Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cardiac tamponade or hemopericardium are not associated with bleeding risk factors in consecutive patients hospitalized with noniatrogenic, pericardial effusions

Pericardial effusions are a frequently encountered complication of prevalent metastatic malignancies. The incidence of pericardial involvement varies widely from 1.6 to 20% in autopsy studies of patients found to have a metastatic neoplasm [1-3]. Patients with these malignancies are also at an increased risk of thromboembolic disease warranting prolonged courses of anticoagulation therapy [4]. A pervasive belief exists in medicine that anticoagulation increases the risk of cardiac tamponade in patients with known pericardial effusions, especially when the effusions are malignancy related (MR) [5―7]. This is attributed to a perceived increased risk of bleeding into the pericardium, resulting in tamponade physiology. To our knowledge, there are no published data to support this concern. To investigate an association between therapeutic anticoagulation and the development of cardiac tamponade in patients with MR pericardial effusions, we conducted a retrospective, case-control, medical record review of consecutive patients diagnosed with pericardial effusions at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
A Multimodal Emotion Detection System during Human-Robot Interaction

In this paper, a multimodal user-emotion detection system for social robots is presented. This system is intended to be used during human–robot interaction, and it is integrated as part of the overall interaction system of the robot: the Robotics Dialog System (RDS). Two modes are used to detect emotions: the voice and face expression analysis. In order to analyze the voice of the user, a new component has been developed: Gender and Emotion Voice Analysis (GEVA), which is written using the Chuck language. For emotion detection in facial expressions, the system, Gender and Emotion Facial Analysis (GEFA), has been also developed. This last system integrates two third-party solutions: Sophisticated High-speed Object Recognition Engine (SHORE) and Computer Expression Recognition Toolbox (CERT). Once these new components (GEVA and GEFA) give their results, a decision rule is applied in order to combine the information given by both of them. The result of this rule, the detected emotion, is integrated into the dialog system through communicative acts. Hence, each communicative act gives, among other things, the detected emotion of the user to the RDS so it can adapt its strategy in order to get a greater satisfaction degree during the human–robot dialog. Each of the new components, GEVA and GEFA, can also be used individually. Moreover, they are integrated with the robotic control platform ROS (Robot Operating System). Several experiments with real users were performed to determine the accuracy of each component and to set the final decision rule. The results obtained from applying this decision rule in these experiments show a high success rate in automatic user emotion recognition, improving the results given by the two information channels (audio and visual) separately.
Strategy-proof assignment of indivisible and divisible resources ∗

We examine the strategy-proof allocation of multiple divisible and indivisible resources; an application is the assignment of packages of tasks, workloads, and compensations among the members of an organization. We find that any allocation mechanism obtained by maximizing a separably concave function over a polyhedral extension of the set of Pareto-efficient allocations is strategyproof. Moreover, these are the only strategy-proof, unanimous, and consistent mechanisms responding well to changes in the availability of resources. These mechanisms generalize the parametric rationing mechanisms (Young, 1987), some of which date back to the Babylonian Talmud.
Finite-time H∞ control for a class of discrete-time Markovian jump systems with partly unknown time-varying transition probabilities subject to average dwell time switching

An extension of a fixed transition probability (TP) Markovian switching model to combine time-varying TPs has offered another set of useful regime-switching models. This paper is concerned with the problem of finite-time H∞ control for a class of discrete-time Markovian jump systems with partly unknown time-varying TPs subject to average dwell time switching. The so-called time-varying TPs mean that the TPs are varying but invariant within an interval. The variation of the TPs considered here is subject to a class of slow switching signal. Based on selecting the appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, sufficient conditions of finite-time boundedness of Markovian jump systems are derived and the system trajectory stays within a prescribed bound. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
The development and application of information system driven value creation in Indian financial services sector

Assessing IS/IT systems value creation is a prerequisite for organisations adopting such systems. While the focal point of connected research is predominantly on instruments, models, and methodologies, only moderate attention has been given to understand and improve the value realisation process of IS. We adopted the DeLone and McLean model of IS success for the design of a value realisation model of IS in the financial services domain. While this model has been originally contrived for the area of information systems, it basically conquers the process of value realisation. In executing so, it is not only well-founded but its practical application can been broadened to other areas too. Hence, this paper presents a re-specification of DeLone and McLean's IS success model as a value creation model, examining it empirically in the context of financial services. A conceptual framework is proposed from a comprehensive review of IS success and value creation literature that evaluates IS success and value. Six variables are employed to measure IS system success and value in financial services industries. This conceptual FS-IS value creation model is tested and validated using data collected from banking and non-banking Indian financial companies. Primary contributions of the study include a new financial services information system success value model and a validated rating scale to measure information system constructs and performance for use by banking and non-banking companies.
User interface layout with ordinal and linear constraints

User interfaces as well as documents use tabular layout mechanisms. The HTML table construct and the GridBag layout in Java are typical examples. There are, however, shortcomings of these mechanisms that become obvious with more advanced content like semi-structured data or object-oriented models. We present a generalized table construct that solves these shortcomings and generalizes tabular layouts to a foundation of 2D layout. We describe an algorithm for specifying and rendering user interfaces -- and 2D documents in general -- using simple but expressive mathematical properties. In particular, the new tabular layout is described by ordinal and linear constraints. The ordinal information makes it possible to describe the general structure of a table and merge multiple cells into rectangular areas. The linear constraints allow it to map particular points of the table to particular coordinates or specify the size of areas in an absolute or relative manner. The resulting layout engine is easy to use and can render 2D information in real-time.
Model-Based Global Localization for Aerial Robots Using Edge Alignment

Robust state estimation is the core capability for autonomous aerial robots operating in complex environments. Global navigation satellite system and visual odometry/SLAM are popular methods for state estimation. However, there exist scenarios, such as when flying between tall buildings or in the middle of deep canyons, that all these methods fail due to obstructed sky view and high altitude. in this letter, inspired by the fact that offline-generated three-dimensional (3-D) models of cities and natural scenes are readily available, we propose a global localization method for aerial robots by using 3-D models and measurements from a monocular fisheye camera and an inertial measurement unit (IMU). Due to the fact that 3-D models are generated by different cameras at different times, traditional feature-based or direct registration methods usually fail to perform, we therefore propose to use an edge alignment-based method for image-to-model registration under strong changes in lighting conditions and camera characteristics. We additionally aid our model-based localization with electronic image stabilization for better tracking performance, and extended Kalman filter (EKF)-based sensor fusion for closed-loop control. Our method runs onboard an embedded computer in real time. We verify both local accuracy and global consistency of the proposed approach in real-world experiments with comparisons against ground truth. We also show closed-loop control using the proposed method as state feedback.
The Effects of Abrasive Size Distribution in Chemical- Mechanical Polishing: Modeling and Verification

Abstract--- Recently, a comprehensive model has been developed by Luo and Dornfeld (Luo and Dornfeld, ‘Material removal mechanism in chemical mechanical polishing: theory and modeling,” IEEE Transaction: Semiconductor Manufacturing , in press, 2000) to explain the material removal mechanism in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP). According to the model, the abrasive size distributions play an important role in CMP. Basically, they influence the material removal from two aspects, one, the number of active abrasives, and the other, the size of the active abrasives. In this paper, we propose a detailed view of wafer-abrasive-pad contact to explain how and where abrasive size distributions come into the comprehensive material removal model. Material removal rate formulation as a function of abrasive size distribution has been proposed and verified using published experimental results. In the future, the application of the model on the process optimization, for example, improving the non-uniformity, or obtaining minimum surface scratching and large enough material removal rate by using optimal standard deviation, may be attempted.
Favourable IFNL3 Genotypes Are Associated with Spontaneous Clearance and Are Differentially Distributed in Aboriginals in Canadian HIV-Hepatitis C Co-Infected Individuals

Canadian Aboriginals are reported to clear Hepatitis C (HCV) more frequently. We tested the association of spontaneous clearance and three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near the Interferon-lambda 3 (IFNL3) gene (rs12979860, rs8099917, functional variant rs8103142) and compared the SNP frequencies between HIV-HCV co-infected whites and Aboriginals from the Canadian Co-infection Cohort. HCV treatment-naïve individuals with at least two HCV RNA tests were included (n = 538). A spontaneous clearance case was defined as someone with two consecutive HCV RNA-negative tests, at least six months apart. Data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards adjusted for sex and ethnicity. Advantageous variants and haplotypes were more common in Aboriginals than Caucasians: 57% vs. 46% had the rs12979860 CC genotype, respectively; 58% vs. 48%, rs8103142 TT; 74% vs. 67%, the rs12979860 C allele; and 67% vs. 64% the TCT haplotype with three favourable alleles. The adjusted Hazard Ratios (95% CI) for spontaneous clearance were: rs12979860: 3.80 (2.20, 6.54); rs8099917: 5.14 (2.46, 10.72); and rs8103142: 4.36 (2.49, 7.62). Even after adjusting for rs12979860, Aboriginals and females cleared HCV more often, HR (95% CI) = 1.53 (0.89, 2.61) and 1.42 (0.79, 2.53), respectively. Our results suggest that favourable IFNL3 genotypes are more common among Aboriginals than Caucasians, and may partly explain the higher HCV clearance rates seen among Aboriginals.
Morphological Instabilities and the Dynamics of Carbon Nanotube Forest Growth

Vertically aligned carbon nanotube forests show various morphologies on both macro- and micro-scales. These morphologies are a result of growth mechanisms and interactions between nanotubes. By investigating these morphologies, we study both the growth mechanisms and the interactions. We examine forest morphologies in situ, dynamically during chemical vapor deposition growth and ex situ, post growth. In situ observations allow the separate characterization of nucleation, growth and termination phases, and the exploration of connections between morphology and growth. Forests systematically show different morphologies, ranging from uniform to cracked, delaminated, and periodically rippled. These are discussed in terms of the balance of forces within the forests including cohesion, adhesion, and stiffness. We propose a simplified model that predicts termination as a result of an imbalance in the forces present. We show that growth rate differences drive many morphological effects, and these differences originate in the nucleation phase due to gas diffusion.
From novel mathematics to efficient algorithms. Do we have proper SD foundation to build future

Computer implementation of sophisticated algorithms for physics applications is greatly facilitated by the new generation of component-oriented SD technologies pioneered by Wirth's Oberon and embraced by the software industry (Sun's Java and Microsoft's C#). In a stark contrast with the deeply flawed C++, the Oberon technologies (specifically, the Component Pascal and the BlackBox development environment) offer an unparalleled SD platform for building scientific applications from sophisticated data processing to demanding symbolic calculations. Specific examples are discussed.
Laser-induced damage of pure and mixture material high reflectors for 355nm and 1064nm wavelength

High reflecting multilayer coatings play a key role for many applications of pulsed Nd:YAG high power lasers in industry and science. In the present contribution, improvements in the optical properties and the radiation resistance of high reflectors for 355nm and 1064nm wavelength on the basis of mixture materials are discussed. Within a co-operation between the LASEROPTIK GmbH and the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. , several deposition processes including Ion Beam Sputtering, Magnetron Sputtering, and Electron Beam Evaporation could be addressed for this study. The selected material combinations HfO2+ZrO2/SiO2, HfO2+Al2O3/SiO2, HfO2+SiO2/SiO2 and HfO2/SiO2 were deposited using a zone target assembly for the IBS technique or defined material mixtures for the evaporation process. Single layers of the applied mixtures were analyzed by UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy to correlate the optical constants with the atomic compositions quantified by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). In addition to pure material reference mirrors and reflecting multilayer coatings with high index material mixtures, also interference coatings consisting of nanolaminates as well as multilayer systems with refractive index profiles were produced. The laser induced damage thresholds at 1064nm wavelength for nanosecond pulse durations were measured in a 1000on1 experiment complying with the standard ISO11254. For the 355nm high reflectors, the radiation resistance was determined in a 10000on1 procedure, furthermore, the radiation-induced absorption was measured by laser calorimetry according to ISO11551. Finally, the layer interfaces and the amorphous microstructure of selected multilayers were analyzed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to obtain detailed information about possible partial crystallinity. The results are interpreted in the context of former investigations on the power handling capability of coating systems involving material mixtures.
A new era for IFN-α in the treatment of Philadelphia-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms

In recent years, several studies have shown that IFN-α2 is able to induce molecular remissions with undetectable JAK2V617F in a subset of patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) and polycythemia vera (PV), even with normalization of the bone marrow and sustained molecular remissions after discontinuation of IFN-α2. Accordingly, interest in using IFN-α2 in the treatment of patients with PV and related neoplasms has been revived. This article highlights the current status of IFN-α2 in the treatment of patients with ET, PV, primary myelofibrosis and myelofibrosis following ET and PV. In the context of being able to induce ‘minimal residual disease’ in a subset of patients after long-term treatment with IFN-α2, the current risk-stratification systems used for treatment decisions are being challenged. It is argued that in 2011, the bulk of evidence for the efficacy and safety of pegylated interferons in treating patients with these neoplasms favors the upfront use of pegylated interferons, the goal being to influence the development of the disease at the molecular level and revert patients to a stage of ‘minimal residual disease/operational cure‘ instead of progressive clonal evolution, genomic instability and leukemic or myelofibrotic transformation during long-term treatment with hydroxyurea.
A fast DCT processor, based on special purpose CORDIC rotators

In this paper, a new processor that computes the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) is presented. Based on a recently proposed DCT algorithm, this architecture overcomes the major drawbacks of the original implementation resulting in a design with considerably less area consumption and higher speed. To achieve these results, a novel architecture, based on the CORDIC circular rotation algorithm, is introduced: it reduces the required area by more than 60% compared to the use of standard CORDIC architectures. Furthermore, bit serial arithmetic is used, resulting in a very compact design. In order to get maximum throughput, the proposed processor is fully pipelined, achieving a performance efficient even for signals as fast as HDTV. <<ETX>>
Assessment of disease activity and impending flare in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Comparison of the use of complement split products and conventional measurements of complement.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether increased levels of the complement split products generated in the activation of the alternative or classical pathway accompany more severe disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and whether these measurements are useful in predicting flares of disease. METHODS Levels of Ba, Bb, SC5b-9, and C4d were measured in 380 plasma samples obtained from 86 SLE patients who were prospectively followed up for 15 months. RESULTS In the 20 patients who had inactive disease at the initiation of the study, the mean values of all of the complement split products at entry were within the normal range. In the 47 patients with stable or moderate disease activity, levels of Ba were significantly increased, while the mean values for Bb, SC5b-9, and C4d did not differ significantly from those in patients with inactive disease. The mean entry value of each analyte was highest in the group of 19 patients who had the most severe disease activity at initial evaluation. Traditional measurements of complement, i.e., C3, C4, and CH50, followed similar trends, but did not discriminate between the 3 groups of patients as well as did measurements of the split products. Analysis of the disease course in the patients with inactive or stable/moderate disease revealed that an elevated level of C4d had the most sensitivity with regard to subsequent flare, while an elevated Bb level had the highest specificity and the greatest predictive value. CONCLUSION These data suggest that elevated levels of complement split products, particularly products of alternative and terminal pathway activation, more accurately reflect disease activity than do conventional measurements of complement in SLE and may be useful in the prediction of impending disease flares.
A single LC tank self-compensated CMOS oscillator with frequency stability of ±100ppm from −40°C to 85°C

This work presents a new all CMOS Self-Compensated Oscillator (SCO) that is highly stable across temperature and is utilized as a reference clock source. The new architecture utilizes an innovative phase shift technique that adjusts the phase of the tank at a specific Temperature Null (TNULL) phase where the frequency deviation across temperature is minimized. The single LC tank architecture used in the new oscillator reduces die area significantly compared to a previously reported dual LC tank architecture. The new oscillator achieves a total frequency stability of ±100ppm across temperature (-40-85°C), supply (3.0-3.6V) and load (0-15pF). CMOS output frequencies from 1-133MHz can be produced with a 2.8ps rms period jitter and 7mA current consumption at 25MHz output.
Radiogenomic Analysis of Oncological Data: A Technical Survey

In the last few years, biomedical research has been boosted by the technological development of analytical instrumentation generating a large volume of data. Such information has increased in complexity from basic (i.e., blood samples) to extensive sets encompassing many aspects of a subject phenotype, and now rapidly extending into genetic and, more recently, radiomic information. Radiogenomics integrates both aspects, investigating the relationship between imaging features and gene expression. From a methodological point of view, radiogenomics takes advantage of non-conventional data analysis techniques that reveal meaningful information for decision-support in cancer diagnosis and treatment. This survey is aimed to review the state-of-the-art techniques employed in radiomics and genomics with special focus on analysis methods based on molecular and multimodal probes. The impact of single and combined techniques will be discussed in light of their suitability in correlation and predictive studies of specific oncologic diseases.
slowmo is required for Drosophila germline proliferation

Null mutations in the Drosophila gene, slowmo (slmo), result in reduced mobility and lethality in first‐instar larvae. Slowmo encodes a mitochondrial protein of unknown function, as do the two other homologs found in Drosophila. Here, we have studied a hypomorphic P‐element allele of slmo demonstrating its effects on germline divisions in both testes and ovaries. Using in situ studies, enhancer‐trap activity, and promoter fusions, we have shown that slmo expression in testes is found in the somatic cyst cells (SCC). The hypomorphic allele for Slmo revealed apoptotic loss of germline cells in the larval germline, culminating in a complete absence of the germline in adult flies. In females, a similar degeneration of the germarium is observed, while reporter gene expression is found in both germline and somatic cells. Using a null mutation in female germline clones, we find slmo is dispensable from the germline cells. Our results suggest that Slowmo is not required in germline cells directly, but is required in SCCs responsible for maintaining germline survival in both sexes. genesis 45:66–75, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Behavioral Foundations of Microcredit: Experimental and Survey Evidence from Rural India

Microcredit is an innovative financial tool designed to reduce poverty and fix credit market imperfections. We use experimental measures of time discounting and risk aversion for villagers in south India to highlight behavioral features of microcredit. Conditional on borrowing from any source, women with present-biased preferences are more likely than others to borrow through microcredit institutions. Microcredit contracts require loan repayments in regular, fixed installments and they harness peer pressure to encourage discipline. These innovations mirror mechanisms highlighted in behavioral approaches to saving, suggesting that microcredit's popularity stems partly from modes of encouragement and self-discipline absent in typical lending mechanisms.