Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for appendiceal and colorectal cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis

Abstract Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is regarded as effective surgical treatments in patients with peritoneal metastasis. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of CRS and HIPEC in patients with appendiceal or colorectal cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis. A total of 66 patients who underwent CRS with HIPEC for appendiceal or colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastasis at 2 tertiary referral centers in Korea were evaluated between July 2014 and March 2016. The perioperative outcomes and postoperative complications were evaluated prospectively. The mean peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was 15.3 ± 10.5. The distributions thereof were as follows: PCI < 10, 33.3%; PCI 10–19, 36.4%; and PCI≥20, 30.3%. Regarding completeness of cytoreduction (CC), 59.1% of patients achieved CC-0, with 18.2% showing CC-1 and 22.7% showing CC-2. The mean operation time was 9.4 hours, and the mean hospital stay was 20.2 days. The overall rate of short-term complications was 74.2%; the rate of long-term complications was 10.6%. In the short-term period, most complications were grades I-II complications (62.1%), compared to grades III-V (12.1%). All long-term complications, occurring in 10.6% of patients, were grades III-V. In this study, CRS with HIPEC was deemed feasible and safe for treating stage IV appendiceal or colorectal cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis in Koreans.
Functional DIF for Rapid Prototyping

Dataflow formalisms have provided designers of digital signal processing systems with optimizations and guarantees to arrive at quality prototypes quickly. As system complexity increases, designers are expressing more types of behavior in dataflow languages to retain these implementation benefits. While the semantic range of DSP-oriented dataflow models has expanded to cover quasi-static and dynamic applications, efficient functional simulation of such applications has not. Complexity in scheduling and modeling has impeded efforts towards functional simulation that matches the final implementation. We provide this functionality by introducing a new dataflow model of computation, called enable-invoke dataflow (EIDF), that supports flexible and efficient prototyping of dataflow-based application representations. EIDF permits the natural description of actors for dynamic and static dataflow models. We integrate EIDF into the dataflow interchange format (DIF) package and demonstrate the approach on the design of a polynomial evaluation accelerator targeting an FPGA implementation. Our experiments show that a design environment based on EIDF can achieve functionally-correct simulation compared to Verilog, allowing the application designer to arrive at a verified functional simulation faster, and therefore at a functional prototype much more quickly than traditional design practices.
Shared household septic tank: A case study of Fiapre in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana

This study investigated the feasibility of utilizing composite septic tank to reduce cost, save space and prevent faecal related diseases. Survey research methodology was adopted based on people’s experience with septic tank, water use, soil properties, land space, user numbers and user satisfaction. The study also provides procedure in the design of a two-compartment septic tank with soil absorption field for three composite houses of thirty residents. Calculation utilizing Brazilian code was employed in the sizing of a two-compartment septic tank, which considers the tank in four zones; the scum zone, the sedimentation zone, the sludge digestion zone and the sludge storage zone. It was found that majority of the residents in the study area connected with septic tanks are not only willing to share composite septic tanks but are also financially capable of constructing and maintaining it. Shared septic tank coupled with suitable conditions is cost effective for households. Key words: Shared septic tank, households, sanitation, septic tank design, cost effective.
On-line Variational Bayesian Learning

Variational Bayesian learning is an approximation to the exact Bayesian learning where the true posterior is approximated with a simpler distribution. In this paper we present an on-line variant of variational Bayesian learning. The method is based on collecting likelihood information as the training samples are processed one at a time and decaying the old likelihood information. The decay or forgetting is very important since otherwise the system would get stuck to the first reasonable solution it finds. The method is tested with a simple linear independent component analysis (ICA) problem but it can easily be applied to other more difficult problems.
Drawing with the Hand in Free Space

SHAPES I am currently investigating surface drawings that adopt a more abstract representation. These objects, less focused on replicating extant material forms, appear quite unlike physical sculptures or other computer graphics shapes. Figure 5 shows fthr, an example of this purely constructive process. These forms grow incrementally in a spatial balance. A salient characteristic of these objects is that they are hard to represent on the printed page. The three separate views of fthr demonstrate a rich three-dimensional complexity. Viewing the printed page, I find picturing the Fig. 3. fwr, triangle mesh, 2000. This shape was created from several hand gestures: defining motions which denote the edge of the petals, followed by motions to fill in the interior. to be published in Leonardo, August 2002
Distortion-based packet marking for mpeg video transmission over diffserv networks

We present a distortion-based approach to packet classification for multimedia transmission over differentiatedservices packet networks. Instead of sending all traffic as premium or relying on a priori data partitioning, packets are individually examined and assigned to different service classes depending on the level of distortion that their loss would introduce at the decoder. Applied to video sequences encoded with the ISO MPEG-2 video coding standard, the proposed distortion-based packet marking scheme outperforms source-transparent techniques and provides substantial and consistent gains in PSNR over the regular best-effort case sending as little as 10% of the packets as premium traffic. Video samples are available at
A feed-forward neural network learning the inverse kinetics of a soft cable-driven manipulator moving in three-dimensional space

In this work we address the inverse kinetics problem of a non-constant curvature manipulator driven by three cables. An exact geometrical model of this manipulator has been employed. The differential equations of the mechanical model are non-linear, therefore the analytical solutions are difficult to calculate. Since the exact solutions of the mechanical model are not available, the elements of the Jacobian matrix can not be calculated. To overcome intrinsic problems of the methods based on the Jacobian matrix, we propose for the first time a neural network learning the inverse kinetics of the soft manipulator moving in three-dimensional space. After the training, a feed-forward neural network (FNN) is able to represent the relation between the manipulator tip position and the forces applied to the cables. The results show that a desired tip position can be achieved with a degree of accuracy of 1.36% relative average error with respect to the total arm length.
Geometric Inequalities in Option Pricing

This paper discusses various geometric inequalities in option pricing assuming that the underlying stock prices are governed by a joint geometric Brownian motion. In particular, inequalities of isoperimetric type are proved for different classes of derivative securities. Moreover, the paper discusses the option on the minimum of several assets and, among other things, proves a log-concavity property of its price.
An analysis framework for understanding layered software architectures

This paper presents the results of an empirical study. The study aims at evaluating the ability to understand the coherence between design documents that describe the layered architecture of large scale systems, and the actual structure of the software source file organization. A clear set of objectives to be addressed for achieving a good understanding of a layered architecture is defined. The objectives are focused on identifying the interfaces between layers, in terms of cross-layer file dependencies. An analysis framework for achieving these objectives is proposed. The framework is applied to analyze the actual software architecture of 6 subsequent releases of a 15MLoc telecommunications product. Results of that experiment show that the framework can provide much insight on the actual implementation of a system with a layered architecture.
Oracle's Technology for Bioinformatics and Future Directions

The Oracle relational database management system, with object-oriented extensions and numerous application-driven enhancements, plays a critical role worldwide in managing the exploding volumes of bioinformatics data. There are many features of the Oracle product which support the bioinformatics community directly already and there are several features that could be exploited more thoroughly by users, service vendors, and Oracle itself to extend that level of support. This paper will present an overview of Oracle features that support storage of bioinformatics data and will discuss extensibility features that give the product room to grow. Some attention will be given to Oracle's own efforts to use that extensibility to make commodities of many of the complex data and computation requirements of the life sciences.
Investigating the associations between adiposity, life course overweight trajectories, and telomere length

Obesity may accelerate ageing through chronic inflammation. To further examine this association, we assessed current adiposity, adiposity at early adulthood and life course overweight trajectories in relation to leukocyte telomere length (LTL). We included a total of 7,008 nationally representative U.S. residents and collected information on objectively measured body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and percent body fat. BMI at age 25 and overweight trajectories were assessed using self-reported history. Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) relative to a standard DNA reference (T/S ratio) was quantified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Linear regression models were used to examine the difference in LTL across adiposity measures at examination, BMI at age 25, and overweight trajectories. A 0.2% decrease in telomere length (95% CI:−0.3 to −0.07%) was observed for every kg/m2 increase in BMI, whereas a unit increase in waist circumference (cm) and percent body fat contributed to a 0.09% and 0.01% decrease in LTL, respectively. Higher BMI and being obese at age 25 contributed to lower LTL at older ages. Associations between weight loss through life course and LTL were observed, which further marked the importance of life course adiposity dynamics as a determinant of ageing.
n-Simplex Interpolation

Interpolation has wide application, and in the field of computer graphics is used for colour maps, sampling pixel images and generating points on surfaces. The performance of an interpolation algorithm is important for computer graphics because the computation is typically carried out repetitively over the typically large number of data points in an image with the modest resources of an appliance like a digital camera. The paper describes a new and practical method of interpolation that selects fewer points to interpolate between. Using fewer points for the interpolation is computationally more efficient because it reduces the number of table accesses and because there are fewer terms and operators in the interpolation equation. It is particularly good when interpolating between values that are close together (i.e. large tables) and can be just as accurate as methods that use more points. The interpolation method is based on nsimplexes so that it can be applied to problems in any dimension.
Similarity Join Size Estimation using Locality Sensitive Hashing

Similarity joins are important operations with a broad range of applications. In this paper, we study the problem of vector similarity join size estimation (VSJ). It is a generalization of the previously studied set similarity join size estimation (SSJ) problem and can handle more interesting cases such as TF-IDF vectors. One of the key challenges in similarity join size estimation is that the join size can change dramatically depending on the input similarity threshold. We propose a sampling based algorithm that uses Locality-Sensitive-Hashing (LSH). The proposed algorithm LSH-SS uses an LSH index to enable effective sampling even at high thresholds. We compare the proposed technique with random sampling and the state-of-the-art technique for SSJ (adapted to VSJ) and demonstrate LSH-SS offers more accurate estimates throughout the similarity threshold range and small variance using real-world data sets.
Role of surface molecular reactions in influencing the growth mechanism and the nature of nonequilibrium surfaces: A Monte-Carlo study of molecular-beam epitaxy.

The role of the surface molecular-reaction kinetics in vapor-phase crystal growth is examined via Monte Carlo simulations and shown to give rise to a growth process, referred to as a configurationdependent, reactive-incorporation growth process, which, depending upon the growth kinetics, can be distinct from the conventional nucleation and continuous-growth mechanisms. Implications of this process for the recently observed oscillations in the reflection high-energy electron-diffraction intensities during molecular-beam epitaxy of III-V compounds are discussed.
The SR Protein B52/SRp55 Is Required for DNA Topoisomerase I Recruitment to Chromatin, mRNA Release and Transcription Shutdown

DNA- and RNA-processing pathways are integrated and interconnected in the eukaryotic nucleus to allow efficient gene expression and to maintain genomic stability. The recruitment of DNA Topoisomerase I (Topo I), an enzyme controlling DNA supercoiling and acting as a specific kinase for the SR-protein family of splicing factors, to highly transcribed loci represents a mechanism by which transcription and processing can be coordinated and genomic instability avoided. Here we show that Drosophila Topo I associates with and phosphorylates the SR protein B52. Surprisingly, expression of a high-affinity binding site for B52 in transgenic flies restricted localization, not only of B52, but also of Topo I to this single transcription site, whereas B52 RNAi knockdown induced mis-localization of Topo I in the nucleolus. Impaired delivery of Topo I to a heat shock gene caused retention of the mRNA at its site of transcription and delayed gene deactivation after heat shock. Our data show that B52 delivers Topo I to RNA polymerase II-active chromatin loci and provide the first evidence that DNA topology and mRNA release can be coordinated to control gene expression.
Effects of Photoactivated Titanium Dioxide Nanopowders and Coating on Planktonic and Biofilm Growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

We exploited the ability of photocatalytic titanium dioxide (TiO2) as an agent for the biofilm control. Two photocatalytic systems were investigated: a 3 g L−1 suspension of TiO2 nanopowder in demineralized water and glass slides coated with a TiO2 thin film, achieved by sol‐gel deposition. A running protocol for the photoactivation of TiO2 was set up using the dye rhodamine B. The microorganisms studied were Pseudomonas stutzeri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a Bacillus cereus‐group as planktonic cells. P. aeruginosa biofilms were also studied at both the solid‐liquid and the solid‐air interface. The TiO2 nanopowder produced 1‐log reduction of Bacillus sp. planktonic cells in 24 h, 2‐log reduction of P. stutzeri planktonic cells in 30 min and 1‐log reduction of P. aeruginosa planktonic cells in 2 h compared with non–photo‐activated TiO2. TiO2 thin film produced almost a complete eradication of P. aeruginosa planktonic cells (initial concentration 108 cells mL−1) in 24 h compared to a 3‐log reduction caused by UV‐A light alone. In contrast, neither the photocatalytic treatment with TiO2 film nor that with TiO2 nanopowder had any effect on P. aeruginosa biofilms at all the interfaces investigated. Possible explanations for these findings, and for the discrepancy between this work and literature data, are discussed.
Thumbnail galleries for procedural models

Procedural modeling allows for the generation of innumerable variations of models from a parameterized, conditional or stochastic rule set. Due to the abstractness, complexity and stochastic nature of rule sets, it is often very difficult to have an understanding of the diversity of models that a given rule set defines. We address this problem by presenting a novel system to automatically generate, cluster, rank, and select a series of representative thumbnail images out of a rule set. We introduce a set of ‘view attributes’ that can be used to measure the suitability of an image to represent a model, and allow for comparison of different models derived from the same rule set. To find the best thumbnails, we exploit these view attributes on images of models obtained by stochastically sampling the parameter space of the rule set. The resulting thumbnail gallery gives a representative visual impression of the procedural modeling potential of the rule set. Performance is discussed by means of a number of distinct examples and compared to state‐of‐the‐art approaches.
Modelling Correlation among Successive Inputs in Software Dependability Analyses

We consider the dependability of programs of an iterative nature. The dependability of software structures is usually analysed using models that are strongly limited in their realism by the assumptions made to obtain mathematically tractable models and by the lack of experimental data. Among the assumptions made, the independence between the outcomes of successive executions, which is often false, may lead to significant deviations of the result obtained from the real behaviour of the program under analysis. Experiments and theoretical justifications show the existence of contiguous failure regions in the program input space and that, for many applications, the inputs often follow a trajectory of contiguous points in the input space. In this work we present a model in which dependencies among input values of successive iterations are taken into account in studying the dependability of iterative software. We consider also the possibility that repeated, non fatal failures may together cause mission failure. We evaluate the effects of these different hypotheses on 1) the probability of completing a fixed-duration mission, and 2) a performability measure.
Single and interactive effects of malathion, overwintered green frog tadpoles, and cyanobacteria on gray treefrog tadpoles

Amphibian population declines around the world are associated with invasive species, pesticides, pathogens, habitat destruction, or a combination of factors. Because contamination is widespread, it represents a relevant environmental stress that can affect the ability of organisms to deal with other factors present in the environment. We examined the effects of the insecticide malathion, larger tadpole competitors (green frogs, Rana clamitans), and a toxic cyanobacteria (Anabaena spp.) on tadpoles of Cope's gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) reared from hatching through metamorphosis in outdoor mesocosms. The response of mass at metamorphosis and time to metamorphosis was significantly affected by exposure to malathion and presence of overwintered green frog tadpoles. Malathion generally led to increased mass at metamorphosis, earlier time to metamorphosis, and increased activity during larval development. These results likely stem from short‐term increases in periphyton associated with malathion exposure (although these effects were nonsignificant). Exposure of gray treefrogs to overwintered green frog tadpoles led to an earlier time to metamorphosis without differences in mass at metamorphosis and was associated with increased activity in gray treefrogs. Survival of gray treefrogs was significantly affected by an interaction of green frog and malathion, indicating nonadditive effects of these treatments. Exposure to cyanobacteria had a significant negative effect on green frogs but no effect on treefrogs. Malathion had the strongest effect on the community, but our results indicated that some factors can interact in ways not predicted by single factors alone.
Sentence Topics Based Knowledge Acquisition for Question Answering

This paper presents a knowledge acquisition method using sentence topics for question answering. We define templates for information extraction by the Korean concept network semi-automatically. Moreover, we propose the two-phase information extraction model by the hybrid machine learning such as maximum entropy and conditional random fields. In our experiments, we examined the role of sentence topics in the template-filling task for information extraction. Our experimental result shows the improvement of 18% in F-score and 434% in training speed over the plain CRF-based method for the extraction task. In addition, our result shows the improvement of 8% in F-score for the subsequent QA task.
A simple and intelligent approach for brain MRI classification

There are many approaches for accurate and automatic classification of brain MRI. In this paper, a simple approach for automatic detection and classification is presented. Artificial Neural Network has been utilized for brain MRI classification as malignant or benign. The approach consists of three stages namely pre processing, features' extraction and classification. In pre-processing stage, filters are applied for the removal of noise. In the features' extraction phase, color moments are extracted as mean features from the MRI images and the color moments extracted are presented to simple feed forward artificial neural network for classification. The method was applied using total 70 images with 25 normal images and 45 abnormal images. The classification accuracy was found to be 88.9% for training data, 94.9% for validation data and 94.2% for testing data whereas the overall accuracy of 91.8% was observed.
Using ground-based multispectral radiometry to detect stress in wheat caused by greenbug ( Homoptera : Aphididae ) infestation

Greenbug ( Schizaphis graminum(Rondani)) outbreaks appear in the Great Plains almost every year and have had significant economic impacts on wheat and sorghum yields. Early detection of greenbug infestation becomes a critical part of integrated pest management (IPM) for wheat and sorghum production. We conducted a pilot study to determine the feasibility of using remote sensing techniques to detect stress in wheat caused by greenbug infestation. The purpose of this study was to characterize greenbug-induced stress in wheat using a hand-held radiometer. Reflectance data and derived vegetation indices from the 16 bands of the radiometer were analyzed statistically (SAS PROC MIXED). Results show that it is possible to detect greenbug-induced stress in wheat using a hand-held radiometer. The band centered at 694 nm and the vegetation indices derived from bands centered at 800 and 694 nm were identified as most sensitive to damage due to greenbug infestation. Broad Landsat TM bands and derived vegetation indices also showed potential for detecting stress in wheat caused by greenbug infestation. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.