Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Runtime support for a dynamically composable and adaptive wearable system

We present a versatile personal system comprisingwearable and portable devices communicating via short-rangeradio. The system can be composed in an ad-hocfashion, by bringing individual devices in proximity witheach other. As a consequence it is possible for the user tobuild the desired system for a given task at hand in astraightforward way, via physical movement and withoutissuing any explicit configuration commands. System andapplications adapt their behavior as a function of theresources provided by the devices that are part of thecurrent system configuration. We give an overview of theruntime support provided to promote development in thishighly dynamic setting, with particular focus on adaptivemanagement of storage and user interface resources.
Atoms, dipole waves, and strongly focused light beams (8 pages)

We describe the resonant interaction of an atom with a strongly focused light beam by expanding the field in multipole waves. For a classical field, or when the field is described by a coherent state, we find that both intensity pattern and photon statistics of the scattered light are fully determined by a small set of parameters. One crucial parameter is the overlap of the field with the appropriate dipole wave corresponding to the relevant dipole transition in the atom. We calculate this overlap for a particular set of strongly focused longitudinally polarized light beams, whose spot size is only 0.1{lambda}{sup 2}, as discussed by S. Quabis et al. [Appl. Phys. B 72, 109 (2001)].
New nomenclature and classification scheme for the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses

We provide a new classification for the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) that takes into account recent genetic and biochemical advances. This was originally developed by an international group with clinical, molecular genetic, biological, and morphologic interests, further revised by a panel of world experts in the NCLs, and is now updated in light of recent research findings. The aim is to provide young people, carers, and professionals with a diagnostic label that is informative, leads to effective clinical management of symptoms and in the future perhaps a cure, as well as aiding basic scientific and clinical research. We suggest that clinicians should aim to provide every child and family with detailed diagnostic information at clinical, biochemical, and genetic levels where possible, which the new classification allows in a gene-led hierarchical manner. The robustness and applicability of this updated new classification have been independently audited in the clinical setting using a series of patients previously diagnosed with NCL according to standard ultrastructural, biochemical, or genetic criteria.
An Energy Saving Approach in Wireless Body Sensor Networks for Health Care Monitoring

Recent technological advances in sensors, low-power microelectronics and miniaturization and wireless networking have enabled the design and proliferation of wireless body sensor networks capable of autonomously monitoring and controlling environments. One of the most promising problems existing in this network is efficient data transmission with optimized resource utilization. This paper handles the most influencing factor to obtain such efficiency with respect to energy consumption. Selection for optimized routing with the better load balancing is determined and the enhanced uniform clustering of the sensor nodes is performed using the KNearest Neighbor algorithm with the best possible route selection using the tree clustering technique. The result shows that the proposed method outperforms the existing approaches mentioned in this paper.
Multidisciplinary community based approach needed

Gotzsche and Berg describe the challenges faced by patients undergoing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for sleep apnoea.1 Patients have to accept not only that they have a chronic disease but that treatment is, in most cases, lifelong. They need considerable support in the early stages to overcome difficulties with the mask and machine. …
The effects of a health promotion-health protection intervention on behavior change: the WellWorks Study.

OBJECTIVES This study assessed the effects of a 2-year integrated health promotion-health protection work-site intervention on changes in dietary habits and cigarette smoking. METHODS A randomized, controlled intervention study used the work site as the unit of intervention and analysis; it included 24 predominantly manufacturing work sites in Massachusetts (250-2500 workers per site). Behaviors were assessed in self-administered surveys (n = 2386; completion rates = 61% at baseline, 62% at final). Three key intervention elements targeted health behavior change: (1) joint worker-management participation in program planning and implementation, (2) consultation with management on work-site environmental changes, and (3) health education programs. RESULTS Significant differences between intervention and control work sites included reductions in the percentage of calories consumed as fat (2.3% vs 1.5% kcal) and increases in servings of fruit and vegetables (10% vs 4% increase). The intervention had a significant effect on fiber consumption among skilled and unskilled laborers. No significant effects were observed for smoking cessation. CONCLUSIONS Although the size of the effects of this intervention are modest, on a populationwide basis effects of this size could have a large impact on cancer-related and coronary heart disease end points.
The influence of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and corticosteroids on the association between rheumatoid arthritis and skin cancer: a nationwide retrospective case-control study in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the influence of corticosteroids and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs, including conventional synthetic and biologic DMARDs) treatment on the association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). METHODS This nationwide retrospective case-control study retrieved data from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database during 1995-2013. Cases with newly-diagnosed NMSC (n=19,603) were matched with control without NMSC in a 1:1 ratio according to age, sex, and reference date. The aforementioned association was analysed using conditional logistic regression and adjustments for age, sex, residential regions, occupations, and co-morbidities. Causality cannot be inferred by case-control study. RESULTS Compared to patients without RA, the patients with RA had a significantly higher association with NMSC (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6-3.1, p<0.001), especially those using cyclosporine (AOR=5.7, 95%CI 2.2-14.86; ≥65 years: AOR=7.28, 95%CI 2.16-24.56), etanercept (AOR=5.27, 95%CI 1.15-24.27; ≥65 years: AOR=8.95, 95%CI 1.12-71.85), and d-penicillamine (AOR=4.79, 95%CI 1.63-14.12; ≥65 years: AOR=3.81, 95%CI 1.26-11.52); those using higher cumulative doses of corticosteroids and methotrexate (corticosteroids: >10g: AOR=2.96, 95%CI 1.67-5.22; >10g and ≥65years: AOR=3.5, 95%CI 1.77-6.92; methotrexate: 1-3g: AOR=2.57, 95%CI 1.13-5.82; >3g: AOR=4.64, 95%CI 1.74-12.4; >3g and ≥65 years: AOR=10.17, 95%CI 2.34-44.26); and those using more kinds of DMARDs (any 3: AOR=3.72, 95%CI 1.67-8.26; any 5: AOR=2.81, 95%CI 1.13-7.04; any 6: AOR=5.23, 95%CI 1.14-24.14; 7-8: AOR=4.06, 95%CI 1.14-14.49). CONCLUSIONS The patients with RA had significantly increased associations with NMSC, especially those receiving cyclosporine, etanercept, and d-penicillamine; higher cumulative doses of corticosteroids and methotrexate; or more kinds of DMARDs in combination or in sequence. The aforementioned associations were much stronger in the elderly.
Buffer memory requirements in DSP applications

Studies synchronous multi-rate data flow graphs to determine the minimal required buffer sizes that still guarantee the construction of a deadlock-free static schedule. We develop a rule to quickly analyze a graph's consistency. A graph is split up into single and parallel paths. Single paths are analysed, as well as the most frequent parallel paths. The results are used in the rapid prototyping environment GRAPE-II in the case where the emulation hardware contains FPGAs, or when memory is critical. <<ETX>>
An integrative, multidisciplinary approach to the study of brain–behavior relations in the context of typical and atypical development

The study of brain development and that of behavioral development have historically proceeded independently of one another. This is an unfortunate set of circumstances, given that the disciplines concerned with development—for example, developmental psychology, pediatrics, psychiatry, clinical psychology, and the neurosciences—have much to learn from each other. Drawing on recent advances in the developmental brain and behavioral sciences, we illustrate the transdisciplinary approach our group has adopted in the service of uniting the research on brain and behavior in the context of development. We specifically report on our nonhuman primate and human studies that collectively illustrate our “genes to behavior” approach to the study of development. Our goal in summarizing our research in this fashion is to promote discussion about promising templates for how research on brain, behavior, and development might proceed into the 21st century.
Neuro-imaging of visual field defects

Developmental ocular disorders are known to affect the structure of visual cortex, but little is known about the effects of acquired retinal disorders. In a previous study (Boucard et al., 2006; submitted for publication), we investigated whether prolonged cortical deprivation, due to retinal field defects acquired later in life, leads to cortical changes in the adult brain. Compared to controls, we found lower grey matter (GM) concentration in the visual cortex of a group of patients suffering from glaucoma. Such a change was absent in a group of subjects with age-related macular degeneration. In order to better understand the origin of this change, we here examine cortical grey matter thickness in the same subjects. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) were obtained in subjects with glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and controls. Cortical thickness was compared between the groups using Freesurfer. A significant cortical grey matter thinning was found in the occipital area of the glaucoma group when compared to controls. In AMD, no difference was found. The present results corroborate and specify our previous findings. Cortical degeneration following visual deprivation later in life affects occipital cortical grey matter thickness in case of glaucoma, but not of AMD. Transneuronal degeneration, in response to the disrupted link between brain and retina caused by RGC layer loss and optic nerve damage, is discussed as the main cause of this thinning. Cortical thickness and visual field defects 61
Proofs of Reliability

We consider the following cloud storage scenario. A client outsources a file F to a CSP. To handle large files, F is first partitioned into subfiles of equal length, which are then individually processed. Let F be divided to ns subfiles f1, f2, . fns . Each fi is independently encoded to yi through the application of a linear ECC C of length n, dimension k, and minimum distance d over a finite field Fq, an (n, k, d)q code for short. This is common practice in most cloud systems [1, 2, 3, 4]. The order of Fq is q = 2`, so that C operates on `-bit blocks, also referred to as symbols. The SLA between the client and the CSP specifies a reliability degree ω for F . The reliability degree defines the maximum number of tolerated erasures, before F becomes irretrievable. Note that although the application of code C provides a reliability of d−1, the SLA may specify any desired reliability degree ω ≤ d. A CSP offering a higher reliability degree can require a higher monetary compensation. To verify compliance to the SLA, the client (or a designated verifier) periodically performs an integrity verification test. This is achieved by executing an interactive proof-of-reliability (PoRL) protocol. In a PoRL, the CSP is challenged to prove the retrievability of n − (d − ω) symbols per subfile. When ω = 0, a PoRL is equivalent to a PoR. A PoRL poses a stronger requirement to the CSP compared to classical PoR protocols. In the latter, it is sufficient to assure the integrity of each subfile, and therefore of F , by retrieving the minimum number of symbols required for retrievability. In a PoRL, the CSP must additionally prove that redundant symbols are stored per subfile. A PoRL assurance implies a PoR assurance, but the converse does not hold. As an additional requirement, the CSP must be able to efficiently recover lost symbols, when symbol erasures occur due to hardware failures.
Comparison of Blood Oxygenation Level–Dependent fMRI and Provocative DSC Perfusion MR Imaging for Monitoring Cerebrovascular Reserve in Intracranial Chronic Cerebrovascular Disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Loss of hemodynamic reserve in intracranial cerebrovascular disease reduces blood oxygenation level–dependent activation by fMRI and increases asymmetry in MTT measured by provocative DSC perfusion MR imaging before and after vasodilation with intravenous acetazolamide. The concordance for detecting hemodynamic reserve integrity has been compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients (n = 40) with intracranial cerebrovascular disease and technically adequate DSA, fMRI and provocative DSC perfusion studies were retrospectively grouped into single vessels proximal to and distal from the circle of Willis, multiple vessels, and Moyamoya disease. The vascular territories were classified as having compromised hemodynamic reserve if the expected fMRI blood oxygenation level–dependent activation was absent or if MTT showed increased asymmetry following vasodilation. Concordance was examined in compromised and uncompromised vascular territories of each group with the Fischer exact test and proportions of agreement. RESULTS: Extensive leptomeningeal collateral circulation was present in all cases. Decreased concordance between the methods was found in vascular territories with stenosis distal to but not proximal to the circle of Willis. Multivessel and Moyamoya diseases also showed low concordance. A model of multiple temporally displaced arterial inputs from leptomeningeal collateral flow demonstrated that the resultant lengthening MTT mimicked compromised hemodynamic reserve despite being sufficient to support blood oxygenation level–dependent contrast. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased concordance between the 2 methods for assessment of hemodynamic reserve for vascular disease distal to the circle of Willis is posited to be due to well-developed leptomeningeal collateral circulation providing multiple temporally displaced arterial input functions that bias the perfusion analysis toward hemodynamic reserve compromise while blood oxygenation level–dependent activation remains detectable.
Optimal Trajectory Planning and Coordinated Tracking Control Method of Tethered Space Robot Based on Velocity Impulse

The tethered space robot (TSR) is a new concept of space robot which consists of a robot platform, space tether and operation robot. This paper presents a multi-objective optimal trajectory planning and a coordinated tracking control scheme for TSR based on velocity impulse in the approaching phase. Both total velocity impulse and flight time are included in this optimization. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm is employed to obtain the optimal trajectory Pareto solution using the TSR dynamic model and optimal trajectory planning model. The coordinated tracking control scheme utilizes optimal velocity impulse. Furthermore, the PID controller is designed in order to compensate for the distance measurement errors. The PID control force is optimized and distributed to thrusters and the space tether using a simulated annealing algorithm. The attitude interferential torque of the space tether is compensated a using time-delay algorithm through reaction wheels. The simulation results show that the multi-objective optimal trajectory planning method can reveal the relationships among flight time, fuel consumption, planar view angle and velocity impulse number. This method can provide a series of optimal trajectory according to a number of special tasks. The coordinated control scheme can significantly save thruster fuel for tracking the optimal trajectory, restrain the attitude interferential torque produced by space tether and maintain the relative attitude stability of the operation robot.
Control of robotic joint by using antagonistic pair of Twist Drive Actuators

In this paper we present a control method for robotic finger that uses twisted strings actuator called Twist Drive. A five fingered robotic hand prototype was developed by using Twist Drive actuators to control 14 active degrees-of-freedom. This paper focuses on control of a thumb's CM joint, which is the only joint in the robotic hand prototype that uses two Twist Drive actuators configured in an antagonistic pair of actuators. Positioning accuracy and smoothness of the joint's motion is influenced by nonlinear characteristics of the actuators and by friction in the mechanism. To compensate for the disturbances, we used disturbance observer, and additionally enhance smoothness of motion by controlling the unwinding torque of opposing actuator. The robotic hand and the proposed control algorithm are explained in the paper, experimental results of CM joint positioning control are presented.
The reference limits and cut‐off value for serum soluble transferrin receptors for diagnosing iron deficiency in infants

Serum soluble transferrin receptors (sTfR) concentration is a useful test in the diagnosis of childhood iron deficiency (ID). The aims of this study were to establish reference limits and to evaluate the diagnostic characteristics of sTfR in the diagnosis of ID in infants aged 9–12 months. In addition to mean erythrocyte cell volume, haemoglobin and ferritin measurements, sTfR concentration was measured in 179 healthy children in Estonia using the IDeA® and Tina‐quant® methods. Using the ID criteria of ferritin <10 μg/l, subjects were divided into healthy (n = 146) and ID (n = 33) groups. The reference limits (5th and 95th percentile) were calculated in the study group. We used receiver operating characteristic curves to find out the cut‐off values for the best diagnostic characteristics. The reference limits for sTfR were 1.5–2.7 mg/l in the IDeA® method and 4.1–7.8 mg/l in the Tina‐quant® method. The methods had poor agreement, the mean ratio with 95% limits of agreement was 2.9 (2.4–3.6). The best cut‐off value in order to identify ID by hypoferritinaemia in this population is an sTfR level >2.4 mg/l in the IDeA® (sensitivity 84%, specificity 94%) and an sTfR level >7.4 mg/l in the Tina‐quant (sensitivity 80%, specificity 92%). We conclude that sTfR concentration is an efficient tool in the diagnosis of ID, but that every method needs its own cut‐off value.
Larval Development of the Oriental Lancelet, Branchiostoma belcheri, in Laboratory Mass Culture

Abstract We are successfully maintaining a laboratory colony of the lancelet Branchiostoma belcheri bred in the laboratory. Based on living individuals in this mass culture, morphological characteristics from the seven-day larval to benthic juvenile stages have been studied. Most striking was that later larval development of B. belcheri showed great individual variation even in a rather stable culture environment. Metamorphosis first occurred on 60 days post fertilization (dpf) and was continuously observed throughout the present study up to 100 dpf. Morphological traits such as the number of primary gill slits and body size at the start of metamorphosis are apparently affected by culture condition. Body size measured in the largest individuals showed nearly linear growth at 0.087 mm/day. The variability found in larval development calls for caution when developmental stages and chronological ages are compared between populations. However, the developmental flexibility of this animal also raises the possibility that growth and sexual maturation could be controlled artificially in captivity.
Easy Sellar Reconstruction in Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery with Polyester-Silicone Dural Substitute and Fibrin Glue: Technical Note

OBJECTIVETo describe a simple method of sellar reconstruction after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery that will allow rapid watertight closure of the sellar floor. METHODSA bent sheet of a polyester-silicone dural substitute, fashioned for this purpose with scissors, is introduced into the sella after removal of the lesion. Because of the consistency of the sheet, it opens spontaneously and becomes stuck. Autologous fat tissue or gelatin foam is positioned thereafter, followed by another layer of the dural substitute; a film of fibrin glue completes the sealing. RESULTSFifteen patients underwent this method and no postoperative cerebrospinal leak or other complication was experienced. CONCLUSIONThis easy method of sellar reconstruction represents an effective and fast possibility to perform the final step of the endoscopic transsphenoidal procedure, which otherwise may cause maneuverability problems in the limited space of one nostril.
Design of a High Frequency Stable Oscillator with Tunable Frequency using Field Programmable CMOS Current Conveyor

Design of a programmable frequency oscillator design using field programmable, analog, CMOS current conveyor has been presented; further, a design methodology to introduce on-chip /field programmability into the second generation current controlled current conveyor circuit (CCCII) is explained. To make the CCCII CMOS design programmable, a floating-gate transistor synapse is introduced to replace the MOSFETs in the design. The charge at the floating-gate can be programmed after fabrication, based on Hot-e-injection and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling techniques. This programming charge at floating-gate results in threshold voltage variation in such floating-gate (FG) MOSFETs, which in turn can modifies circuit specifications after fabrication. The high frequency small signal analysis of the design has been discussed and specifications of the design are derived in terms of threshold voltages of the respective FG-MOSFETs. To achieve CCCII circuit’s AC and DC characteristics and to obtain programmable oscillations, the programmable CCCII and oscillator circuit using programmable CCCII, are simulated using BSIM3 level49 MOSFET models in T-Spice 0. 35μm CMOS process. The simulated results show 13bit programming precision in current gain, 3dB bandwidth, input impedance, output impedance and dc offsets with respect to threshold voltage of respective FG-MOSFETs. Moreover on employing CCCII design with programmable current gain (about 0.91258- 1.2138) in an oscillator design with minimum passive components, variable amplitude oscillations can be generated.