Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Restatements of input-to-state stability in infinite dimensions : what goes wrong ?

We show by means of counterexamples that many characterizations of input-to-state stability (ISS) known for ODE systems are not valid for general differential equations in Banach spaces. Moreover, these notions or combinations of notions are not equivalent to each other, and can be classified into several groups according to the type and grade of nonuniformity. We introduce the new notion of strong ISS which is equivalent to ISS in the ODE case, but which is strictly weaker than ISS in the infinite-dimensional setting. We characterize strong ISS as a strong asymptotic gain property plus global stability.
Roadside survey of alcohol and drug use among Norwegian drivers in 2016–2017: A follow-up of the 2008–2009 survey

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to study the use of alcohol and drugs among the general driving population in the southeastern part of Norway and to compare the findings with the results from a similar roadside survey in 2008–2009. Methods: A roadside survey of drivers of cars, vans, motorcycles, and mopeds was performed from April 2016 to April 2017 in collaboration with the Mobile Police Service. Oral fluid was collected using the Quantisal device and analyzed for alcohol, illicit drugs, and psychoactive medicinal drugs. Age, sex, time, and geographical region were recorded. Results: Of the 5,556 drivers who were asked to participate in the study, 518 drivers (9.3%) declined to participate, and 4 samples contained insufficient volume of oral fluid to be analyzed; thus, 5,034 drivers were included. Fifteen drivers (0.3%) suspected by the police for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs refused to participate in the study, so the alcohol and drug findings represent minimum values. The weighted prevalence of alcohol concentrations above the legal limit of 0.2 g/L was 0.2%, which is similar to the finding in the 2008–2009 survey. The weighted prevalences of medicinal drugs and illicit drugs were 3.0 and 1.7%, respectively; those numbers included more drugs than the 2008–2009 survey and are therefore not comparable. The most prevalent illicit and medicinal drugs were tetrahydrocannabinol (1.3%) and zopiclone (1.4%). The prevalences of benzodiazepines and amphetamines were significantly lower than detected in the 2008–2009 survey. Only one sample tested positive for a new psychoactive substance. Conclusions: The proportion of samples that tested positive for alcohol had not changed since 2008–2009, and the proportions that tested positive for benzodiazepines and amphetamines were lower. There are several possible reasons for the reduction: Implementation of legal limits for 28 drugs in 2012–2016, increased use of drug recognition tests, implementation of drug screening instruments, and automatic number plate recognition by the police since 2010; more focused enforcement of the driving under the influence (DUI) law; better information provided to drivers; and changes in drug prescriptions.
A Stochastic Market Design With Revenue Adequacy and Cost Recovery by Scenario: Benefits and Costs

Two desirable properties of electricity market mechanisms include: 1) revenue adequacy for the market, and 2) cost recovery for all generators. Previously proposed stochastic market-clearing mechanisms satisfy both properties in expectation only, or satisfy one property by scenario and another in expectation. Consequently, market parties may perceive significant risks to participating in the market since they may lose money in one or more scenarios, and therefore be discouraged from offering in the market or perhaps even from investing. We develop a stochastic two-stage market-clearing model including day-ahead and real-time settlements with an energy-only pricing scheme that ensures both properties by scenario. However, this approach is cost-inefficient in general and may sacrifice other desirable market attributes. Undesirable consequences include: One group of participants will have to pay more to ensure that all other participants have their costs covered, and thus their prices will not be equilibrium supporting; and day-ahead and real-time prices are not arbitraged in expectation, although this can be fixed by allowing virtual bidders to arbitrage but at the potential cost of increased market inefficiency. Considering these pros and cons, we propose our model as an appropriate tool for market analysis, and not for clearing actual markets. Numerical results from case studies illustrate the benefits and costs of the proposed stochastic market design.
DNA methylation biomarkers for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

ABSTRACT DNA methylation plays an important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The current study aimed to identify aberrantly methylated-differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. In addition, we screened for DEGs affected by DNA methylation modification and further investigated their prognostic values for HNSCC. We included microarray data of DNA methylation (GSE25093 and GSE33202) and gene expression (GSE23036 and GSE58911) from Gene Expression Omnibus. Aberrantly methylated-DEGs were analyzed with R software. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) RNA sequencing and DNA methylation (Illumina HumanMethylation450) databases were utilized for validation. In total, 27 aberrantly methylated genes accompanied by altered expression were identified. After confirmation by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, 2 hypermethylated-low-expression genes (FAM135B and ZNF610) and 2 hypomethylated-high-expression genes (HOXA9 and DCC) were identified. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve confirmed the diagnostic value of these four methylated genes for HNSCC. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that FAM135B methylation was a favorable independent prognostic biomarker for overall survival of HNSCC patients.
The long-term costs for treating multiple sclerosis in a 16-year retrospective cohort study in Brazil

Background Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease that appreciably impacts on the quality of life of patients and is associated with high expenditure. MS is a chronic multifactorial disease, characterized by inflammation, demyelination and axonal loss. The Brazilian public health system provides pharmacological treatment as well as hospital and outpatient care for patients with relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. However, we are not aware of any previous publications assessing total direct medical costs in patients with a long follow-up within the Brazilian healthcare system. Consequently, the objective is to analyze public spending on patients with MS to guide stakeholders in future investment and disinvestment decisions. Methods and findings We retrospectively analyzed public Brazilian spending on patients with MS between 2000 and 2015 using the patient-centered registry of all patients in the public health system (SUS) obtained through deterministic-probabilistic record linkage of the Outpatient Information System, Hospital Information System and Mortality Information Systems in Brazil. Descriptive data analysis and a multiple linear regression model was performed to evaluate the associations between the mean annual cost per patient and the clinical and demographic variables. The suitability of the model was verified from a residue analysis and the level of significance adopted was 5%. Results 28,401 patients were identified and subsequently 23,082 patients were analyzed. The majority of the patients were female (73.3%), lived in the southeast region (58.9%), had a mean age of 36.8 (± 12.2) years and started treatment using one of the interferons beta (78.9%). The total direct medical cost spending in the sixteen years of the follow-up was US $ 2,308,393,465.60, and the mean annual expenditure per patient was US $ 13,544.40 (± 4,607.05). In the best fit model (p <0.001), approximately 40% of the variability of the mean annual cost per patient was explained by the region of residence; medication used (intention to treat); if the patient was a non-exclusive user of medicines, i.e., used SUS for other procedures other than high-cost medicines; year of treatment start; and presence of events (death; Relapse; change of treatment and/or comorbidity). Conclusions In the public health system of Brazil, disease modifying therapies currently represent almost all of the total direct costs of multiple sclerosis treatment. Around the world, new and emerging health technologies to treat of MS impose a challenge to health budgets, highlighting the need for cost-effectiveness studies comparing these technologies to those already available. Our regression model may help in this process, and calls attention to the need to access the real world performance of new therapies available in SUS, with the potential for disinvestment and/ or price reductions if needed.
An economic analysis of chromosome testing in couples with children who have structural chromosome abnormalities

Background Structural chromosome abnormalities can cause significant negative reproductive outcomes as they typically result in morbidity and mortality of newborns. The prevalence of structural chromosomal abnormalities in live births is at least 0.05%, of which many of them have parental origins. It is uncommon to predict structural chromosome abnormalities at birth in the first child but it is possible to prevent repeated abnormalities through screening and diagnostic programmes. This study will provide an economic analysis of the prenatal detection of these abnormalities. Methods A cost-benefit analysis using a decision analytic model was employed to compare the status quo (doing nothing) with two interventional strategies. The first strategy (Strategy I) is preconceptional screening plus amniocentesis, and the second strategy (Strategy II) is amniocentesis alone. The monetary values in Thai baht (THB) were adjusted to international dollars (I$) using purchasing power parity (PPP) (I$1 = THB 17.60 for the year 2013). The robustness of the results was tested by applying a probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Results Both diagnostic strategies can reduce approximately 10.7–11.1 births with abnormal chromosomes per 1,000 diagnosed couples. The benefit cost ratios were 1.62 for Strategy I and 1.24 for Strategy II. Net present values per 1,000 diagnoses in couples were I$464,000 for Strategy I and I$267,000 for Strategy II. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis suggested that the cost-benefit analysis was sufficiently robust, confirming that both strategies provided higher benefits than costs. Conclusions Since the benefits of both diagnostic strategies exceeded their costs, both strategies are economical–with Strategy I being more economically attractive. Strategy I is superior to Strategy II because it decreases the risk of normal children potentially dying from the amniocentesis process.
Megaprojects Front-End Planning: The Case of Brazilian Organizations of Engineering and Construction

The goal of this study is to analyze the adoption of the Front-End Planning method by Brazilian companies which is applied in megaprojects management. For this reason, a survey was conducted with Brazilian companies of different sectors related to Engineering and Construction in order to perceive the adequacy and the frequency of the use of the Front-End Planning method and compare the theory with the market practices. From the eight topics raised to compare the theoretical reference with the organizational practices, only two topics presented relevant differences that need to be investigated in future researches. Among these differences between what is considered in the literature and what is practiced by the companies, it is possible to point out the variations in the project budgets in contrast with the methodology proposal to increase the cost predictability.
SOCIETY FOR ENDOCRINOLOGY ENDOCRINE EMERGENCY GUIDANCE: Acute management of the endocrine complications of checkpoint inhibitor therapy

Immunotherapy treatment with checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) (CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibitors) significantly improves survival in a number of cancers. Treatment can be limited by immune-mediated adverse effects including endocrinopathies such as hypophysitis, adrenalitis, thyroiditis and diabetes mellitus. If endocrinopathies (particularly hypocortisolemia) are not recognized early, they can be fatal. The diagnosis and management of endocrinopathies can be complicated by simultaneous multi-organ immune adverse effects. Here, we present Endocrine Emergency Guidance for the acute management of the endocrine complications of checkpoint inhibitor therapy, the first specialty-specific guidance with Endocrinology, Oncology and Acute Medicine input and endorsed by the Society for Endocrinology Clinical Committee. We present algorithms for management: endocrine assessment and management of patients in the first 24 hours who present life-threateningly unwell (CTCAE grade 3–4) and the appropriate management of mild-moderately unwell patients (CTCAE grade 1–2) presenting with features compatible with an endocrinopathy. Other important considerations in relation to hypohysitis and the maintenance of glucocorticoid therapy are discussed.
Recurrent neural network approach to mineral deposit modelling

Estimation of grade distribution of iron ore has been attempted using a neural network based model for a banded iron formation (BIF) type iron ore deposit of East India. The model provides an alternative to traditional geostatistical approach. Geostatistical methods assume linear spatial correlation among sample values within a mineral deposit and characterizes various parameters of a mineral deposit. A Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) model, on the other hand, owing to its capability of capturing non-linearity of distribution of a sample space, is suggested to provide estimatesof the iron ore grade. Due to its dynamic training mechanism, RNN model additionally provides a fast and robust solution. Cross-validation of the RNN model has been carried out by comparing its resulting Fe grade outputs with the kriged estimated Fe values. The RNN model provides an improved technique forcogent grade modelling.
Prion replication environment defines the fate of prion strain adaptation

The main risk of emergence of prion diseases in humans is associated with a cross-species transmission of prions of zoonotic origin. Prion transmission between species is regulated by a species barrier. Successful cross-species transmission is often accompanied by strain adaptation and result in stable changes of strain-specific disease phenotype. Amino acid sequences of host PrPC and donor PrPSc as well as strain-specific structure of PrPSc are believed to be the main factors that control species barrier and strain adaptation. Yet, despite our knowledge of the primary structures of mammalian prions, predicting the fate of prion strain adaptation is very difficult if possible at all. The current study asked the question whether changes in cofactor environment affect the fate of prions adaptation. To address this question, hamster strain 263K was propagated under normal or RNA-depleted conditions using serial Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification (PMCA) conducted first in mouse and then hamster substrates. We found that 263K propagated under normal conditions in mouse and then hamster substrates induced the disease phenotype similar to the original 263K. Surprisingly, 263K that propagated first in RNA-depleted mouse substrate and then normal hamster substrate produced a new disease phenotype upon serial transmission. Moreover, 263K that propagated in RNA-depleted mouse and then RNA-depleted hamster substrates failed to induce clinical diseases for three serial passages despite a gradual increase of PrPSc in animals. To summarize, depletion of RNA in prion replication reactions changed the rate of strain adaptation and the disease phenotype upon subsequent serial passaging of PMCA-derived materials in animals. The current studies suggest that replication environment plays an important role in determining the fate of prion strain adaptation.
Self-Enhancement as a Motivation for Sharing Online Advertising

ABSTRACT Marketers have long understood that consumers’ self-concepts influence the products they purchase; conversely, products purchased influence people’s self-concepts. Might the same self-enhancement framework apply in to shared online advertisements? Using the symbolic interactionist perspective of identity theory, this study empirically tests the proposition that online consumers use electronic word of mouth, and specifically the sharing of online advertising, to construct and express their self-concepts. The results suggest that self-brand congruity, entertainment value, and product category involvement increase the self-expressiveness of online ads, which then increase the likelihood of sharing those ads. These findings have both theoretical and managerial implications.
Grading Aortic Stenosis With Mean Gradient and Comparison Between Preoperative Transthoracic and Precardiopulmonary Bypass Transesophageal Echocardiography

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A 3D MRI‐based atlas of a lizard brain

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an established technique for neuroanatomical analysis, being particularly useful in the medical sciences. However, the application of MRI to evolutionary neuroscience is still in its infancy. Few magnetic resonance brain atlases exist outside the standard model organisms in neuroscience and no magnetic resonance atlas has been produced for any reptile brain. A detailed understanding of reptilian brain anatomy is necessary to elucidate the evolutionary origin of enigmatic brain structures such as the cerebral cortex. Here, we present a magnetic resonance atlas for the brain of a representative squamate reptile, the Australian tawny dragon (Agamidae: Ctenophorus decresii), which has been the subject of numerous ecological and behavioral studies. We used a high‐field 11.74T magnet, a paramagnetic contrasting‐enhancing agent and minimum‐deformation modeling of the brains of thirteen adult male individuals. From this, we created a high‐resolution three‐dimensional model of a lizard brain. The 3D‐MRI model can be freely downloaded and allows a better comprehension of brain areas, nuclei, and fiber tracts, facilitating comparison with other species and setting the basis for future comparative evolution imaging studies. The MRI model and atlas of a tawny dragon brain (Ctenophorus decresii) can be viewed online and downloaded using the Wiley Biolucida Server at wiley.biolucida. net.
Effect of Homonymous Set of Words Instruction on Vocabulary Development and Retention of Young Female Elementary Learners in Iranian EFL Context through Metalinguistic Awareness

Vocabulary learning is indispensable in the process of second language (L2) learning and plays a pivotal role in this regard. At the heart of this issue is the homonymous conflict, which is more problematic and very difficult to deal with. Therefore, the current study was undertaken to cast a little bit of light on homonyms instruction in the area of learners’ L2 vocabulary development and retention. In this vein, four intact classes of Iran Language Institute (ILI) comprised of 46 young female EFL learners aged from 9-10 years old enrolled in the present study whose English proficiency level was elementary. Signing the Assent form, the participants were given a proficiency test for homogenizing. They were divided into two groups of experimental and control. The former group favored the explicit, simultaneous and concurrent homonymous set of words instruction; however, the latter one encountered the accidental and incidental homonyms instruction through various texts. The results obtained from vocabulary achievement test indicated that in the vocabulary development phase, both methods appeared to be significantly effective in the short run, but the participants in the experimental group revealed a better performance. Moreover, after administrating the delayed post-test, the analysis elicited that homonyms instruction significantly hindered the vocabulary recovery and retention of the learners just in the Experimental group three weeks later. Hence, the outcome of this piece of study provided various remarkable implications for teachers to reinforce learners’ vocabulary repertoire through context, and led to give some insights into homonyms instruction via metalinguistic awareness.
Fashion-Gen: The Generative Fashion Dataset and Challenge

We introduce a new dataset of 293,008 high definition (1360 x 1360 pixels) fashion images paired with item descriptions provided by professional stylists. Each item is photographed from a variety of angles. We provide baseline results on 1) high-resolution image generation, and 2) image generation conditioned on the given text descriptions. We invite the community to improve upon these baselines. In this paper, we also outline the details of a challenge that we are launching based upon this dataset.
Research on Heavy Metals Release Pattern of Waterfront Tidal River Sediment

The waterfront tidal river, Neijiang in Zhenjiang city, was studied by monitoring the heavy metals content distribution in sediment. In this study, the relationship between sedimentary heavy metals release rates and dynamic disturbance was established for different pollution situation in Neijiang. Based on the synchronous hydrological and water quality monitoring, the spatio-temporal changing laws of heavy metals release rates of different hydrological characteristics, such as in flood and dry seasons, was induced systematically. Experiment results show that As, Pb, Cd are the major heavy metals which pollute the water quality of Neijiang river. The heavy metals concentration in the south area is generally higher than that in the north area. The release rates of As, Pb, Cd increase with the growth of disturbance intensity and content in sediment and can reach 121.2 mg/m.d, 140.8 mg/m.d and 4.4mg/m.d respectively in flood seasons.The average release rates of As, Pb, and Cd in flood season increase by 210%, 121%, 198% than that in dry season respectively.
Shape Localization and Recognition Using a Magnetorheological-Fluid Haptic Display

Smart materials such as magnetorheological fluids (MRF) offer an interesting technology for use in haptic displays as changes in the magnetic field are rapid, reversible, and controllable. These interfaces have been evaluated in a number of medical and surgical simulators where they can provide cues regarding the viscoelastic properties of tissues. The objective of the present set of experiments was first to determine whether a shape embedded in the MRF could be precisely localized and second whether 10 shapes rendered in a MRF haptic display could be accurately identified. It was also of interest to determine how the information transfer associated with this type of haptic display compares to that achieved using other haptic channels of communication. The overall performance of participants at identifying the shapes rendered in the MRF was good with a mean score of 73 percent correct and an Information Transfer (IT) of 2.2 bits. Participants could also localize a rigid object in the display accurately. These findings indicate that this technology has potential for use in training manual palpation skills and in exploring haptic shape perception in dynamic environments.