Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patchmatch: a fast randomized matching algorithm with application to image and video

This thesis presents a novel fast randomized matching algorithm for finding correspondences between small local regions of images. We also explore a wide variety of applications of this new fast randomized matching technique. The core matching algorithm, which we call PatchMatch, can find similar regions or "patches" of an image one to two orders of magnitude faster than previous techniques. The algorithm is motivated by statistical properties of nearest neighbors in natural images. We observe that neighboring correspondences tend to be similar or "coherent" and use this observation in our algorithm in order to quickly converge to an approximate solution. Our algorithm in the most general form can find k-nearest neighbor matchings, using patches that translate, rotate, or scale, using arbitrary descriptors, and between two or more images. Speed-ups are obtained over alternative techniques in a number of these areas. We analyze convergence both empirically and theoretically for many of these image matching algorithms. We have explored many applications of this matching algorithm. In computer graphics, we have explored removing unwanted objects from images, seamlessly moving objects in images, changing image aspect ratios, and video summarization. Because our technique for removing unwanted objects from photographs is both high quality and interactive, due to the fast matching algorithm, it has been included in Adobe Photoshop CS5 as a new feature "content aware fill. " In computer vision we have explored denoising images, object detection, detecting image forgeries, and detecting symmetries. We also apply our algorithm to large collections of images. We conclude by discussing the limitations of our algorithm and areas for future research.
Development of a Clinical Prediction Rule for Risk Stratification of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism

Background— Long-term low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is the current standard for treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients. Whether treatment strategies should vary according to individual risk of VTE recurrence remains unknown. We performed a retrospective cohort study and a validation study in patients with cancer-associated VTE to derive a clinical prediction rule that stratifies VTE recurrence risk. Methods and Results— The cohort study of 543 patients determined the model with the best classification performance included 4 independent predictors (sex, primary tumor site, stage, and prior VTE) with 100% sensitivity, a wide separation of recurrence rates, 98.1% negative predictive value, and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.16. In this model, the score sum ranged between −3 and 3 score points. Patients with a score ⩽0 had low risk (⩽4.5%) for recurrence and patients with a score >1 had a high risk (≥19%) for VTE recurrence. Subsequently, we applied and validated the rule in an independent set of 819 patients from 2 randomized, controlled trials comparing low-molecular-weight heparin to coumarin treatment in cancer patients. Conclusions— By identifying VTE recurrence risk in cancer patients with VTE, we may be able to tailor treatment, improving clinical outcomes while minimizing costs.
Frozen‐Droplets Aggregation at Temperature Below −40°C

The onset of the aggregation process of frozen droplets was investigated in laboratory settings. The experiments were conducted in a cloud chamber controlled at temperatures cooler than −40°C, where pure water droplets freeze spontaneously without the need for ice nucleating particles. We present laboratory evidence supporting that the aggregation process can occur for frozen droplet sizes around 10 μm in diameter and at concentrations observed in the cloud chamber of 70 ± 20 cm−3, which can be found in some regions of anvil cirrus. The characteristics and morphology of the aggregates were examined in detail. Additional experiments performed with electrically charged droplets show that the aggregation processes can be significantly accelerated, suggesting that the mechanism of collision and adhesion could be related to electrical forces generated by different charge distributions or dipole interactions between the interacting ice surfaces. The current work aims at advancing our fundamental understanding of the aggregation process of frozen droplets, which is necessary for understanding the cloud microphysical processes.
Epidemiology of Febrile Neutropenia in Children With Central Nervous System Tumor: Results From a Single Center Prospective Study

Data regarding the epidemiology febrile neutropenia during chemotherapy for pediatric central nervous system neoplasia are scarce. Data retrieved from a prospective study performed from January 2002 to December 2004 at G.Gaslini Children Hospital, Genoa, Italy, where analyzed to evaluate proportions, rate for 1000 neutropenic days and etiology of fever in neutropenic children receiving gentle, standard, or peripheral blood stem cell transplant (PBSCT) therapy for central nervous system tumor. During the study duration, 243 periods of neutropenia (granulocyte count <1000/cmm), accounting for 3544 patient-days at risk, were documented in 62 children. A total of 72 febrile episodes were observed in 66 (27%) neutropenic periods, for a rate of 20.31. A primary febrile episode was observed in 10% of neutropenic periods after gentle chemotherapy, in 30% after standard chemotherapy, and in 48% after PBSCT (P<0.0001). The rate of primary febrile episodes was 6.19 after a gentle chemotherapy, 27.02 after standard treatment, and 31.02 after PBSCT (P<0.0001). In a multivariable regression model, the type of chemotherapy (gentle vs. standard and PBSCT) and the thresholds of granulocyte count at neutropenia onset (999-501/cmm and 500-101/cmm vs. ⩽100/cmm) were the only factors significantly associated with the development of febrile neutropenia.
Web-centric language models

We investigate language models for informational and navigational web search. Retrieval on the web is a task that differs substantially from ordinary ad hoc retrieval. We perform an analysis of prior probability of relevance for a wide range of non-content features, shedding further light on the importance of non-content features for web retrieval. This directly explains the success or failure of various techniques, e.g., why the link topology is particularly helpful to single out important sites. Language models can naturally incorporate multiple document representations, as well as non-content information. For the former, we employ mixture language models based on document full-text, incoming anchor-text, and document titles. For the latter, we study a range of priors based on document length, URL structure, and link topology. We look at three types of topics--distillation, home page, and named page--as well as for a mixed query set. We find that the mixture models lead to considerable improvement of retrieval effectiveness for all topic types. The web-centric priors generally lead to further improvement of retrieval effectiveness.
Awareness and attitudes of the Lebanese population with regard to physician–pharmaceutical company interaction: a survey study

Objective To assess the awareness and attitudes of the general public in Lebanon regarding the interactions between physicians and pharmaceutical companies. Setting Primary healthcare clinics and shopping malls in the Greater Beirut Area. Participants 263 participants completed the questionnaire, of whom 62% were female and 38% were male. Eligible participants were Arabic-speaking or English-speaking adults (age≥18 years) residing in Lebanon for at least 5 years. Primary and secondary outcome measures Awareness, attitudes and beliefs of the general public. Results 263 out of 295 invited individuals (89% completion rate) completed the questionnaire. While the majority of participants were aware of pharmaceutical company presence (or absence) in physicians' offices (range of 71–76% across questions), smaller percentages were aware of gift-related practices of physicians (range of 26–69% across questions). 40% thought that the acceptance of small gifts or meals by physicians is wrong/unethical. The percentage of participants reporting lower trust in physicians due to their participation in various pharmaceutical company-related activities ranged from 12% to 45% (the highest percentage being for large gifts). Participants who reported receiving free medication samples were significantly more likely to consider physicians' acceptance of small gifts as ‘not a problem’ than ‘unethical’ (OR=1.53; p=0.044). Conclusions Participants in our survey were generally more aware of pharmaceutical company presence (or absence) in physicians' offices than of gift-related practices of physicians. While the level of trust was not affected for the majority of participants for various types of interactions, it was affected the most for accepting large gifts.
Dynamic microRNA Profiles of Hepatic Differentiated Human Umbilical Cord Lining-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Despite the extensive hepatic differentiation potential of human umbilical cord lining-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSC), little is known about the molecular mechanisms of hUC-MSC differentiation. At the post-transcriptional level, microRNAs are key players in the control of cell fate determination during differentiation. In this study, we aimed to identify microRNAs involved in the hepatic differentiation of hUC-MSCs. After successfully isolating hUC- MSCs, we induced hepatocyte formation in vitro with growth factors. After 26 days of induction, hUC-MSCs could express hepatocyte-specific genes, synthesize urea and glycogen and uptake low-density lipoprotein. Cellular total RNA from hUC-MSCs and hepatic differentiated hUC-MSCs was collected at 7 time points, including 2 days, 6 days, 10 days, 14 days, 22 days and 26 days, for microRNA microarray analysis. Dynamic microRNA profiles were identified that did not overlap or only partially overlapped with microRNAs reported to be involved in human liver development, hepatocyte regeneration or hepatic differentiation of liver-derived progenitor cells. A total of 61 microRNAs among 1205 human and 144 human viral microRNAs displayed consistent changes and were altered at least 2-fold between hUC-MSCs and hepatic differentiated hUC-MSCs. Among these microRNAs, 25 were over-expressed; this over-expression occurred either gradually or increased sharply and was maintained at a high level. A total of 36 microRNAs were under-expressed, with an expression pattern similar to that of the over-expressed microRNAs. The expression of the altered expressed microRNAs was also confirmed by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. We also found that microRNAs involved in hepatic differentiation were not enriched in hepatocyte or hepatocellular carcinoma cells and can potentially target liver-enriched transcription factors and genes. The elucidation of the microRNA profile during the hepatic differentiation of hUC-MSCs provides the basis for clarifying the role of microRNAs in hUC-MSC hepatic differentiation and specific microRNA selection for the conversion of hUC-MSCs to hepatocytes.
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS AND SCORING OF THE SINGING VOICE

alex@bmat.com In this article we describe the approximation we follow to analyze the performance of a singer when singing a reference song. The idea is to rate the performance of a singer in the same way that a music tutor would do it, not only giving a score but also giving feedback about how the user has performed regarding expression, tuning and tempo/timing characteristics. Also a discussion on what visual feedback should be relevant for the user is discussed. Segmentation at an intra-note level is done using an algorithm based on untrained HMMs with probabilistic models built out of a set of heuristic rules that determine regions and their probability of being expressive features. A real-time karaoke-like system is presented where a user can sing and visualize simultaneously feedback and results of the performance. The technology can be applied to a wide set of applications that range from pure entertainment to more serious education oriented.
A non-linear relationship between the cumulative exposure to occupational stressors and nurses’ burnout and the potentially emotion regulation factors

Abstract Background: Stressful situations can increase the likelihood of nurses experiencing negative emotions, especially burnout. Aims: To explore the association of cumulative exposure to occupational stressors and emotion regulation strategies with nurses’ burnout. Methods: Participants were 602 nurses from three general hospitals in Jinan, China. Social demographic characteristics, occupational stress, burnout, and emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, and rumination), were assessed. Results: Nearly 70% of nurses reported that they were burnt out. Those with a moderate level and high level of stressors were 3.203 times and 26.444 times more likely to have burnout, respectively (x2trend = 62.732). Logistic regression revealed that nurses had higher cognitive reappraisal score (odds ratios (OR) = 0.941), scored lower for burnout. Those who had higher expressive suppression score (OR = 1.054), higher rumination score (OR = 1.037), and a higher level of stressors (OR = 2.779–18.259) scored higher for burnout. The results of sensitivity analysis were similar. Conclusions: A non-linear relationship exists between the cumulative exposure to occupational stressors and nurses’ burnout. Those who less frequently use cognitive reappraisal, more frequently use rumination and expressive suppression, and have a high level of stressors may be more likely to experience burnout.
Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization Consumption and Social Identity: Evidence from India

We examine spending on consumption items which have signaling value in social interactions across groups with distinctive social identities in India, where social identities are defined by caste and religious affiliations. Using nationally representative micro data on household consumption expenditures, we find that disadvantaged caste groups such as Other Backward Castes spend 8 percent more on visible consumption than Brahmin and High Caste groups while social groups such as Muslims spend 14 percent less, after controlling for differences in permanent income, household assets and household demographic composition. The differences across social groups are significant and robust and these differences persist within different sub populations. We find that the higher spending of OBC households on visible consumption is diverted from education spending, while Muslim households divert spending from visible consumption and education towards greater food spending. Additionally, we find that these consumption patterns can be partly explained as a result of the status signaling nature of the consumption items. We also discuss alternative sources of differences in consumption patterns across groups which stem from religious observance.
Ulcerative colitis in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1940–1993: incidence, prevalence, and survival

BACKGROUND There is significant geographic variation in the reported incidence of ulcerative colitis. AIMS To update the incidence and prevalence of ulcerative colitis in Olmsted County, Minnesota, examine temporal trends, and determine overall survival. PATIENTS All Olmsted County residents diagnosed with ulcerative colitis between 1940 and 1993 (incidence cases), and all residents with ulcerative colitis alive on 1 January 1991 (prevalence cases). METHODS Incidence and prevalence rates were adjusted using 1990 US census figures for whites. The effects of age, sex, and calendar year on incidence rates were evaluated using Poisson regression. Survival from diagnosis was compared with that expected for US north-central whites. RESULTS Between 1940 and 1993, 278 incidence cases were identified, for an adjusted incidence rate of 7.6 cases per 100 000 person years (95% confidence interval (CI), 6.7 to 8.5). On 1 January 1991, there were 218 residents with definite or probable ulcerative colitis, for an adjusted prevalence rate of 229 cases per 100 000 (95% CI, 198 to 260). Increased incidence rates were associated with later calendar years (p<0.002), younger age (p<0.0001), urban residence (p<0.0001), and male sex (p<0.003). Overall survival was similar to that expected (p>0.2). CONCLUSIONS The overall incidence rate of ulcerative colitis in Olmsted County increased until the 1970s, and remained stable thereafter. Incidence rates among men and urban residents were significantly higher. The prevalence rate in Rochester in 1991 was 19% higher than that in 1980. Overall survival was similar to that of the general population.
An Empirical Study of Intel Xeon Phi

With at least 50 cores, Intel Xeon Phi is a true many-core architecture. Featuring fairly powerful cores, two cache levels, and very fast interconnections, the Xeon Phi can get a theoretical peak of 1000 GFLOPs and over 240 GB/s. These numbers, as well as its flexibility - it can be used both as a coprocessor or as a stand-alone processor - are very tempting for parallel applications looking for new performance records. In this paper, we present an empirical study of Xeon Phi, stressing its performance limits and relevant performance factors, ultimately aiming to present a simplified view of the machine for regular programmers in search for performance. To do so, we have micro-benchmarked the main hardware components of the processor - the cores, the memory hierarchies, the ring interconnect, and the PCIe connection. We show that, in ideal microbenchmarking conditions, the performance that can be achieved is very close to the theoretical peak, as given in the official programmer's guide. We have also identified and quantified several causes for significant performance penalties. Our findings have been captured in four optimization guidelines, and used to build a simplified programmer's view of Xeon Phi, eventually enable the design and prototyping of applications on a functionality-based model of the architecture.
Mortality amongst Patients with Influenza-Associated Severe Acute Respiratory Illness, South Africa, 2009-2013

Introduction Data on the burden and risk groups for influenza-associated mortality from Africa are limited. We aimed to estimate the incidence and risk-factors for in-hospital influenza-associated severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) deaths. Methods Hospitalised patients with SARI were enrolled prospectively in four provinces of South Africa from 2009–2013. Using polymerase chain reaction, respiratory samples were tested for ten respiratory viruses and blood for pneumococcal DNA. The incidence of influenza-associated SARI deaths was estimated at one urban hospital with a defined catchment population. Results We enrolled 1376 patients with influenza-associated SARI and 3% (41 of 1358 with available outcome data) died. In patients with available HIV-status, the case-fatality proportion (CFP) was higher in HIV-infected (5%, 22/419) than HIV-uninfected individuals (2%, 13/620; p = 0.006). CFPs varied by age group, and generally increased with increasing age amongst individuals >5 years (p<0.001). On multivariable analysis, factors associated with death were age-group 45–64 years (odds ratio (OR) 4.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–16.3) and ≥65 years (OR 6.5, 95%CI 1.2–34.3) compared to 1–4 year age-group who had the lowest CFP, HIV-infection (OR 2.9, 95%CI 1.1–7.8), underlying medical conditions other than HIV (OR 2.9, 95%CI 1.2–7.3) and pneumococcal co-infection (OR 4.1, 95%CI 1.5–11.2). The estimated incidence of influenza-associated SARI deaths per 100,000 population was highest in children <1 year (20.1, 95%CI 12.1–31.3) and adults aged 45–64 years (10.4, 95%CI 8.4–12.9). Adjusting for age, the rate of death was 20-fold (95%CI 15.0–27.8) higher in HIV-infected individuals than HIV-uninfected individuals. Conclusion Influenza causes substantial mortality in urban South Africa, particularly in infants aged <1 year and HIV-infected individuals. More widespread access to antiretroviral treatment and influenza vaccination may reduce this burden.
Dietary patterns and risk of laryngeal cancer: An exploratory factor analysis in Uruguayan men

Laryngeal carcinoma is a common malignancy among Uruguayan men. A number of case–control and prospective studies have studied the role of diet in this malignancy. To our knowledge, this is the first study that has explored broad dietary patterns by factor (principal components) analysis. The results of this study retained 6 dietary patterns. Pattern 5 (drinker) was directly associated with risk of laryngeal carcinoma (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.9–7.5), whereas the Pattern 2 (healthy) was protective (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.3–1.2). Finally, the Pattern 6 (western) displayed a significant increase in risk of 3.2 (95% CI 1.6–6.2). Most dietary patterns were associated with supraglottic cancer, supporting a possible etiological difference between supraglottic and glottic carcinomas. This study also suggests that the analysis of dietary patterns might be a useful approach for investigating nutritional factors implicated in laryngeal carcinogenesis. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Flexible Multi-Volume Shader Framework for Arbitrarily Intersecting Multi-Resolution Datasets

We present a powerful framework for 3D-texture-based rendering of multiple arbitrarily intersecting volumetric datasets. Each volume is represented by a multi-resolution octree-based structure and we use out-of-core techniques to support extremely large volumes. Users define a set of convex polyhedral volume lenses, which may be associated with one or more volumetric datasets. The volumes or the lenses can be interactively moved around while the region inside each lens is rendered using interactively defined multi-volume shaders. Our rendering pipeline splits each lens into multiple convex regions such that each region is homogenous and contains a fixed number of volumes. Each such region is further split by the brick boundaries of the associated octree representations. The resulting puzzle of lens fragments is sorted in front-to-back or back-to-front order using a combination of a view-dependent octree traversal and a GPU-based depth peeling technique. Our current implementation uses slice-based volume rendering and allows interactive roaming through multiple intersecting multi-gigabyte volumes.