Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Broadband Noise Suppression Using a Hybrid Photonic Crystal Power/Ground Plane Substrate

A novel hybrid photonic crystal power/ground layer (H-PCPL) concept is proposed with broadband power noise isolation (or suppression) performance. Two different hybrid approaches are investigated, one is fixed radius but varied pitch for the high-DK disc and the other one is varied radius and pitch for the disc. It is found the first approach can enhance the bandwidth of the noise rejection but can not obtain a continuous and wide stopband because there is an absolute passband between two gaps. However, the second approach can obtain a continuous and wide stopband by mixing two radius of the disc. Gap map of the photonic crystal lattice is employed to synthesize the stopband profile in both approaches. As an example, a wide stopband ranging from 2.8 GHz to 7.9 GHz can be achieved based on two kinds of radius, 2 mm and 1.45 mm, under the same disc pitch 10 mm.
The Association between Perceived Discrimination and Underutilization of Needed Medical and Mental Health Care in a Multi-Ethnic Community Sample

This study examines the association between perceived discrimination and underutilization of needed medical and mental health care, in a representative, multi-ethnic community sample. Data were derived from a cross sectional survey of 10,098 White, U.S.-born Black, African-born Black, American Indian, Hispanic, and Southeast Asian adults in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Even after controlling for socio-demographic characteristics, health care access, and physical and mental health, perceived discrimination was associated with underutilization of medical care among Whites, U.S.-born Blacks, and American Indians and was associated with underutilization of mental health care among Whites, U.S.-born Blacks, Southeast Asians, and American Indians. Correlates of different types of discrimination (major, everyday, health care) on underutilization of care varied among ethnic groups. The higher prevalence of discrimination among racial and ethnic minorities may contribute to their underutilization of health care services. Future research is needed to understand the impacts of different types of discrimination on different groups.
New Method for Fabrication of CSA Doped PANi- ${\rm TiO}_{2}$ Thin-Film Ammonia Sensor

The polyaniline-titanium dioxide (PANi-TiO<sub>2</sub>) nanocomposite was prepared from PANi, and TiO<sub>2</sub>, which were synthesized by oxidative chemical polymerization and sol gel methods, respectively. Nanocomposites of PANi- TiO<sub>2</sub> were doped with Camphor Sulfonic Acid (CSA) with concentrations as high as 50 wt%. The composites obtained (PT CSA) were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The CSA doped PANi-TiO<sub>2</sub> thin-film sensors were prepared by the sol gel spin coating technique. The sensitivity measurements were carried out for ammonia (NH<sub>3</sub>), ethanol (C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>5</sub>-OH), methanol (CH<sub>3</sub>-OH), nitrogen dioxide (NO<sub>2</sub>) and hydrogen sulfide (H<sub>2</sub>S) gases, and it was found that the sensor exhibited selectivity to NH<sub>3</sub>. The effect of varying doping percentage on response to varying NH<sub>3</sub> concentration was also studied. The result showed increasing response of sensor when NH<sub>3</sub> concentration was changed from 20 to 100 ppm. It was also found that, the sensor exhibited smaller response time and larger response magnitude but at the cost of longer recovery time.
18F-Fluorocholine Uptake and Positron Emission Tomography Imaging in Rat Peritoneal Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a debilitating disease that still needs surgery to be confirmed. Endometriosis is associated with increased plasma levels of phosphatidylcholines. 18F-fluorocholine ([18F]FCH) is a radiopharmaceutical that is metabolized to phosphatidylcholine inside the cells and can be traced by positron emission tomography (PET). Here we evaluate [18F]FCH as a potential tool for the noninvasive diagnosis of peritoneal endometriosis. Adult female Wistar rats had autologous uterine fragments dissected and grafted to the peritoneal wall to model peritoneal endometriosis. Ex vivo biodistribution assay and PET imaging studies were performed 30 minutes after [18F]FCH administration. The [18F]FCH uptake was 3-fold higher in endometriotic implant tissues than in muscle or peritoneum. Positron emission tomography imaging revealed the grafted uterine tissue in contrast to surrounding structures. Region-of-interest analysis of the reconstructed images showed higher accumulation of [18F]FCH by endometriotic lesions, 0.34 (0.04)% of injected dose per gram of tissue (ID/g), in comparison with muscle tissue, 0.08 (0.01)% ID/g. However, sham implants with fat tissue were also detectable in PET imaging. These preliminary findings of [18F]FCH uptake by ectopic uterine tissue implants and their localization by PET imaging encourage the future evaluation of this technique to detect small superficial endometriosis lesions in humans. Study protocols need to be further perfected and adapted for tests in women with endometriosis.
Removing thin cloud from remote sensing digital images based on robust kernel regression

This paper suggests a thin cloud removing approach of remote sensing image based on robust kernel regression. Due to the influence of atmosphere condition, cloud cover is one of the most disturbance factors in remote sensing image. So cloud removal is a very important step for improving the quality of the image before making analysis. Because thin cloud is the low frequency component in remote sensing images, thin cloud can be removed efficiently by using the method introduced in this paper.
Joint estimation of state and parameter with maximum likelihood method

Joint estimation of state and parameter is an important branch of adaptive filters. This paper proposes a combined estimator that simultaneously obtains state and parameter estimation given the scenario where the system is not in canonical form. The estimator consists of two parts. The first part is the combination of Robust Kalman filter and a set of maximum likelihood estimators whose unique goals are to produce parameter estimates. The parameter gained from the first part is then used in a standard Kalman filter in order to generate system state estimates. The computational issues are also mitigated. Simulation results show excellent performance of the proposed method.
On the diversity performance of nonregenerative cooperative transmission systems

In this paper we analyze the diversity performance of a general cooperative transmission system equipped with nonregenerative fixed gain relays in flat fading channels. Through outage probability and diversity analysis, we derive the diversity order of a two-hop cooperative transmission system when the relay has an arbitrary fixed gain. It is found that the end-to-end diversity order in such two-hop system is different from that of a nonregenerative system with channel state information (CSI)-assisted relays. Simulation results are provided to verify our analytical results
A design of radix-2 on-line division using LSA organization

This paper presents the application of the Linear Sequential Array (LSA) organization to on-line division. The LSA method was originally developed for conventional digit-recurrence algorithms, but we apply it to the on-line division algorithm. The resulting architecture is a modular and fast pipelined structure which, due to a constant fan-out, makes the critical path delay, and consequently the clock cycle time, less sensitive to operand's precision. Such approach is particularly suitable for FPGA implementation for its modularity and reduced fanout. The basics of on-line division is presented, followed by the derivation of data dependencies and architecture according to the LSA design methodology. Experimental data is provided for both the LSA on-line divider design and standard online design, using 0.5 /spl mu/m CMOS ASIC and FPGA technologies.
Timely Surgical Care for Acute Biliary Disease: An Indication of Quality

I ndex cholecystectomy has been recognized as the standard of care for acute biliary complaints requiring hospital admission. The results of randomized control trials, meta-analyses, and organizational guidelines suggest patients with acute cholecystitis (AC) and gallstone pancreatitis (GSP), without signs of systemic illness, should undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the initial hospital admission. Significant variability exists with respect to adherence to the available guidelines. In a large population based study, de Mestral et al found a 4-fold difference in the odds of undergoing an index cholecystectomy among hospitals, even when considering only young healthy patients with uncomplicated disease. This variation in practice, in the context of strong evidence supporting index cholecystectomy, underscores the need for quality measures to guide an improvement in care. Variation in health care delivery is a well-accepted contributor to higher costs and less efficient care. With respect to acute biliary disease, patients who do not undergo an index cholecystectomy have higher rates of readmission and more emergency room visits. Not only does this represent increased health care resource use, but from a patient perspective it is a surrogate for more symptoms, more time away from work and an overall lower quality of life compared with a patient who had definitive care when in hospital. Importantly, limiting variation is not about practicing ‘‘cookbook medicine,’’ or designed to lay blame for those who practice outside guidelines, but rather it is meant to foster quality improvement and deliver the best patient care possible through efficient use of resources. The first step in reducing variations in practice is deciding an appropriate measure of quality. The chosen measure is then assessed over time to allow benchmarking within and among institutions.
Case Scenario: Anesthetic Considerations for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

potentials; PEEP (cid:1) positive end-expiratory pressure; RLN (cid:1) recurrent laryngeal nerve; SCPP (cid:1) spinal cord perfusion pressure; SSEPs (cid:1) somatosensory-evoked potentials; TRALI (cid:1) transfusion related acute lung injury.
A dialectical examination of nursing art

Literature relevant to the art of nursing is immensely diverse and fragmented. This state is problematic in that progress in understanding nursing art cannot be made until the subject of nursing art is clearly delineated. In light of the need for conceptual clarity regarding nursing art, a dialectical study was undertaken to identify the distinct conceptions of nursing art that are represented in the nursing literature. The examined discourse was that contained in the works of 41 nursing scholars published between 1860 and 1992. The analysis revealed five distinct conceptualizations that can be identified as the art of (1) grasping meaning in patient encounters, (2) establishing a meaningful connection with the patient, (3) skillfully performing nursing activities, (4) rationally determining an appropriate course of nursing action, and (5) morally conducting one's nursing practice.
Lock detector with stable parameters

The purpose of this work is to add one more circuit into the PLL to define the lock condition. New types of PLL lock detectors, the principles of their operation, parametrical comparisons are presented. Presented circuits provide a simple design and independence from supply voltage (analog lock detector) or design automatation (fully digital lock detector).
Mechanism of Action of EDRF on Pressurized Arteries: Effect on K+ Conductance

Experimeats were performed to study the cellular mechanism of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) on vascular smooth muscle. Rat femoral arteries were cannulated and pressurized to 100 mm Hg. Vascular smooth muscle membrane potential (Em) and diameter responses to perfusion with 5times10−6 M acetyicholine (ACh) were measured in vessels precontracted with 5times10−6 M norepinephrine (NE). Hyperpolarization (−35 ± 1.2 to -66 ± 2.0 mV) and dilation were observed during ACh administration. Both responses were abolished on removal of the endothelium with collagenase. A bioassay was developed in which two vessel segments from the same artery were connected in series. The downstream vessel was deendothelialized while the endothelium of the upstream vessel remained intact. The protocol used was the same as in the first set of measurements. Hyperpolarization and dilation were observed in both vessels during ACh perfusion. However, when the direction of the perfusate flow in the bioassay system was reversed so that the deendothelialized vessel was upstream, only the "endothelium-intact" vessel demonstrated vascular smooth muscle hyperpolarization. To examine the ionic mechanism underlying the hyperpolarization presumably by released EDRF, the Em was measured as a function of increasing extracellular potassium ([K+]o). In the presence of ACh (but not NE) the maximum depolarization produced by a decade increase of [K+]o (10- 100 mM) was 50 mV. In the deendothelialized vessel, this depolarization was decreased significantly to 39 mV. Addition to the superfusate of 10 mM tetraethylammonium, a K+ channel blocker, significantly reduced the hyperpolarization caused by ACh-induced EDRF release. In conclusion, this bioassay represents a useful method for measuring the biomechanical and electrophysiological effects of EDRF. In addition, the data obtained using this methodology support the hypothesis that the EDRF-induced hyperpolarization is mediated, at least in part, by an increase in K conductance.
Use of laccase in pulp and paper industry

Laccase, through its versatile mode of action, has the potential to revolutionize the pulping and paper making industry. It not only plays a role in the delignification and brightening of the pulp but has also been described for the removal of the lipophilic extractives responsible for pitch deposition from both wood and nonwood paper pulps. Laccases are capable of improving physical, chemical, as well as mechanical properties of pulp either by forming reactive radicals with lignin or by functionalizing lignocellulosic fibers. Laccases can also target the colored and toxic compounds released as effluents from various industries and render them nontoxic through its polymerization and depolymerization reactions. This article reviews the use of both fungal and bacterial laccases in improving pulp properties and bioremediation of pulp and paper mill effluents. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 2012
Agomelatine in treating generalized anxiety disorder

Introduction: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic and disabling disorder with a lifetime prevalence of 4.3 – 5.9% in the general population. Many drug and non-drug treatments have been shown to be effective in the treatment of GAD, including benzodiazepines, antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants), anticonvulsants, azapirones, antihistamines, atypical antipsychotics, complementary/alternative medicine, psychotherapy and Internet-based services. Agomelatine is an antidepressant approved by the European Agency; it is a melatonergic agonist (MT1 and MT2 receptors) and a 5-HT2C antagonist indicated in the treatment of major depressive episodes. Areas covered: The present article looks at the short-term efficacy of Agomelatine assessed in two short-term placebo-controlled studies. It also looks at the long-term efficacy evaluated in one relapse prevention study. Expert opinion: Agomelatine is an effective treatment option for both GAD and somatic anxiety. The trial, which includes an escitalopram arm, shows comparable efficacy in GAD between both antidepressants, whereas the restoration of sleep was significantly better with agomelatine. The low discontinuation rate illustrates the good tolerability and lab results show a low incidence of transient elevations in liver enzymes. Whereas uptitrated patients on a 50 mg dose have a lower chance of reaching the desired outcome than the lower 25 mg dose, those reaching this outcome have a better chance of treatment continuation.
Examining the hierarchical factor structure of the SF-36 Taiwan version by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.

RATIONALE The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure of the Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 Taiwan version (SF-36 Taiwan version) using data from the 2001 National Health Interview Survey in Taiwan. METHOD The 2001 National Health Interview Survey was conducted by stratified multistage systematic sampling, resulting in 19,777 valid responses for the SF-36 Taiwan version. In this study, the 19,777 participants were randomly divided into two independent samples. One sample (n = 9856) was used for exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and the other (n = 9921) was used for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). RESULTS The EFA suggested a seven-first-order-factor structure for the SF-36 Taiwan version. In addition, hierarchical EFA revealed that there was only one second-order factor underlying the seven first-order factors. Further, CFA was conducted on the other sample to compare the performances of the original model with eight first-order factors and two second-order factors, and the revised model with seven first-order factors and one second-order factor. The CFA results revealed that the original model was better than the revised model. CONCLUSION According to the EFA and CFA, it can be concluded that the original structure is still acceptable for the SF-36 Taiwan version.
Adjusted Exponentially Tilted Likelihood with Applications to Brain Morphology

Summary In this article, we develop a nonparametric method, called adjusted exponentially tilted (ET) likelihood, and apply it to the analysis of morphometric measures. The adjusted exponential tilting estimator is shown to have the same first‐order asymptotic properties as that of the original ET likelihood. The adjusted ET likelihood ratio statistic is applied to test linear hypotheses of unknown parameters, such as the associations of brain measures (e.g., cortical and subcortical surfaces) with covariates of interest, such as age, gender, and gene. Simulation studies show that the adjusted exponential tilted likelihood ratio statistic performs as well as the t‐test when the imaging data are symmetrically distributed, while it is superior when the imaging data have skewed distribution. We demonstrate the application of our new statistical methods to the detection of statistically significant differences in the morphology of the hippocampus between two schizophrenia groups and healthy subjects.
Etnomatemática: eje central de la recuperación de saberes matemáticos. Experiencia de América latina y retos para Costa Rica

El presente articulo recopila la experiencia de expertos en la etnomatematica, de un grupo de discusion en RELME 27. Sus cuestionamientos se fundamentan, en la etnomatematica y el impacto de esta en el curriculo escolar. Se toma en cuenta las caracteristicas sociales del sistema educativo latinoamericano, los objetivos de desarrollo del milenio y el impacto de ambos, sobre la educacion matematica de los pueblos originarios. Se plantean retos futuros y una vision sobre la recuperacion de los saberes matematicos. Metodologicamente se sustenta como una investigacion de enfoque cualitativo, con diseno de teoria fundamental, donde sus datos se analizan por codificacion abierta axial.
Active Minimization of Acoustic Energy Density to Attenuate Radiated Noise from Enclosures

The noise produced by mechanical equipment can be an annoyance as well as a health and safety concern. One application where noise reduction has become important is in diesel power generators. Two methods for the reduction of noise exist: passive and active noise control. In this project active noise control (ANC) is applied to the problem of noise radiating from diesel generator enclosures. The purpose of this research is to show that the active minimization of energy density within an enclosure can lead to a global reduction of the externally radiated noise. Two underlying questions will be answered in this research. Can the noise radiated from a diesel generator enclosure be effectively controlled by minimizing the energy density within? If so, does controlling the noise within the enclosure provide a global reduction? Tests using a filtered-x LMS based adaptive ANC algorithm modified to minimize energy density (ED) have been conducted. These results show that A-weighted sound pressure levels (SPL) outside of a generator enclosure can be reduced by minimizing energy density within. Introduction ANC is achieved by generating sound which destructively interferes with an unwanted noise field to provide cancellation. It can be accomplished using feedback control, feedforward control, or a combination of the two. Feedback active control systems use a filtered and inverted output signal summed with the input signal to reduce noise. When these input and output signals add destructively, then feedback control is achieved. Feedforward control uses a reference signal to anticipate the noise at some point in space. This reference signal is used to generate a control signal that is produced 180o out of phase with the disturbance, thus canceling unwanted noise.
Robust identification of lightly damped flexible structures by means of orthonormal bases

We consider the problem of robust identification of lightly damped flexible structures by means of a family of orthonormal basis functions, in order to model the dynamics of this kind of systems in a certain frequency range of interest. It is possible in this way to reduce conservativeness of the identification process. We propose a method to generate the orthonormal bases that is based on the cascade of balanced state-space realizations of all-pass filters, and develop for this case a less conservative explicit worst case error bounds. We present an application of this method to both simulated and experimental frequency response data.
The distribution of conduction velocities (DCV) in peripheral nerves: A review

Recent advances in digital signal processing have permitted the development of clinically relevant, noninvasive, computer‐based methods for estimating the distribution of conduction velocities (DCV) in motor, sensory, and mixed populations of large myelinated nerve fibers. All currently available methods incorporate explicit and implicit assumptions about the nature of the unit impulses under study. Preliminary investigations using DCV methods have clarified some issues concerning conduction of impulses in the different fiber subpopulations of normal and diseased human nerves. In the presence of severe nerve disease, DCV analysis is usually either impractical or superfluous; additional studies are needed to define its range of clinical applicability. Extension of this technology to clinical analysis of small myelinated and unmyelinated fiber populations will require improvements in the techniques of nerve stimulation and recording.