Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust Bayesian sparse representation based on beta-Bernoulli process prior

There has been a significant growing interest in the study of sparse representation recent years. Although many algorithms have been developed, outliers in the training data make the estimation unreliable. In the paper, we present a model under non-parametric Bayesian framework to solve the problem. The noise term in the sparse representation is decomposed into a Gaussian noise term and an outlier noise term, which we assume to be sparse. The beta-Bernoulli process is employed as a prior for finding sparse solutions.
A Layout- and Data-Driven Generic Simulation Model for Semiconductor Fabs

Simulation has drawn much attention as an analysis tool because it is often the only tool that has the capability of modeling the details of the semiconductor lines. However, building a simulation model of a semiconductor line is time-consuming and error-prone because of the complexity of the line. This paper proposes a generic simulation modeling framework to reduce the simulation model build time. The framework consists of a layout modeling software called AutoLay and a data-driven generic simulation model called AutoLogic. It can be used to develop an integrated simulation model of production processes and material handling processes in a short period of time. Early users of our framework reported that the initial model building time was reduced from two weeks to a half day.
Magnetic resonance elastography for the noninvasive staging of liver fibrosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS The purpose of our study was to prospectively compare the success rate and diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance elastography, ultrasound elastography, and aspartate aminotransferase to platelets ratio index (APRI) measurements for the noninvasive staging of fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease. METHODS We performed a prospective blind comparison of magnetic resonance elastography, ultrasound elastography, and APRI in a consecutive series of patients who underwent liver biopsy for chronic liver disease in a university-based hospital. Histopathologic staging of liver fibrosis according to the METAVIR scoring system served as the reference. RESULTS A total of 141 patients were assessed. The technical success rate of magnetic resonance elastography was higher than that of ultrasound elastography (133/141 [94%] vs 118/141 [84%]; P = .016). Magnetic and ultrasound elastography, APRI measurements, and histopathologic analysis of liver biopsy specimens were technically successful in 96 patients. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of magnetic resonance elasticity (0.994 for F >or= 2; 0.985 for F >or= 3; 0.998 for F = 4) were larger (P < .05) than those of ultrasound elasticity, APRI, and the combination of ultrasound elasticity and APRI (0.837, 0.709, and 0.849 for F >or= 2; 0.906, 0.816, and 0.936 for F >or= 3; 0.930, 0.820, and 0.944 for F = 4, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Magnetic resonance elastography has a higher technical success rate than ultrasound elastography and a better diagnostic accuracy than ultrasound elastography and APRI for staging liver fibrosis.
RNA Trans-splicing in Flatworms

Characteristics of trans-splicing in Schistosoma mansoni were examined to explore the significance and determinants of spliced leader (SL) addition in flatworms. Only a small subset of mRNAs acquire the SL. Analysis of 30 trans-spliced mRNAs and four genes revealed no discernable patterns or common characteristics in the genes, mRNAs, or their encoded proteins that might explain the functional significance of SL addition. While the mRNA encoding the glycolytic enzyme enolase is trans-spliced, mRNAs encoding four other glycolytic enzymes are not, indicating trans-splicing is not prevalent throughout this metabolic pathway. Although the 3′ end of flatworm SLs contribute an AUG to mRNAs, the SL AUG does not typically serve to provide a methionine for translation initiation of reading frames in recipient mRNAs. SL RNA expression exhibits no apparent sex, tissue, or cell specificity. Trans-spliced genes undergo both cis- and trans-splicing, and the sequence contexts for these respective acceptor sites are very similar. These results suggest trans-splicing in flatworms is most likely associated either with some property conferred on recipient mRNAs by SL addition or related to some characteristic of the primary transcripts or transcription of trans-spliced genes.
Host Specific Codon Usage Pattern of H1N1 Influenza A Viruses

Codon usage preference and the highly expressed genes have strong correlations occur in many organisms. Codon usage preference of viruses may evolve much similar with its infected host to increase the fitness. In this study we investigated differences in codon usage preferences among influenza A H1N1 viruses which infected avian, swine and human, and may cause major pandemic around world. The relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) indices of HA gene in H1N1 viruses were calculated and we further incorporate the principal component analysis (PCA) to characterizing different host infected viruses. Host-specific codon usage pattern of H1N1 viruses were reported in this study. In 2009 influenza A H1N1 virus was a major epidemic challenge of disease control department. We propose to use the codon based method to gain a better understanding of the features of virus genome and evolutionary processes.
Freeze/thaw classification for prairie soils using SSM/I radiobrightnesses

The state of soil moisture is an important variable in land surface processes. Moist soils can be classified as frozen or thawed using SSM/I radiobrightness signatures. Though the lowest frequency of SSM/I, 19.35 GHz, is above the Debye relaxation frequency of liquid water, the spectral gradient remains sensitive to the state of soil moisture. Frozen soil was classified as such by a negative 19.35 to 37 GHz or 19.35 to 85 GHz spectral gradient and a low 37 GHz radiobrightness.
Pion-Muon Concentrating System for Detectors of Highly Enriched Uranium

One of many possible applications of low-energy antiprotons collected in a Penning trap can be a portable muon source. Released antiprotons annihilate on impact with normal matter producing on average about three charged pions per antiproton, which in turn decay into muons. Existence of such negative-muon sources of sufficient intensity would be useful for detection and enrichment determination of highly enriched uranium based on muonic X-rays. We explore options of collecting and focusing pions and resulting muons to enhance the muon flux toward an object of interest. Simulations with MARS and MAFIA are used to choose the target material and parameters of the magnetic system of a few solenoids.
Hybrid IPT Topologies With Constant Current or Constant Voltage Output for Battery Charging Applications

The inductive power transfer (IPT) technique in battery charging applications has many advantages compared to conventional plug-in systems. Due to the dependencies on transformer characteristics, loading profile, and operating frequency of an IPT system, it is not a trivial design task to provide the battery the required constant charging current (CC) or constant battery charging voltage (CV) efficiently under the condition of a wide load range possibly defined by the charging profile. This paper analyzes four basic IPT circuits with series-series (SS), series-parallel (SP), parallel-series (PS), and parallel-parallel (PP) compensations systematically to identify conditions for realizing load-independent output current or voltage, as well as resistive input impedance. Specifically, one load-independent current output circuit and one load-independent voltage output circuit having the same transformer, compensating capacitors, and operating frequency can be readily combined into a hybrid topology with fewest additional switches to facilitate the transition from CC to CV. Finally, hybrid topologies using either SS and PS compensation or SP and PP compensation are proposed for battery charging. Fixed-frequency duty cycle control can be easily implemented for the converters.
A novel segmentation technique using eigen space projection for satellite image indexing

In the study, we propose an efficient projection-based segmentation technique for multi-spectral image. By projecting the multi-spectral image onto a referenced subspace, we transform the multi-dimensional (MD) image data into one-dimensional (1D) projection length. One proper referenced subspace with the largest deviation from the mean image signature vector is suggested in the study. After the transformation, any efficient 1D segmentation technique, such as moment-preserving method, can be applied. In the segmentation, we perform the projection procedure recursively and partition the image into proper regions according to their spectral characteristics. Then, to get a more integrated segmentation result, we adopt N nearest neighbor rule to merge the image regions according to their spatial correlation. Simulation results performed on SPOT and Landsat images have demonstrated the efficiency of the proposed approach. In addition, the segmentation result is suitable for indexing of satellite image databases
Adaptive route selection for dynamic route guidance system based on fuzzy-neural approaches

The objective of this work is to model driver behaviour in the area of route selection. The research focuses on an optimum route search function in a typical in-car navigation system or dynamic route guidance system. In this work, the authors emphasize the need to orientate the route selection method on the driver's preference. Each route candidate has a set of attributes. A fuzzy-neural approach is used to represent the correlation of the attributes with the driver's route selection. A recommendation or route ranking can be provided to the driver. Based on a training of the fuzzy-neural net on the driver's choice, the route selection function can be made adaptive to the decision-making of the driver.
Edge damage effect in in vitro frog skin preparations.

DOBSON, JAMES G. , JR., AND GEORGE W. KIDDER III. Edye damage effect in in vitro frog skin preparations. Am. J. Physiol. 214 (4) : 719-724. 1968. -When frog skin is mounted between conventional chambers, some of the tissue in the exposed area is damaged by stresses imposed by the clamping process. It has been possible to measure the extent and characteristics of this damaged region by systematically altering the edge to surface ratio in chambers of special design. In the damaged area, extending about 0.7 mm from the clamped edge, intercellular spaces are enlarged and passive ion conductivity is increased, accounting for the drop in transmural electrical potential difference observed in small chambers. Short-circuit current is not affected. A method for estimating the series resistance, shunt resistance, and “sodium battery” potential from electrical measurements is described, which, combined with the variation of edge-to-surface ratio makes possible the estimation of the intercellular and intracellular shunt resistances.
Conflict and Its Management

This article reviews the conflict literature, first examining the causes of conflict, its core process, and its effects. Subsequently, we probe into conflict escalation (and de-escalation), contexts, and conflict management. When examining this last topic, we note that conflict can be managed by the disputants themselves, by managers, or by other third parties. In conclusion we suggest directions for future research and provide recommendations for practicing managers.
Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy in Single Living Cells Using Gold Nanoparticles

Ultrasensitive Raman measurements in single living cells are possible through exploiting the effect of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Colloidal gold particles (60 nm in size) that are deposited inside cells as “SERS-active nanostructures” result in strongly enhanced Raman signals of the native chemical constituents of the cells. Particularly strong field enhancement can be observed when gold colloidal particles form colloidal clusters. The strongly enhanced Raman signals allow Raman measurements of a single cell in the 400–1800 cm−1 range with 1-μm lateral resolution in relatively short collection times (1 second for one mapping point) using 3–5 mW near-infrared excitation. SERS mapping over a cell monolayer with 1-μm lateral resolution shows different Raman spectra at almost all places, reflecting the very inhomogeneous chemical constitution of the cells. Colloidal gold supported Raman spectroscopy in living cells provides a tool for sensitive and structurally selective detection of native chemicals inside a cell, such as DNA and phenylalanine, and for monitoring their intracellular distributions. This might open up exciting opportunities for cell biology and biomedical studies.
Loop Detection in Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)

This document defines the CDN-Loop request header field for HTTP. CDN- Loop addresses an operational need that occurs when an HTTP request is intentionally forwarded between Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), but is then accidentally or maliciously re-routed back into the original CDN causing a non-terminating loop. The new header field can be used to identify the error and terminate the loop.
The Chemokine CCL2 Mediates the Seizure-enhancing Effects of Systemic Inflammation

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures. Brain inflammation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor for seizure precipitation, but the molecular mediators of such proconvulsant effects are only partly understood. The chemokine CCL2 is one of the most elevated inflammatory mediators in patients with pharmacoresistent epilepsy, but its contribution to seizure generation remains unexplored. Here, we show, for the first time, a crucial role for CCL2 and its receptor CCR2 in seizure control. We imposed a systemic inflammatory challenge via lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration in mice with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. We found that LPS dramatically increased seizure frequency and upregulated the expression of many inflammatory proteins, including CCL2. To test the proconvulsant role of CCL2, we administered systemically either a CCL2 transcription inhibitor (bindarit) or a selective antagonist of the CCR2 receptor (RS102895). We found that interference with CCL2 signaling potently suppressed LPS-induced seizures. Intracerebral administration of anti-CCL2 antibodies also abrogated LPS-mediated seizure enhancement in chronically epileptic animals. Our results reveal that CCL2 is a key mediator in the molecular pathways that link peripheral inflammation with neuronal hyperexcitability. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Substantial evidence points to a role for inflammation in epilepsy, but currently there is little insight as to how inflammatory pathways impact on seizure generation. Here, we examine the molecular mediators linking peripheral inflammation with seizure susceptibility in mice with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. We show that a systemic inflammatory challenge via lipopolysaccharide administration potently enhances seizure frequency and upregulates the expression of the chemokine CCL2. Remarkably, selective pharmacological interference with CCL2 or its receptor CCR2 suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced seizure enhancement. Thus, CCL2/CCR2 signaling plays a key role in linking systemic inflammation with seizure susceptibility.
Individualized gating windows based on four-dimensional CT information for respiration-gated radiotherapy

The purpose of this work is to relate the gating window and displacement of a moving tumor target and develop a systematic method to individualize the gating window for respiration-gated radiation therapy (RT). As the relationship between patient anatomy and respiration phase is contained in 4D images, we aim to quantify this information and utilize the data to guide gated treatment planning. After 4D image acquisition, the target and organs at risk were delineated manually on the selected gating phase. The contours were propagated automatically onto every phase-specific image set using a control volume-based contour mapping technique. The mean and maximum distances between the contours in the gating phase and each of other phases were evaluated in three dimensions. The gating window was determined in such a way that the residual movement of the target within the window is smaller or equal to the patient's setup error. The proposed method was applied to plan the gated treatments of 12 lung cancer patients. As a result of this work, a method to calculate patient-specific gating windows has been developed. The general reference drawn from this study is that, with the aide of 4D images and automated 4D contour propagation, it is feasible to individualize the gating widow selection. As compared with the current practice, the proposed technique has a potential to eliminate the guesswork involved in choosing a gating window and avoid dosimetric error in planning gated RT. In conclusion, individualization of gating windows reduces the subjectivity in respiration-gated RT and improves the treatment of moving targets.
Preliminary study of proteomic shift from normal to premalignant laryngeal lesions and to laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Conclusions: The malignant shift was discovered to begin even in the premalignant stage in the comparison of premalignant laryngeal lesions (PMLLs) with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and healthy controls. The differential expression of proteins among normal, PMLL, and cancer cells might provide the prediction for the changes from normal to PMLL and to malignant disease. Objectives: To study the serum proteomic shift from normal control to PMLL and progression to LSCC. Materials and methods: A total of 211 serum samples from patients with LSCC (n=89 at stage I–II) or PMLL (n=57), or normal controls (n=65) were obtained with informed consent. Serum protein profiles on weak cationic exchange (WCX2) were performed by surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS) and then analyzed by Biomarker Wizard software. Results: Peak intensities of serum from PMLLs were compared to normal controls and serum from patients with LSCC. Mean intensity differed significantly only for one peak (4532 Da, p=0.032) between LSCC and precancerous diseases, while 13 peaks differed significantly between precancerous diseases and normal controls. Eighteen biomarkers were selected to separate stage I– II LSCC patients and healthy controls.
Pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of posaconazole Guidelines developed by the Infectious Diseases

Correspondence: Stephen A Klotz Section of Infectious Diseases, 1501 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA Tel +1 520 626 6887 Fax +1 520 626 5183 email sklotz@u.arizona. edu Abstract: Posaconazole is the newest azole antifungal approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, and possesses a broad spectrum of activity against numerous yeasts and filamentous fungi. It is available as an oral suspension and is generally well tolerated by patients, but gastrointestinal absorption is sometimes inadequate and remains a clinical concern in treating deep-seated infections. It is used routinely and effectively for the prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections in immunosuppressed hosts and is an effective treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis, including azole-resistant disease.
Designing Effective Performance Feedback Notification Systems to Stimulate Content Contribution: Evidence from a Crowdsourcing Recipe Platform

This study investigates whether and how a platform’s provision of performance feedback to users about their prior content contributions can help to stimulate users’ subsequent contributions. We draw on social value orientation theory to hypothesize how different framings may impact users’ likelihood of producing additional content. We partnered with a major mobile crowdsourcing recipe platform based in China to conduct a randomized field experiment involving the delivery of feedback messages with randomly determined framings, via mobile push notifications. We find that feedback framed either prosocially or pro-self has a positive effect on content contributions, whereas feedback framed competitively has no such effect. Additionally, we observe differences across genders, such that the positive effects of prosocially framed feedback are significantly stronger for female users. In contrast, competitively framed feedback is only effective for male users. Our findings provide implications for the design of platform-provided performance feedback to stimulate users' content contribution.
A framework for medical image retrieval using merging-based classification with dependency probability-based relevance feedback

Content-based image retrieval (CBIR) systems are used to retrieve relevant images from large-scale databases. In this paper, a framework for the image retrieval of a large-scale database of medical X-ray images is presented. This framework is designed based on query image classification into several prespecified homogeneous classes. Using a merging scheme and an iterative classification, the homogeneous classes are formed from overlapping classes in the database. For this purpose, the shape and texture features, selected using the forward selection algorithm, are optimized by a novel genetic algorithm-based feature reduction and optimization algorithm in the feature space. In this algorithm, using a new fitness function, we try to locate similar images in the database together in the feature space. Using the merging-based classification, the m-nearest classes to the query image are selected as a filtered search space. To increase the retrieval efficiency, we integrate a novel dependency probability-based relevance feedback (RF) approach with the proposed CBIR framework. The proposed RF uses a synthetic distance measure based on the weighted Euclidean distance measure and Gaussian mixture model-based dependency probability similarity measure of the database images to the Gaussian mixture distribution function of the positive images. The experimental results are reported based on a database consisting of 10,000 medical X-ray images of 57 classes (ImageCLEF 2005 database). The provided results show the effectiveness of the proposed framework compared to the approaches presented in the literature.
Towards reduced uncertainty in conceptual rainfall‐runoff modelling: dynamic identifiability analysis

Conceptual modelling requires the identification of a suitable model structure and the estimation of parameter values through calibration against observed data. A lack of objective approaches to evaluate model structures and the inability of calibration procedures to distinguish between the suitability of different parameter sets are major sources of uncertainty in current modelling procedures. This paper presents an approach analysing the performance of the model in a dynamic fashion resulting in an improved use of available information. Model structures can be evaluated with respect to the failure of individual components, and periods of high information content for specific parameters can be identified. The procedure is termed dynamic identifiability analysis (DYNIA) and is applied to a model structure built from typical conceptual components. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.