Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A 2.71 nJ/Pixel Gaze-Activated Object Recognition System for Low-Power Mobile Smart Glasses

A low-power object recognition (OR) system with intuitive gaze user interface (UI) is proposed for battery-powered smart glasses. For low-power gaze UI, we propose a low-power single-chip gaze estimation sensor, called gaze image sensor (GIS). In GIS, a novel column-parallel pupil edge detection circuit (PEDC) with new pupil edge detection algorithm XY pupil detection (XY-PD) is proposed which results in 2.9× power reduction with 16× larger resolution compared to previous work. Also, a logarithmic SIMD processor is proposed for robust pupil center estimation, (1 pixel error, with low-power floating-point implementation. For OR, low-power multicore OR processor (ORP) is implemented. In ORP, task-level pipeline with keypoint-level scoring is proposed to reduce the number of cores as well as the operating frequency of keypoint-matching processor (KMP) for low-power consumption. Also, dual-mode convolutional neural network processor (CNNP) is designed for fast tile selection without external memory accesses. In addition, a pipelined descriptor generation processor (DGP) with LUT-based nonlinear operation is newly proposed for low-power OR. Lastly, dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) for dynamic power reduction in ORP is applied. Combining both of the GIS and ORP fabricated in 65 nm CMOS logic process, only 75 mW average power consumption is achieved with real-time OR performance, which is 1.2× and 4.4× lower power than the previously published work.
Les temps de l'industrie et les temps de l'agriculture. Logique d'une analyse régionale de la proto-industrialisation

C'est a l'interieur de la region que se trouvaient reunis les principaux ingredients de l'industrialisation lors de ses debuts. En effet, la region etait l'espace dans lequel les rythmes propres a l'agriculture et a l'industrie pouvaient s'enchevetrer dans la mesure ou le travail industriel venait s'intercaler dans le cycle saisonnier exige par ia production agricole. Ainsi, la coexistence au sein d'une region de zones contrastees possedant des equilibres ecologiques differents etait mutuellement profitable. En ce qui concerne le developpement economique, c'etait un equilibre intra-regional entre petite et grande agriculture, entre industrie et agriculture, entre fortes et faibles densites demographiques, et entre ville et campagne, qui offrait les meilleures chances de succes.
Relevance of C-reactive protein levels in peritoneal dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are increased in 30 to 50% of dialysis patients and predict cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It is usually considered that raised CRP levels reflect underlying atherosclerosis. However, many patients may have clinically apparent cardiovascular disease without raised CRP levels. This study was designed to assess both the risk factors for high CRP levels and the usefulness of the test as a marker of clinically apparent coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and the presence of ongoing infections/inflammatory disorders (INF-INFL) in peritoneal dialysis patients. METHODS A chart review of 190 prevalent peritoneal dialysis patients was performed. CRP, albumin, ferritin, erythropoietin (EPO) dose and resistance, Kt/V, and residual renal function values were obtained and a history or presence of cardiovascular disease (CAD, PVD) and presence of INF-INFL recorded. Data were analyzed by Chi-square, Spearman correlation and logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 31% of patients had a raised CRP. INF-INFL was highly predictive of raised CRP levels (OR 16.97; 95% CI 5.41 to 53.14, P=0.000), whereas CAD and PVD either singly or in combination had no such association. The sensitivity/specificity for CRP as a test for INF-INFL was 83/77%. For CAD and PVD, the sensitivities were less than 40% and specificities 70%. Increased CRP values were more common in females but not in diabetics. Weak linear correlations existed between CRP levels and albumin, ferritin and residual renal function (r=-0.212, 0.228 and -0.163 respectively, P < 0.02). By regression analysis, INF-INFL predicted high CRP levels, but CAD and PVD did not. The majority of patients (57%) with high CRP had no identifiable cause; 40% of these patients had subsequent or previous normal CRP values. High transport status predicted high CRP levels (OR 7.28; 95% CI 1.417 to 37.36, P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS The majority of elevated CRP levels in peritoneal dialysis patients occur without an obvious cause. Clinically apparent cardiovascular disease does not predict high CRP levels. CRP levels vary over time in the same patient, from normal to high or vice versa, for no obvious reason. Sources of inflammation other than CAD, PVD and clinically obvious INF-INFL in peritoneal dialysis patients remain to be identified.
Nongenomically initiated steroid actions

The classical theory of steroid hormone action comprises binding to an intracellular receptor followed by modulation of transcriptional and translational events. These cumbersome model explains the characteristic latency of these genomic steroid effects. Over the past two decades, increasing evidence for rapid nongenomic effects of steroids, incompatible with the traditional model, has accumulated. These alternative steroid effects have been described for all classes of steroids and a multitude of species and tissues with different mechanisms of action.
Real Time Positioning and Motion Tracking for Simulated Clay Pigeon Shooting Environments

This report details the design and implementation of a high accuracy point location and motion tracking system an its application to monitoring the position of a users shotgun in a simulated clay pigeon shooting environment. A thorough analysis of the issues surrounding the development of such a system is presented and a number of tracking methods and their merits are discussed. An implementation using a stereographic approach with off-the-shelf CCD cameras and infrared point sources, coupled with analysis software is described. The implemented system is an accurate, versatile positioning system suitable for a number of positioning and tracking tasks. An extension to the system has been produced to enable it to monitor the motion of a shooter’s weapon in a simulated shooting environment. A novel way of calibrating the position of the projection screen is described, as are numerous additional features that help to enhance the simulation. The performance and accuracy of the system are evaluated. The accuracy of the system was found to be comparable to many commercial positioning systems. Opportunities for further work and use of the system are also discussed.
Patchy atrophy and lacquer cracks predispose to the development of choroidal neovascularisation in pathological myopia

Aims: To determine the incidence and predisposing findings for choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) in a large series of highly myopic patients. Methods: The medical records of 218 consecutive patients (325 eyes) with myopic fundus changes in the macula were reviewed. The incidence of CNV during a follow up of at least 3 years of highly myopic patients and identification of predisposing findings for the development of myopic CNV were examined. Results: Among 325 highly myopic eyes examined, 33 eyes (10.2%) developed myopic CNV. The incidence was higher (34.8%) among the fellow eyes of patients with pre-existing CNV than among eyes of patients without pre-existing CNV (6.1%). CNV developed in 3.7% with diffuse chorioretinal atrophy, in 20.0% with patchy atrophy, and in 29.4% with lacquer cracks. Conclusion: Approximately one in 10 highly myopic eyes developed myopic CNV in average 130.2 months. Patchy atrophy and lacquer cracks were shown to be important predisposing findings for CNV development.
Sistema inmune artificial para estegoanálisis de imágenes JPEG

Steganography is one of the most used hiding information techniques today.Recently, the use of steganography techniques has been reported very successful to hide malicious code inside, apparently inno-cuous, multimedia objects, in order to inﬁltrate malware into organizations and personal devices, avoiding malware detection controls. Once the embedded malware has reached its destination, another software extracts the embedded code and performs the attack. This new kind of malware is called stegomalware . Steganalysis is the countermeasure to steganography, and it is a set of techniques that allows the detection of
The Clinical Application of MicroRNAs in Infectious Disease

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short single-stranded non-coding RNA sequences that posttranscriptionally regulate up to 60% of protein encoding genes. Evidence is emerging that miRNAs are key mediators of the host response to infection, predominantly by regulating proteins involved in innate and adaptive immune pathways. miRNAs can govern the cellular tropism of some viruses, are implicated in the resistance of some individuals to infections like HIV, and are associated with impaired vaccine response in older people. Not surprisingly, pathogens have evolved ways to undermine the effects of miRNAs on immunity. Recognition of this has led to new experimental treatments, RG-101 and Miravirsen—hepatitis C treatments which target host miRNA. miRNAs are being investigated as novel infection biomarkers, and they are being used to design attenuated vaccines, e.g., against Dengue virus. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge of miRNA in host response to infection with emphasis on potential clinical applications, along with an evaluation of the challenges still to be overcome.
Perinatal Nutrition Programs the Hypothalamic Melanocortin System in Offspring

Abstract Epidemiological studies initially suggested that maternal undernutrition leading to low birth weight may predispose for long-lasting energy balance disorders. High birth weight due to maternal obesity or diabetes, inappropriate early postnatal nutrition, and rapid catch-up growth, may also sensitize to increased risk of obesity. As stated by the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease concept, the perinatal perturbation of fetus/neonate nutrient supply might be a crucial determinant of individual programming of body weight set-point. The hypothalamic melanocortin system composed of the melanocortin receptor 4, its agonist α-melanin-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), and its antagonist agouti-related protein (AgRP) is considered as the main central anorexigenic pathway controlling energy homeostasis. Studies in numerous animal models demonstrated that this system is a prime target of developmental programming by maternal nutritional manipulation. In rodents, the perinatal period of life corresponds largely to the period of brain maturation (i. e., melanocortin neuronal differentiation and development of their neural projections). In contrast, these phenomena essentially take place before birth in bigger mammals. Despite these different developmental time windows, altricial and precocial species share several common offspring programming mechanisms. Offspring from malnourished dams present a hypothalamic melanocortin system with a series of alterations: impaired neurogenesis and neuronal functionality, disorganization of feeding pathways, modified glucose sensing, and leptin/insulin resistance. Overall, these alterations may account for the long-lasting dysregulation of energy balance and obesity. Following maternal malnutrition, hormonal and epigenetic mechanisms might be responsible for melanocortin system programming in offspring.
Cost effectiveness analysis of intravenous ketorolac and morphine for treating pain after limb injury: double blind randomised controlled trial

Abstract Objectives: To investigate the cost effectiveness of intravenous ketorolac compared with intravenous morphine in relieving pain after blunt limb injury in an accident and emergency department. Design: Double blind, randomised, controlled study and cost consequences analysis. Setting: Emergency department of a university hospital in the New Territories of Hong Kong. Participants: 148 adult patients with painful isolated limb injuries (limb injuries without other injuries). Main outcome measures: Primary outcome measure was a cost consequences analysis comparing the use of ketorolac with morphine; secondary outcome measures were pain relief at rest and with limb movement, adverse events, patients' satisfaction, and time spent in the emergency department. Results: No difference was found in the median time taken to achieve pain relief at rest between the group receiving ketorolac and the group receiving morphine, but with movement the median reduction in pain score in the ketorolac group was 1.09 per hour (95% confidence interval 1.05 to 2.02) compared with 0.87 (0.84 to 1.06) in the morphine group (P=0.003). The odds of experiencing adverse events was 144.2 (41.5 to 501.6) times more likely with morphine than with ketorolac. The median time from the initial delivery of analgesia to the participant leaving the department was 20 (4.0 to 39.0) minutes shorter in the ketorolac group than in the morphine group (P=0.02). The mean cost per person was $HK44 (£4; $5.6) in the ketorolac group and $HK229 in the morphine group (P<0.0001). The median score for patients' satisfaction was 6.0 for ketorolac and 5.0 for morphine (P<0.0001). Conclusion: Intravenous ketorolac is a more cost effective analgesic than intravenous morphine in the management of isolated limb injury in an emergency department in Hong Kong, and its use may be considered as the dominant strategy.
Laser cooling to the zero-point energy of motion.

A single trapped 198 Hg + ion was cooled by scattering laser radiation that was tuned to the resolved lower motional sideband of the narrow 2 S 1/2 - 2 D 5/2 transition. The different absorption strenghts on the upper and lower sidebands after cooling indicated that the ion was in the ground state of its confining well approximately 95% of the time
Gap-definable counting classes

The function class Hash P lacks a crucial closure property: it is not closed under subtraction. To remedy this problem, the authors introduce the function class GapP as a natural alternative to Hash P. GapP is the closure of Hash P under subtraction, and has all the other useful closure properties of Hash P as well. It is shown that most previously studied counting classes are gap-definable, i.e., definable using the values of GapP functions alone. It is shown that there is a smallest gap-definable class, SPP, which is still large enough to contain Few. It is also shown that SPP consists of exactly those languages low for GapP, and thus SSP languages are low for any gap-definable class. It is further shown that any countable collection of languages is contained in a unique minimum gap-definable class, which implies that the gap-definable classes form a lattice under inclusion. Subtraction seems necessary for this result, since nothing similar is known for the Hash P-definable classes. <<ETX>>
Egr-1 Activates Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Transcription

The mechanisms controlling the proliferation of astrocytes are of great interest but are not well defined. We have previously shown that the endogenous neuropeptides, endothelin-3 (ET-3), and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), modulate the proliferation of astrocytes through positively and negatively regulating the transcription of the immediate-early gene egr-1 which transactivates basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) by unknown mechanisms. In these studies, we determined the involvement of MAP kinase (Erk) activation by ET-3 in the transcription of egr-1, and the molecular determinants by which Egr-1 transactivates bFGF. Transfection of astrocytes with a mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase (MAPK) expression vector increased the transcription of a cotransfected egr-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) construct 3-fold. This induction was totally abolished by a dominant negative MAPK mutant. A 3-fold induction of egr-CAT expression by ET-3 was significantly reduced by treatment with ANP, or a cotransfected dominant negative MAPK plasmid. Using mobility shift assays, we showed that ET-3 induced the expression of Egr-1 protein which bound specifically to several early growth-related protein (Egr-1) binding sites on the bFGF promoter, and that this effect was significantly reversed by treatment with ANP. We also found that the Sp1 transcriptional factor was bound at these same sites, but was not stimulated by ET-3. Deletion experiments indicated that only the site at −160 bp of the bFGF promoter was significant for bFGF transactivation by Egr-1. We conclude that the astrocyte mitogen, ET-3, stimulates egr-1 transcription through a MAP kinase (Erk) related mechanism, and that Egr-1 transactivates bFGF through a specific noncanonical, Egr-1 site on the promoter. ANP inhibits each of these steps, providing a pathway for its anti-proliferative action.
Effects of anesthetics on the heart.

General anesthetic agents can be divided on the basis of whether or not they "sensitize" the heart to the arrhythmogenic actions of catecholamines. There appear to be two separate means by which the catecholamines cause ventricular arrhythmias during anesthesia: one is related to a reduction in supraventricular driving rate caused both directly by the anesthetic and reflexly in response to the pressor effect of catecholamine injection; the other action (favoring ventricular fibrillation) is caused by direct anesthetic depression of the intraventricular conducting system. Of the anesthetics used today, halothane has the most pronounced cardiac sensitizing action. The same anesthetics can also be divided according to whether or not they stimulate sympathetic nervous system activity. Those that do (e.g., diethyl ether) abolish the barostatic reflexes. Those that do not (e.g. halothane) reset the barostatic reflexes to favor a reduced level of arterial pressure; they also tend to cause a reduction in sympathetic nervous activity efferent to the heart. Parasympathetic nervous actions are relatively insignificant. All general anesthetics cause myocardial depression at all concentrations that are clinically useful. The mechanism appears to involve a reduction in the Ca2+ available to the contractile elements. Exactly how anesthetics do this is unclear, but these drugs appear to decrease both the Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane and the Ca2+ content of the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Effectiveness of local cooling for enhancing tissue ischemia tolerance in people with spinal cord injury

Abstract Objective To investigate the effects of localized cooling and cooling rate on pressure-induced ischemia for people with and without neurological deficits. Design A 2 × 3 mixed factorial design with two groups: (1) people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and (2) people without neurological deficits (control), and three test conditions: (1) pressure only, (2) pressure with fast cooling (−4°C/min), and (3) pressure with slow cooling (−0.33°C/min). Setting University laboratory. Participants Fourteen controls and 14 individuals with SCI. Interventions Pressure on the sacrum was 0.4 kPa for 5 minutes, then 8 kPa for 20 minutes, and finally 0.4 kPa for 15 minutes. Fast and slow cooling to 25°C applied during 8 kPa of pressure. Outcome measures Reactive hyperemia and its spectral densities in the metabolic, neurogenic, and myogenic frequency ranges. Results In controls, reactive hyperemia was greater in pressure only as compared with both cooling conditions. No change was noted in all spectral densities in both cooling conditions, and only neurogenic spectral density increased without cooling. In subjects with SCI, no difference was noted in reactive hyperemia among conditions. However, metabolic and myogenic spectral densities increased without cooling and all spectral densities increased with slow cooling. No change was noted in all spectral densities with fast cooling. Conclusion Local cooling reduced the severity of ischemia in controls. This protective effect may be masked in subjects with SCI due to chronic microvascular changes; however, spectral analysis suggested local cooling may reduce metabolic vasodilation. These findings provide evidence towards the development of support surfaces with temperature control for weight-bearing soft tissues.
Toxocariasis: Clinical Aspects, Epidemiology, Medical Ecology, and Molecular Aspects

SUMMARY Toxocariasis is caused by a series of related nematode species (ascarids) that routinely infect dogs and cats throughout the world. The eggs from these ascarids are common environmental contaminants of human habitation, due largely to the fact that many kinds of dogs and cats serve as pets, while countless others run wild throughout the streets of most urban centers. The eggs, present in dog and cat feces, become infectious within weeks after they are deposited in the local environment (e.g., sandboxes, city parks, and public beaches, etc.). Humans, particularly children, frequently ingest these eggs by accident and become infected. Infection in humans, in contrast to their definitive hosts, remains occult, often resulting in disease caused by the migrating larval stages. Visceral larva migrans (VLM) and ocular larva migrans (OLM) are two clinical manifestations that result in definable syndromes and present as serious health problems wherever they occur. Diagnosis and treatment of VLM and OLM are difficult. These issues are summarized in this review, with emphasis on the ecology of transmission and control of spread to both humans and animals through public health initiatives employing treatment of pets and environmental intervention strategies that limit the areas that dogs and cats are allowed within the confines of urban centers.
Convergence and optimality of a new iterative price-based scheme for distributed coordination of flexible loads in the electricity market

This paper proposes a novel distributed control strategy for large-scale deployment of flexible demand. The devices are modelled as competing players that respond to iterative broadcasts of price signals, scheduling their power consumption to operate at minimum cost. By describing their power update at each price broadcast through a multi-valued discrete-time dynamical system and by applying Lyapunov techniques, it is shown that the proposed control strategy always converges to a stable final configuration, characterized as a Wardrop (or aggregative) equilibrium. It is also proved that such equilibrium is socially efficient and optimizes some global performance index of the system (e.g. minimizes total generation costs). These results are achieved under very general assumptions on the electricity price and for any penetration level of flexible demand. Practical implementation of the proposed scheme is discussed and tested in simulation on a future scenario of the UK-grid with large numbers of flexible loads.