Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ENDOGENOUS GROWTH, BACKSTOP TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION, AND OPTIMAL JUMPS

This paper analyzes a two-phase endogenous growth model in which the adoption of a backstop technology (e.g., solar) yields a sustained supply of essential energy inputs previously obtained from exhaustible resources (e.g., oil). Growth is knowledge-driven and the optimal timing of technology switching is determined by welfare maximization. The optimal path exhibits discrete jumps in endogenous variables: technology switching implies sudden reductions in consumption and output, an increase in the growth rate, and instantaneous adjustments in saving rates. Due to the positive growth effect, it is optimal to implement the new technology when its current consumption benefits are substantially lower than those generated by old technologies.
Quantifying total suspended sediment export from the Burdekin River catchment using the loads regression estimator tool

The loads regression estimator (LRE) was introduced by Wang et al. (2011) as an improved approach for quantifying the export of loads and the corresponding uncertainty from river systems, where data are limited. We extend this methodology and show how LRE can be used to analyze a 24 year record of total suspended sediment concentrations for the Burdekin River. For large catchments with highly variable discharge such as that of the Burdekin River, it is important to quantify loads and their uncertainties accurately to determine the current load and to monitor the effect of changes in catchment management. The extended methodology incorporates (1) multiple discounted flow terms to represent the effect of flow history on concentration, (2) a term that captures sediment trapping and spatial sources of flow in terms of the ratio of flow from above the Burdekin Falls Dam, and (3) catchment vegetation cover. Furthermore, we validated model structure and performance in relation to the application tested. We also considered errors in gauged flow rates of 10% that were consistent with the literature. The results for the Burdekin site indicate substantial variability in loads across years. The inclusion of vegetation cover as a predictor had a significant impact on total suspended sediment (TSS) concentration, with values up to 2.1% lower noted per increasing percentage of vegetation cover. TSS concentration was up to 38% lower in years with greater proportions of flow from above the dam. The extended LRE methodology resulted in improved model performance. The results suggest that management of vegetation cover in dry years can reduce TSS loads from the Burdekin catchment, and this is the focus of future work.
Shake-your-head: revisiting walking-in-place for desktop virtual reality

The Walking-In-Place interaction technique was introduced to navigate infinitely in 3D virtual worlds by walking in place in the real world. The technique has been initially developed for users standing in immersive setups and was built upon sophisticated visual displays and tracking equipments. In this paper, we propose to revisit the whole pipeline of the Walking-In-Place technique to match a larger set of configurations and apply it notably to the context of desktop Virtual Reality. With our novel "Shake-Your-Head" technique, the user is left with the possibility to sit down, and to use small screens and standard input devices such as a basic webcam for tracking. The locomotion simulation can compute various motions such as turning, jumping and crawling, using as sole input the head movements of the user. We also introduce the use of additional visual feedback based on camera motions to enhance the walking sensations. An experiment was conducted to compare our technique with classical input devices used for navigating in desktop VR. Interestingly, the results showed that our technique could even allow faster navigations when sitting, after a short learning. Our technique was also perceived as more fun and increasing presence, and was generally more appreciated for VR navigation.
GRB: Greedy Routing Protocol with Backtracking for Mobile Ad Hoc Network (Extended Version)

Routing protocols for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) have been extensively studied for more than fifteen years. Position-based routing protocols route packets towards the destination using greedy forwarding (i.e., an intermediate node forwards packets to a neighbor that is closer to the destination than itself). Different position-based protocols use different strategies to pick the neighbor to forward the packet. If a node has no neighbor that is closer to the destination than itself, greedy forwarding fails. In this case, we say there is void (no neighboring nodes) in the direction of the destination. Different position-based routing protocols use different methods for dealing with voids. In this paper, we use a simple backtracking technique to deal with voids and design a position-based routing protocol called "Greedy Routing Protocol with Backtracking (GRB)". We compare the performance of our protocol with the well known Greedy Perimeter Stateless Routing (GPSR) routing and the Ad-Hoc On-demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing protocol as well as the Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) protocol. Our protocol needs much less routing-control packets than those needed by DSR, AODV, and GPSR. Simulation results also show that our protocol has a higher packet-delivery ratio, lower end-to-end delay, and less hop count on average than AODV.
Comparison of an In Vitro Diagnostic Next-Generation Sequencing Assay with Sanger Sequencing for HIV-1 Genotypic Resistance Testing

ABSTRACT The ability of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies to detect low frequency HIV-1 drug resistance mutations (DRMs) not detected by dideoxynucleotide Sanger sequencing has potential advantages for improved patient outcomes. We compared the performance of an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) NGS assay, the Sentosa SQ HIV genotyping assay for HIV-1 genotypic resistance testing, with Sanger sequencing on 138 protease/reverse transcriptase (RT) and 39 integrase sequences. The NGS assay used a 5% threshold for reporting low-frequency variants. The level of complete plus partial nucleotide sequence concordance between Sanger sequencing and NGS was 99.9%. Among the 138 protease/RT sequences, a mean of 6.4 DRMs was identified by both Sanger and NGS, a mean of 0.5 DRM was detected by NGS alone, and a mean of 0.1 DRM was detected by Sanger sequencing alone. Among the 39 integrase sequences, a mean of 1.6 DRMs was detected by both Sanger sequencing and NGS and a mean of 0.15 DRM was detected by NGS alone. Compared with Sanger sequencing, NGS estimated higher levels of resistance to one or more antiretroviral drugs for 18.2% of protease/RT sequences and 5.1% of integrase sequences. There was little evidence for technical artifacts in the NGS sequences, but the G-to-A hypermutation was detected in three samples. In conclusion, the IVD NGS assay evaluated in this study was highly concordant with Sanger sequencing. At the 5% threshold for reporting minority variants, NGS appeared to attain a modestly increased sensitivity for detecting low-frequency DRMs without compromising sequence accuracy.
Reliability of Intraoperative Knee Range of Motion Measurements by Goniometer Compared with Robot-Assisted Arthroplasty

Abstract Accurate measurement of knee range of motion (ROM) is critical to predict the outcomes of knee surgery and prognosis. We investigated the reliability of knee ROM measurements by goniometer compared with robotic system. Fifty-three patients with medial osteoarthritis who were planning to undergo unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) with robotic UKA were prospectively enrolled. During the operation, knee ROM measurement was performed in both flexion and extension before and after insertion of the implant using both a goniometer and robotic system. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of extension measured by the goniometer and robotic system showed good agreement; however, the ICC of flexion did not show good agreement. During passive flexion, the mean values measured before insertion of the implant were significantly lower by goniometer (134.6 ± 6.43) than by robot (145.4 ± 6.80; p = 0.017); likewise, the mean values after insertion of the implant were significantly lower by goniometer (138.6 ± 6.07) than by robotic system (147.0 ± 6.60; p = 0.045). A goniometer can underestimate knee ROM measurements compared with robotic system, especially in flexion. Orthopaedic surgeons should be cautious when measuring the flexion angle with a goniometer.
Should molecular subtype be recommended as one of the selection criteria for accelerated partial breast irradiation? Preliminary results from an Asian cohort

Purpose The purpose of this study was to report clinical outcomes in patients treated with accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), stratified as per molecular subtype and American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology/Groupe Européen de Curiethérapie and European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology (ASTRO/GEC-ESTRO) patient selection criteria in order to determine whether molecular subtype should be recommended as one of the selection criteria for APBI. Material and methods 157 early-stage breast cancers patients, treated with APBI using multi-catheter interstitial brachytherapy with ≥ 6 months follow-up were included. Molecular subtype was assigned based on estrogen/progesterone receptor (ER/PR), Her2neu and tumor grade. Patients were stratified into ASTRO and GEC-ESTRO risk groups, as per updated ASTRO consensus statement (CS) and GEC-ESTRO recommendation, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the time to event data of clinical outcomes. Results With a median follow-up of 35 months, local control (LC) and locoregional control (LRC) were not significantly different among the different molecular subtypes (p = 0.19, p = 0.41, respectively). None of the APBI guidelines predicted risk of local or locoregional recurrence. Re-analyzing the data by replacing ER status with molecular subtype in the ASTRO-CS did not show any significant difference in LC/LRC across the various categories. Her2neu subtype was associated with significantly lower disease-free survival, cause specific survival, and overall survival than the luminal subtypes. Conclusions None of the mentioned APBI guidelines predicted local or locoregional recurrence risk in our study population. Additional follow-up will be needed to recommend inclusion of molecular subtype (or at least HER2 receptor status) in the patient selection criteria for APBI.
Comparison of manic and depressive symptoms between children and adolescents with bipolar spectrum disorders.

OBJECTIVE To compare the most severe lifetime (current or past) mood symptoms, duration of illness, and rates of lifetime comorbid disorders among youth with bipolar spectrum disorders [BP (bipolar-I, bipolar-II and bipolar-not otherwise specified)]. METHODS A total of 173 children (<12 years) with BP, 101 adolescents with childhood-onset BP, and 90 adolescents with adolescent-onset BP were evaluated with standardized instruments. RESULTS Depression was the most common initial and frequent episode for both adolescent groups, followed by mania/hypomania. Adolescents with childhood-onset BP had the longest illness, followed by children and then adolescents with adolescent-onset BP. Adjusting for sex, socioeconomic status, and duration of illness, while manic, both adolescent groups showed more 'typical' and severe manic symptoms. Mood lability was more frequent in childhood-onset and adolescents with early-onset BP. While depressed, both adolescent groups showed more severe depressive symptoms, higher rates of melancholic and atypical symptoms, and suicide attempts than children. Depressed children had more severe irritability than depressed adolescents. Early BP onset was associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, whereas later BP onset was associated with panic, conduct, and substance use disorders. Above-noted results were similar when each BP subtype was analyzed separately. CONCLUSIONS Older age was associated with more severe and typical mood symptomatology. However, there were differences and similarities in type, intensity, and frequency of BP symptoms and comorbid disorders related to age of onset and duration of BP and level of psychosocial development. These factors and the normal difficulties youth have expressing and modulating their emotions may explain existing complexities in diagnosing and treating BP in youth, particular in young children, and suggest the need for developmentally sensitive treatments.
Declining Financial Capacity in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Six-Year Longitudinal Study

Objective To investigate financial skill decline over a 6-year period in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) presumed due to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods Study participants were cognitively normal (CN) older adults (n = 82) and adults with MCI (n = 91) based on consensus conference diagnosis. Participants completed baseline and up to six annual follow-up assessments that included standardized financial skills measurement (Financial Capacity Instrument; FCI; nine FCI domain and two global scores). We examined FCI change over time using mixed-model repeated measures analysis adjusted for baseline age and follow-up duration. Results At baseline, the CN group performed better than the MCI group across both global and seven domain scores. Group × Time interaction effects (all p's <.02) were found for all global and domain scores. The largest interaction effects were observed for complex domains of Financial Conceptual Knowledge, Checkbook Management, Bank Statement Management, and Bill Payment (all p's <.0001). Annualized decline in the MCI group's global scores, calculated in relation to CN group performance, was 10-17% over the initial 3-year time span and 22-24% at 6 years. Decline in FCI domain scores ranged from 6% (Knowledge of Assets/Estate) to 22% (Investment Decision-Making) at 3 year follow-up, and from 15% (Basic Monetary Skills) to 37% (Financial Judgment) at 6 year follow-up. Conclusions Over a 6-year period, persons with MCI demonstrated significant declines in multiple financial skills and in particular financial judgment. The findings highlight the importance of ongoing oversight by family members and clinicians of financial skills and activities in persons with MCI.
Intravenous Laser Blood Irradiation – Introduction of a New Therapy

The method of intravenous laser blood irradiation was first introduced into therapy by the Soviet scientists E.N. Meschalkin and V.S. Sergiewski in 1981 [32]. Originally this method was developed for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Improvement of rheologic properties of the blood as well as improvement of microcirculation and reduction of the area of infarction had been proved. Further reductions of dysrhythmia and sudden cardiac death occured [4,21]. At first only the helium-neon-laser (632.8 nm) was used in this therapy. For that a power of 1-3 mW and a period of exposure of 20-60 minutes were applied. The treatments were carried out once or twice a day up to ten appointments in all. In the years after many, for the most part Russian studies showed that helium-neon-laser had various effects on many organs and on the hematologic and immunologic system. The studies were published mainly in Russian which were little known in the West because of decades of political separation, and were regarded with disapproval. Besides clinical research and application for patients the cell biological basis was developed by the Estonian cell biologist Tiina Karu at the same time. An abstract is to be found in her work "The Science of Low-Power Laser-Therapy". [19].
Genomic Structural Variations Affecting Virulence During Clonal Expansion of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae Biovar 3 in Europe

Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) biovar 3 caused pandemic bacterial canker of Actinidia chinensis and Actinidia deliciosa since 2008. In Europe, the disease spread rapidly in the kiwifruit cultivation areas from a single introduction. In this study, we investigated the genomic diversity of Psa biovar 3 strains during the primary clonal expansion in Europe using single molecule real-time (SMRT), Illumina and Sanger sequencing technologies. We recorded evidences of frequent mobilization and loss of transposon Tn6212, large chromosome inversions, and ectopic integration of IS sequences (remarkably ISPsy31, ISPsy36, and ISPsy37). While no phenotype change associated with Tn6212 mobilization could be detected, strains CRAFRU 12.29 and CRAFRU 12.50 did not elicit the hypersensitivity response (HR) on tobacco and eggplant leaves and were limited in their growth in kiwifruit leaves due to insertion of ISPsy31 and ISPsy36 in the hrpS and hrpR genes, respectively, interrupting the hrp cluster. Both strains had been isolated from symptomatic plants, suggesting coexistence of variant strains with reduced virulence together with virulent strains in mixed populations. The structural differences caused by rearrangements of self-genetic elements within European and New Zealand strains were comparable in number and type to those occurring among the European strains, in contrast with the significant difference in terms of nucleotide polymorphisms. We hypothesize a relaxation, during clonal expansion, of the selection limiting the accumulation of deleterious mutations associated with genome structural variation due to transposition of mobile elements. This consideration may be relevant when evaluating strategies to be adopted for epidemics management.
Comparative evaluation of 3-d numerical and artificial neural network models for predicting extrusion pressure and product deflection

This paper presents the comparative study of the developed 3-D numerical and artificial neural network (ANN) models for predicting extrusion pressure and product deflection of aluminium extrudes. An extensive experimental program was undertaken to extrude a aluminuim (Al) alloy on ELE Compact-1500 compression machine. The developed 3-D numerical model for the prediction of extrusion pressure and product deflection was based on two technological parameters (die bearing length, die diameter and other parameters as coefficient of friction, flow stress and two, constants. The Artificial neural network model for extrusion pressure and product deflection was developed based on groups of experiments carried out as samples, Eight (8) parameters (die bearing length, radius of curvature, slip angle, die angle, die ratio ram displacement, pocket depth and die diameter) were used as inputs into the network architecture of 8 [4-3]2 2 in predicting the extrusion pressure and product deflection. After series of network architectures were trained using different training algorithms such as Levenberg-Marquardt, Bayesian Regulation, Resilient Backpropagation using MATLAB 7.9. 0 (R20096), the LM8 [4-3]2 2 was selected as the most appropriate model. The predicted extrusion pressure and product deflection by 3-D numerical and ANN models were compared with the measured values using some statistical indicators such as correlation coefficient (R), mean absolute error (MAE), root means square error (RMSE), and Nash-Scutcliffe efficiency (NSE). The results showed that the ANN model presented a better prediction, but the developed 3-D numerical model was found to be equally useful for extrusion pressure and product deflection.
Magnetic quantum-dot cellular automata: Recent developments and prospects

Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) is a computational paradigm that uses local physical coupling between nominally identical bistable building blocks (cells) assembled into arrays to perform binary logic functions. QCA offers low power dissipation and high integration density of functional elements. Depending upon the choice of local fields causing interactions between the cells, different types of QCA are possible, such as magnetic, electronic, or optical. Here we discuss recent developments in the field of magnetic QCA (MQCA) all-magnetic logic where planar, magnetically-coupled, nanometer-scale magnets are assembled into the networks that perform binary computation. The nanomagnets are defined by electron beam lithography. We demonstrate the operation of basic elements of MQCA architecture such as binary wire, three input majority logic gate, and their combination, and discuss interfacing such systems with conventional CMOS-based logic.
Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury Exposure Assessment Among Croatian Consumers of Free-Living Game

Abstract Free-living game can be an important source of dietary cadmium and lead; the question is whether exposure to these two elements is such that it might cause adverse health effects in the consumers. The aim of this study was to estimate dietary exposure to cadmium, lead, and mercury from free-living big game (fallow deer, roe deer, red deer, wild boar, and brown bear), and to mercury from small game (pheasant and hare), hunted in Croatia from 1990 to 2012. The exposure assessment was based on available literature data and our own measurements of metal levels in the tissues of the game, by taking into account different consumption frequencies (four times a year, once a month and once a week). Exposure was expressed as percentage of (provisional) tolerable weekly intake [(P)TWI] values set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Consumption of game meat (0.002-0.5 % PTWI) and liver (0.005-6 % PTWI) assumed for the general population (four times a year) does not pose a health risk to consumers from the general population, nor does monthly (0.02-6 % PTWI) and weekly (0.1-24 % PTWI) consumption of game meat. However, because of the high percentage of free-living game liver and kidney samples exceeding the legislative limits for cadmium (2-99 %) and lead (1-82 %), people should keep the consumption of certain game species’ offal as low as possible. Children and pregnant and lactating women should avoid eating game offal altogether. Free-living game liver could be an important source of cadmium if consumed on a monthly basis (3-74 % TWI), and if consumed weekly (11-297 % TWI), it could even give rise to toxicological concern.
Patient-Perceived Family Stigma of Type 2 Diabetes and Its Consequences

Introduction: Adults with type two diabetes (T2D) report being monitored and judged by family members, contributing to feelings of guilt/shame, and attempts to conceal one’s diabetes status or self-care efforts. However, studies have not yet quantitatively examined T2D stigma from family members. Our objective was to assess the frequency of T2D family stigma and its association with helpful and harmful diabetes-specific family behaviors and psychological and behavioral consequences of stigma. Method: A sample of predominantly African-American adults with T2D and low income completed items written for this study to assess T2D family stigma and consequences of stigma. We explored frequencies and bivariate correlations between these constructs and diabetes-specific family behaviors (measured with the Diabetes Family Behavior Checklist-II). Results: Participants (N = 53) were 57.3 ± 8.7 years old, 70% African American, 96% had annual incomes <$20K, and average HbA1C was 8.0 ± 2.2%. More than half (57%) reported at least 1 experience of family stigma (1.26 ± 1.8 of 9 queried, &agr; = .84), and 28% reported at least 1 consequence (0.6 ± 1.3 of 5 queried, &agr; = .87). Reporting more family stigma was associated with more consequences (&rgr; = .52, p < .001) but not with helpful or harmful family behaviors. Discussion: Perceptions/experiences of T2D-related family stigma were common in our sample and associated with consequences of stigma including concealment and resentment of self-care, which may affect clinical outcomes.