Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A scaling approach to project regional sea level rise and its uncertainties

Abstract. Climate change causes global mean sea level to rise due to thermal expansion of seawater and loss of land ice from mountain glaciers, ice caps and ice sheets. Locally, sea level can strongly deviate from the global mean rise due to changes in wind and ocean currents. In addition, gravitational adjustments redistribute seawater away from shrinking ice masses. However, the land ice contribution to sea level rise (SLR) remains very challenging to model, and comprehensive regional sea level projections, which include appropriate gravitational adjustments, are still a nascent field (Katsman et al., 2011; Slangen et al., 2011). Here, we present an alternative approach to derive regional sea level changes for a range of emission and land ice melt scenarios, combining probabilistic forecasts of a simple climate model (MAGICC6) with the new CMIP5 general circulation models. The contribution from ice sheets varies considerably depending on the assumptions for the ice sheet projections, and thus represents sizeable uncertainties for future sea level rise. However, several consistent and robust patterns emerge from our analysis: at low latitudes, especially in the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific, sea level will likely rise more than the global mean (mostly by 10–20%). Around the northeastern Atlantic and the northeastern Pacific coasts, sea level will rise less than the global average or, in some rare cases, even fall. In the northwestern Atlantic, along the American coast, a strong dynamic sea level rise is counteracted by gravitational depression due to Greenland ice melt; whether sea level will be above- or below-average will depend on the relative contribution of these two factors. Our regional sea level projections and the diagnosed uncertainties provide an improved basis for coastal impact analysis and infrastructure planning for adaptation to climate change.
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Critical Care Medicine www.ccmjournal. org e735 Dr Parienti (1) added in his analysis two trials randomized for other than the central venous catheterization (CVC) site outcome (Timsit et al [4] and Mimoz et al [5]). Regarding the study by Timsit et al (4), in our CRBSI risk comparison between internal jugular-femoral, we included data from the study by Timsit et al (6), a study that combined data from two preceding randomized for other than CVC site outcome trials, one of which was the study by Timsit et al (4). Occurrence rates or ratios (risk or hazard ratios) of CRBSI in subclavian catheters were not reported in the studies by Timsit et al (4, 6). Consequently, similar data could not have been retrieved and included in our internal jugularsubclavian CRBSI metaanalysis. Also, Dr. Parienti (1) refers to the study by Mimoz et al (5), which is a randomized trial for other than the CVC insertion site outcome that presented occurrence rates on CRBSIs for internal jugular and subclavian sites. The study by Mimoz et al (5) was not included in our meta-analysis as occurrence rates were only reported in the appendix section. Nevertheless, we reran our analysis on internal jugular-subclavian CRBSI risk by adding the study by Mimoz et al (5) and found no difference from our initial results (risk ratio [RR], 1.32 [0.65–2.69]; I = 59% [Fig. 1) vs RR, 1.16 (0.57–2.35); I = 58% [Fig. 3B in our meta-analysis [2]). Consequently, the study by Mimoz et al (5) could not have influenced our results and certainly could not have altered our conclusions. Five, not seven, CRBSIs were reported in the study by Arvaniti et al (7); zero events were found in internal jugular and femoral and five in subclavian catheters. Since we had zero events in both arms in the internal jugular-femoral comparison, we proceeded in a zero events correction. We agree with the remarks by Dr. Parienti (1) on the important heterogeneity (I = 58%) and the considerable weight of observational studies (83.3%) on internal jugular-subclavian CRBSI comparison, which has already been reported in our study (2). We consider that analysis of data from randomized controlled trials and observational studies does not provide, yet, sufficient evidence to conclude that selection of subclavian compared to internal jugular is associated with reduced CRBSI risk in ICU patients. The authors have disclosed that they do not have any potential conflicts of interest.
Robust 3D Tracking with Descriptor Fields

We introduce a method that can register challenging images from specular and poorly textured 3D environments, on which previous approaches fail. We assume that a small set of reference images of the environment and a partial 3D model are available. Like previous approaches, we register the input images by aligning them with one of the reference images using the 3D information. However, these approaches typically rely on the pixel intensities for the alignment, which is prone to fail in presence of specularities or in absence of texture. Our main contribution is an efficient novel local descriptor that we use to describe each image location. We show that we can rely on this descriptor in place of the intensities to significantly improve the alignment robustness at a minor increase of the computational cost, and we analyze the reasons behind the success of our descriptor.
System- and Information-Related Success Drivers of Virtual Learning Environments

Virtual learning environments (VLE) constitute a current information systems (IS) category for electronically supported corporate training and development. Frequently expected advantages of using VLE refer, for instance, to the efficiency, individuality, ubiquity, timeliness and learning task orientation. A crucial precondition of realising such advantages is an appropriate system design. Hence, the question which specific system- and information-related design characteristics (DC) actually characterise successful VLE is of particular interest for training and development practice. The current paper aims at providing latest insights into a rigorous and relevant model for assessing the impact of particular system- and information-related DC relevant to VLE success. Thereby, researchers and practitioners will be enabled to better understand particular system- and information-related success drivers of VLE. Besides, they can continuously evaluate and improve VLE and have a means for management interventions, task prioritisations as well as effective and efficient resource allocations.
Offline crisis mapping by opportunistic dissemination of crisis data after large-scale disasters

Decision making after an emergency like those after a large-scale disaster (natural/man-made) is often impaired due the non-availability of crisis information from field. The key reason behind such hindrance in getting information off the field is due to disruption/breaking of conventional communication channel (manual or automatic) as an outcome of the crisis event. The post-crisis operations like evacuation, rescue-relief are affected at large due to poor decision making and lack of coordination among the field workers and officials in charge of the emergency management and mitigation. This leads to added suffering to the victims, increased death-toll, and mass agitation, anger and mistrust among all the stake-holders. Humanitarian organizations present crisis mapping services for shaping the rescue-relief activities. The crisis mapping systems collects crisis data from online social media, news feeds, etc., and portrays them through an online map server. However, in a situation when network is disrupted, such services become useless. In this work of ours, we would like to present an application that may run on Android-based mobile devices and could prepare 'localized' crisis map through 'offline' crowd-sourcing of situational data and a distributed processing of the collected data in seamless manner. To ensure that the generated localized crisis map hold the most important information, and that it contains information from almost every corner of the affected area, a novel data dissemination strategy is proposed. For better serving the affected community, the resulting crisis data is portrayed on a nice map interface generated locally, whenever possible. In addition to crisis data, mobility trails of other users, whenever available, are embedded on the same interface for the purpose of travel route suggestion for the users in a changing environment after the crisis.
Interaction of Gender and Body Composition on Rectus Femoris Morphology as Measured With Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging

Background: Quadriceps function is an important measure in patients recovering postoperatively. Traditionally, strength measures that require high levels of resistance are contraindicated during the early postoperative phase. Thus it may be helpful to evaluate the utilization of other tools, such as ultrasound imaging, that allow for assessment during a position of low resistance. Hypothesis: The rectus femoris cross-sectional area (CSA) is affected by sex and body composition in healthy subjects. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: Thirty-two healthy subjects (16 women, 16 men), selected from a previously larger study, were chosen for analysis. All subjects underwent a maximal volitional isometric contraction protocol from 0° to 90° of knee motion controlled by an isokinetic dynamometer. In the contracted and resting positions, the rectus femoris CSA was measured at each angle using ultrasound imaging. The contractile index (contracted − resting CSA) was calculated at each position. Subjects were separated into 1 of 4 groups based on sex and fat percentage (low or high). These data were analyzed using mixed-factor analysis of variance (group × angle) for each variable, with a critical α level of 0.05. Results: A significant interaction was noted for the CSA of the rectus femoris at rest (P < 0.03) and during contraction (P < 0.02). For both variables, all groups performed similarly, with the exception of women with high body fat percentage. No statistically significant interaction existed for the contractile index; however, a main effect for angle (P < 0.01) was observed. Conclusion: Rectus femoris CSA appears to depend on sex as well as the body composition of individuals. Clinical Relevance: Traditional subjective assessment measures of quadriceps strength and function have low reliability and functional validity. With the improved feasibility of ultrasound imaging in the clinical setting, quadriceps size may be more accurately measured during the early postoperative stages.
The Advantages of Evolving Perceptual Cues

This paper introduces the evolvable functional circle hypothesis. This hypothesis states that if it is assumed that von Uexküll’s concept of functional circles exists in robots and that the models used in evolutionary robotics are altered accordingly, then practitioners of evolutionary robotics will benefit in two ways. The first way is that by promoting the evolution of functional circles rather than sensorimotor loops, it allows evolved robots to select their own stimuli and therefore find their own meaning from environmental information. The second way is that it makes it easier for evolved robots to derive multiple meanings from the signal produced by a sensor. The paper goes on to demonstrate a method to alter our models in evolutionary robotics to promote the evolution of functional circles
The Learning Society in a Postmodern World: The Education Crisis

Lifelong learning has become a key concern as the focus of educational policy has shifted from mass schooling toward the learning society. The shift started in the mid 1960s and early 1970s under the impetus of a group of writers and adult educators, gravitating around UNESCO, with a humanist philosophy and a leftist agenda. The vocabulary of that movement was appropriated in the 1990s by other interests with a very different performativist agenda emphasizing effectiveness and economic outcomes. This change of interest, described in the book, has signified the death of education. The Learning Society in a Postmodern World explores different theoretical resources to respond to this situation, mainly those that propose some restoration of an educated public or, to the contrary, individual self-creation, and uses the works of a broad range of philosophers and thinkers--notably MacIntyre, Habermas, Foucault, Derrida, Rorty, and Baudrillard. In addition, it raises important questions about postmodern and poststructuralist responses to education in the postmodern world. Its comprehensiveness and historical background make it an essential textbook for theoretical courses in lifelong learning and in educational theory in general. A broad range of interests and subject matter make it important reading for educators, policy specialists, media specialists, researchers on the subject of lifelong learning and on the relation between education and the postmodern world, political theorists, philosophers, and philosophers of education.
Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms: importance and implications.

The coagulase-negative staphylococci and, in particular, Staphylococcus epidermidis, have emerged as major nosocomial pathogens associated with infections of implanted medical devices. These organisms, which are among the most prevalent bacteria of the human skin and mucous membrane microflora, present unique problems in the diagnosis and treatment of infections involving biofilm formation on implanted biomaterials. Epidemiological data that address whether invasive S. epidermidis strains can be traced to commensal organisms or an endemic occurrence of distinct strains with enhanced virulence have important implications for the implementation of appropriate infection control measures. An extracellular polysaccharide adhesin represents a key virulence determinant in S. epidermidis and is required for biofilm formation. Production of this adhesin, which is encoded by the ica operon, is subject to phase variable regulation (ON <---> OFF switching). Recent advances in understanding the molecular events controlling polysaccharide adhesin synthesis and the potential clinical implications of its phase variable regulation are outlined. Further research in this area may contribute to the development of novel strategies for therapeutic intervention. Finally, in addition to antibiotic prophylaxis, preventive strategies to control S. epidermidis medical device-related infections are focusing on the development of improved biomaterials and physical electrical barriers to impede bacterial colonisation.
Adaptive mutation particle filter based on diversity guidance

Aimed at the deficiency of the resampling algorithm in PF, diversity measures ESS (effective sample size) and PDF (population diversity factor) are evaluated respectively. Combined with the estimation result, diversity measures PDF is used for adaptively tuning the resampling threshold. By integrating the operation of particle mutation after resampling into PF and using the above mechanism of diversity guidance, the AMPF algorithm (Adaptive Mutation PF) is presented so as to assure the diversity of particle sets. With the simulation program using matlab 7.0 to track a single target motion from a fixed visual observation points, the performance of diversity measures and AMPF are evaluated and the validity of the proposed method is verified.
Stern ’ s Diatomic

Stern’s diatomic sequence is a simply defined sequence with an amazing set of properties. Our goal is to present many of these properties—those that have most impressed the author. The diatomic sequence has a long history; perhaps first appearing in print in 1858 [28], it has been the subject of several papers [22, 23, 5, 9, 12, 13, 14]; see also [27, sequence 002487]! It is difficult to present anything truly new on this topic; indeed, most of the properties discussed here have appeared in print several times. Some properties however are apparently “folklore” theorems and some are perhaps new. We try to present either simple proofs or proofs that complement existing proofs. We have tried to give a sufficient set of references for the interested reader to delve further into the topic or to find other proofs. We expect that the interested reader will see clear directions for further research. Beyond the basic and most well-known properties discussed in Section 2, we shall focus on the combinatorics of the sequence (i.e., what the numbers count) in Section 3, some surprising parallels with the Fibonacci sequence in Section 4, enumeration of the rational numbers in Section 5, some connections with Minkowski’s question mark function in Section 6, and a geometric-probabilistic view in Section 7.
Role of HER2 in brain metastasis of breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide and the HER2 receptor plays an important role in its development and progression. This systematic review aimed to summarize the role of HER2 in brain metastasis in patients with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a literature search by advanced search in title field using the Scopus, Pubmed, and Google scholar databases until the end of June 2014. With metastasis, metastatic, HER2, brain, and breast cancer, as terms of search we selected 31 articles, which were reviewed by two independent and blinded expert reviewers. The studies were first selected according to their titles and abstracts. Quality of the studies were then assessed using the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) protocol for observational studies and CONSORT(Consolidation of Standards for Reporting Trials) protocol for clinical trials. For statistical analyses, we used STATA, version 11.0 software. Forest and funnel diagrams were drawn and for heterogeneity, index was also considered. Also we used meta regression analysis. RESULTS Finally, we reviewed 10 studies. The prevalence of brain metastasis in HER2- positive breast cancer patients was 24.9%. There was publication bias in the reviewed studies. Meta regression analysis showed that follow up time had no significant effect (p=0.396) on the prevalence of brain metastasis. CONCLUSIONS The results showed a high prevalence of brain metastasis in HER2 positive breast cancer patients.
Cloning and expression of the Bacillus anthracis protective antigen gene in Bacillus subtilis

The gene encoding the protective antigen (PA) moiety of the tripartite exotoxin of Bacillus anthracis was cloned from the recombinant plasmid pSE36 into Bacillus subtilis 1S53 by using the plasmid vector pUB110. Two clones, designated PA1 and PA2, were identified which produced PA in liquid cultures at levels of 20.5 to 41.9 micrograms/ml. This PA was identical to B. anthracis Sterne PA with respect to migration on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels and to Western blot antigenic reactivity. Addition of lethal factor or edema factor to PA1 and PA2 supernatants generated biologically active anthrax lethal toxin or edema-producing toxin, respectively. The recombinant plasmid in PA1 (pPA101) was 7.8 kilobases, whereas the PA2 strain plasmid (pPA102) was 6.1 kilobases. Both plasmids had deletions extending into the insert sequence but not into the DNA encoding the PA protein. Immunization with the live recombinant strains protected guinea pigs from lethal challenge with virulent B. anthracis spores, and the immunization partially or completely protected rats from intravenous challenge with anthrax lethal toxin.
Mortality Prediction after the First Year of Kidney Transplantation: An Observational Study on Two European Cohorts

After the first year post transplantation, prognostic mortality scores in kidney transplant recipients can be useful for personalizing medical management. We developed a new prognostic score based on 5 parameters and computable at 1-year post transplantation. The outcome was the time between the first anniversary of the transplantation and the patient’s death with a functioning graft. Afterwards, we appraised the prognostic capacities of this score by estimating time-dependent Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves from two prospective and multicentric European cohorts: the DIVAT (Données Informatisées et VAlidées en Transplantation) cohort composed of patients transplanted between 2000 and 2012 in 6 French centers; and the STCS (Swiss Transplant Cohort Study) cohort composed of patients transplanted between 2008 and 2012 in 6 Swiss centers. We also compared the results with those of two existing scoring systems: one from Spain (Hernandez et al.) and one from the United States (the Recipient Risk Score, RRS, Baskin-Bey et al.). From the DIVAT validation cohort and for a prognostic time at 10 years, the new prognostic score (AUC = 0.78, 95%CI = [0.69, 0.85]) seemed to present significantly higher prognostic capacities than the scoring system proposed by Hernandez et al. (p = 0.04) and tended to perform better than the initial RRS (p = 0.10). By using the Swiss cohort, the RRS and the the new prognostic score had comparable prognostic capacities at 4 years (AUC = 0.77 and 0.76 respectively, p = 0.31). In addition to the current available scores related to the risk to return in dialysis, we recommend to further study the use of the score we propose or the RRS for a more efficient personalized follow-up of kidney transplant recipients.
ANALYZING THE EFFECT OF ATTITUDE IN FRIENDSHIP NETWORKS TO IMPROVE INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY KNOWLEDGE SHARING : A GENDER APPROACH

Based in 14 focus groups, this exploratory study attempts to analyze the way women and men perceive talking about information and communication technology in their same sex friendship networks and the way it impact in information and communication technology (ICT) attitude and knowledge sharing. Our research findings reveal that friendship networks play an important role in ICT knowledge sharing. There are differences between men and women, thus gender is a critical factor in ICT knowledge sharing. Also, social, cultural and educational factors have a strong negative impact in their behavior. Furthermore, we posit that the attitude predisposes a favourable (men) and unfavourable (women) reaction to talk about ICT and this affects ICT knowledge sharing.
Phylogenetic screening of a bacterial, metagenomic library using homing endonuclease restriction and marker insertion

Metagenomics provides access to the uncultured majority of the microbial world. The approaches employed in this field have, however, had limited success in linking functional genes to the taxonomic or phylogenetic origin of the organism they belong to. Here we present an efficient strategy to recover environmental DNA fragments that contain phylogenetic marker genes from metagenomic libraries. Our method involves the cleavage of 23S ribsosmal RNA (rRNA) genes within pooled library clones by the homing endonuclease I-CeuI followed by the insertion and selection of an antibiotic resistance cassette. This approach was applied to screen a library of 6500 fosmid clones derived from the microbial community associated with the sponge Cymbastela concentrica. Several fosmid clones were recovered after the screen and detailed phylogenetic and taxonomic assignment based on the rRNA gene showed that they belong to previously unknown organisms. In addition, compositional features of these fosmid clones were used to classify and taxonomically assign a dataset of environmental shotgun sequences. Our approach represents a valuable tool for the analysis of rapidly increasing, environmental DNA sequencing information.