed on most farms suggesting an aggregated distribution of parasites. Within-year repeatability coefficients ranged from 0.29 to 0.82 suggesting that, on most farms, animals with high egg excretion on one occasion are likely to show high rates of excretion on other occasions. Comparisons of egg outputs from the selected subgroups showed that the high producing goats contributed prominently to egg excretion, particularly at times of peak parasitism. Results from goats in their first lactation were more equivocal. These results provide a rationale for anthelmintic strategies in dairy goats based on phenotypic characters.
Output-Feedback Control for Chaos Suppression on P-Class Systems: A Comparative Study

A comparative study of four output-feedback controllers that suppress chaos in a class of chaotic systems is presented. In this study an adaptive observer for a class of state affine systems is designed in order to estimate the unmeasurable state and to identify the unknown parameter in the system. Moreover, using the sliding-mode method, back-stepping and feedback linearization techniques, three control laws are designed, which use the proposed adaptive observer scheme, in order to suppress the chaos. On the other hand, an other adaptive observed-based feedback control with low-order parametrization is considered. Simulations results are given in order to illustrate the performance of each scheme